Quality light, unobtrusive fittings and easy maintenance access was the requirement for the lighting at the impressive new Portwall Place office development in Bristol. To meet this brief, Zumtobel Lighting worked closely with the project architects to create the desired crisp, minimalist design. The main entrance reception sets a new standard for office accommodation in Bristol, featuring a double-height space fronted by frameless glazing. Within this the lighting needed to remain unobtrusive, maintaining the building's clean lines, whilst providing an overall lighting level with highlighted areas to create interest. To achieve this a combination of Cielos modular ceiling lights, whose glass exterior produces a flat smooth finish with even luminance across the surface, was specified. These luminaires were used in conjunction with the flush-mounted LightTools lighting system, fitted with the Tecton continuous row luminaire, to provide a continuous band of light without black spots over the reception desk.
To avoid the need for tall access platforms in the double height space, powerful Miros spotlights are fixed to the floor edge at the mid point of the space, with mirror reflectors on the ceiling to bounce light back to the ground floor. Whilst aiding maintenance, this solution also overcomes the problem of glare at first floor level.
Built by developer Deeley Freed Estates and designed by AWW architects, the building is a landmark for the Redcliff area of the city, which is currently undergoing redevelopment as a mixed commercial and residential area. The building is occupied by legal firm Beachcrofts, Faber Maunsell, accountants Smith and Williamson and EC Harris.
