An ambitious transformation of an iconic timber retail building into an inspiring environment, where lighting design plays a key role in shaping a workspace that supports wellbeing and creativity.
An ambitious transformation of an iconic and characterful timber retail space, once home to a shop, large café and generous outdoor areas, into the new headquarters of one of New Zealand's largest kiwifruit importers.
The project reimagines the existing structure to include meeting rooms, a spacious auditorium, a renovated cafeteria for staff, and new outdoor recreational zones and facility areas, all designed to meet the demands of a modern, high-performing workplace.
From the very beginning, Inlucem engaged in close conversations with the design team to fully understand their architectural vision, as well as with the client to align with their expectations and aspirations. The project's unique lighting concept required the development of custom fittings designed exclusively for this space, leading to a strong collaboration with the manufacturing companies and installation team. This close coordination ensured that every detail, from concept to implementation, reflected the project's high standards and cohesive design intent.
The lighting layout was designed to respond not only to the need for high-quality task lighting required by a 21st-century workspace, but also to the organic flow of interconnected working areas within an open-plan layout. Each lighting solution was carefully developed to meet the functional requirements of every room while highlighting the architectural character that makes this building unique.
One of the greatest challenges was the unconventional architectural layout, where new rooms were inserted in a circular pattern, creating spaces with no perpendicular walls. These organically connected areas were topped by a large and sloped ceiling punctuated with several skylights that flood the interior with natural light. Integrating artificial lighting within this complex geometry, while accommodating multiple building services, required both precision and creativity.
Two key principles guided the lighting design: visual comfort and wellbeing. By carefully controlling contrast and glare, the lighting ensures an eye-friendly environment that supports focus and relaxation.
Suspended linear profiles with up-and-down light distribution were used to provide general illumination. The upward component softly reflects light off the sloped ceiling, creating a bright yet balanced atmosphere, while the downward component ensures high-quality task lighting across the open-plan workspace. This approach delivers uniform light levels, precise contrast control, and architectural emphasis — celebrating the form and materials of the space.
Indirect lighting became a defining feature, integrated organically across the space in three dimensions. This general illumination is complemented by a perimeter layer of light, expanding spatial perception and enhancing comfort throughout the workplace.
The result is a workspace that feels both dynamic and human. Light enhances the natural warmth of the timber structure, reinforcing the architectural character while creating an inviting and balanced atmosphere. The combination of indirect illumination and controlled contrast delivers visual comfort throughout the day, supporting wellbeing, focus, and collaboration.
The new lighting design brings unity to a complex architectural layout, seamlessly connecting open areas, meeting rooms, and shared spaces. It highlights the unique geometry of the sloped ceiling and interacts with the natural light from the skylights, shifting in tone and intensity as the day evolves.
More than a technical achievement, the project represents how thoughtful lighting can elevate a workspace — transforming it from purely functional into an inspiring environment where people truly thrive.
