Lighting the latest in style, sophistication and energy efficiency, thanks to LED reflector technology

Lighting the latest in style, sophistication and energy efficiency, thanks to LED reflector technology

The majority of retail lighting installations are refurbishments of existing stores. However, in Alstetten, an area in Zürich, Switzerland, the new redevelopment of a former packaging site has allowed the newly opened 300-square-metre boutique, Sei Unica, to use the latest in Megaman LED reflector technology with dramatic results.

Wolfgang Kucher, designer and architect for Sei Unica, explained: “The Sei Unica boutique is part of the prestigious CONNECT project in Alstetten. A former packaging plant, the the whole complex has been built to the Swiss [state-sponsored] MINERGIE sustainability standard. We wanted to support the ethos of MINERGIE within Sei Unica and, with this in mind, carefully researched the best lighting technology for use within the store that would support a high-quality look and feel, but be as energy efficient as possible.”

Efficient lighting scheme

The end result is a combination of the latest in Megaman LED lamp technology and use of space, to create a boutique that not only looks stylish and sophisticated but saves €2,407 (£2,035) a year in energy consumption and 6,469kg of CO2 emissions.

In consultation with Megaman, Kucher chose to use the lighting specialist’s LED AR111 GU10, 10W and 15W light sources, along with Megaman LED Candle 5W, to create the right balance of drama and exclusivity within the store, while reducing heat and energy consumption.

Part of Megaman’s LED Reflector Series, its AR111 range of LED low energy replacement for halogen reflectors incorporates the company’s patented Thermal Conductive Highway (TCH) technology, which is designed to improve heat dissipation, lighting performance and lumen maintenance.

As a result Megaman said its LED AR111 range lasts up to 13 times longer and uses 80% less power than halogen equivalents. With the same high quality light intensity and colour rendering of traditional AR111 spotlights (colour rendering of up to Ra92), but with no UV light radiation, negligible IR radiation or residual glare, the LED AR111 range is ideal for use in any retail outlet it added.

Putting LED into practice

“Not only does the neutral-white light from Megaman’s LED AR111s show the creations in their accurate colours, but we have been able to position the lamps close to the exhibited dresses for maximum impact – something that would have been impossible to achieve with halogen sources,” Kucher added.

He concluded: "As a professional interior designer and architect, I am quite aware of the thermal situation and of potential difficulties that are traditionally faced when lighting showrooms. However, thanks to Megaman’s LED solution, we haven’t yet had to use the air-conditioning system once, despite experiencing a minor heatwave here in Zürich. The eco-design of the building and Megaman’s LED technology complement one another perfectly.”