Gravitas International is the Master Distributor of Flex MSE for UK and Ireland. The Flex MSE Vegetated Wall System is a unique patented engineering solution for vegetated retaining walls and erosion control. Supplying and installing throughout the UK and Ireland on large scale construction projects.
Lighting objectives
Gravitas purchased their own premises, a listed building in the centre of Altrincham in the North West of England and were looking to invest in the site as a hub for the vast sales and engineering teams to meet, as well as the administrative team to operate from. In addition to this they wanted to create a modern environment where they could meet with their clients. This meant the focus was on design features of the space, making sure it worked with an architectural feel, both aesthetically and practically. The space is used for a diverse range of activities, so the lighting needed to meet those demands, ensuring the correct light levels are achieved without overpowering the environment.
How did Novah approach this project?
Novah were asked to visit the site with a view to providing a complete lighting solution for the site with an open brief, combining the benefits of natural daylight provided by the large Victorian windows and sensitively blending this with artificial energy efficient LED lighting to ensure the areas were not overlit, but also able to function in the winter, when the nights draw in early and the natural light reduces. Novah created a lighting scheme, offering the most suitable products to meet the client requirements including an emergency lighting scheme in accordance with the clients emergency risk reports.
Challenges
Working with a listed building provided certain challenges, including how luminaires could be fixed, having to work around the classic building structure with it iron works throughout the building, ensuring there were no ‘shadow areas’ caused by structural materials, and being sympathetic to the industrial feel of the building, whilst modernising the space to provide a fun, creative and accessible workspace.
Novah solutions
Novah offered a few solutions to the client, however the successful scheme involved the use of architectural linear battens, suspended along the lengths of the building, creating a soft light, with high uniformity throughout and no glare. In addition we used our Hera emergency range throughout to ensure a safe working environment. Novah also offered the services of one of our key partners for the installation of the project, who performed the installation directly for the client at a lower cost than the existing tendering contractors, with fantastic results, on time and in budget.
Outcomes
The quality of the light in the building is exceptional, and the client is delighted with the result – stating that many of the visitors have commented on the impact of the lighting in line with the overall building design. Energy bills are low as a result of the low wattage high efficiency fittings Novah have supplied, and with no maintenance required, Gravitas can focus on their core objective – supplying and installing Flex MSE across the country.
Customer feedback
‘Novah provided exceptional service to us, as our building was a complete re-fit from an old mill building to modern, funky office space. We asked for advice, keeping a loose design brief, to allow Novah to be as creative as they wished, however meeting our budgetary requirements in line with the working space. We are so delighted with the result, our staff love coming into the office and find the atmosphere created by the architectural lighting provides a very comfortable working environment. We love the energy savings as a business too – especially given current high energy costs – an all round win win’ – Jacob Sallon, MD, Gravitas