Company:
Transformit Gorham, ME

Project Details

Fabric 1

Symmetry
Producer:
Supplier: Fisher Textiles

Fabric 2

200 Denier Nylon
Producer:
Supplier: OTHER


Engineer Company 1
Transformit

Design Company
TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design

Architect Name
Keith Nelson

Architect Company
TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design

Fabrication Company
Transformit

Subcontractor Name
Lighting Engineer — James M. Stockman, ASTC, Emeritus IES & Lumenologist

Subcontractor Company
J & M Lighting Design, Kennebunkport, ME

Project Manager Name
Matt Rawdon

Project Manager Company
Transformit

Installation Company
Transformit


Please describe the project specifications

30 tension fabric luminaries illuminated with LED lighting modules managed by color and dimmer controllers. The fixtures are built in three sizes: (A) 5’-3”L x 4’-5”W x 2’H, (B) 5’-3”L x 6’W x 2’H, and (C) 5’-3”L x 6’-6””W x 2’H


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

Rather than specifying traditional chandeliers for this seaside hotel's ballroom, the designers wanted unique sculptural luminaries made with stretch fabric to evoke the fluidity of the sea and billowing sails filled with ocean breezes.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The architect, TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design, envisioned “sail-like” structures on the ballroom ceiling as a nod toward the shape of sails carrying a full breeze. The concept as initially drawn would have revealed much of the lighting fixture’s structure and light source. Along with the property’s owner, Ocean Properties, they decided this wasn’t acceptable. Our design team worked with the architects to create a new design that retained the sail-like qualities they sought, yet hid out-of-sight all of the lighting infrastructure within the fixture.

Another complexity we faced was the client’s challenge to create an even distribution of light intensity throughout the entire fixture, including out to the edges of fixture’s sculptural curves.

To address both of these challenges, containing all of the luminary’s infrastructure internally and having an even light distribution, we opted to use two layers of fabric: an inner light diffuser using a 200 denier nylon oxford from Westmark and a white semi-transparent stretch outer face using Symmetry from Fischer.

Additionally, to aid installation and maintenance by making it possible to access mounting and lighting hardware, we affixed all of the fabric layers to the frame using Transformit’s patented “FasTen” system. “FasTen” enable installers and maintenance professionals to install and remove the fabric elements independent of the frame.


What were the results of the project?

The installed “chandeliers,” with their modern LED lighting components, that can change color and intensity to set the mood of the room, beautifully complement the ocean side décor of the hotel.


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