Sustainable Lighting for a Landmark Office Refurbishment

A Historic Building Reimagined

Originally constructed in 1725, 34 Grosvenor Street is part of the esteemed Grosvenor Mayfair Estates. Located just steps from iconic Grosvenor Square and benefiting from exceptional transport links, including the nearby Elizabeth Line, the building underwent a sensitive refurbishment to preserve its character while introducing over 14,000 sq ft of contemporary office space. The redevelopment included executive offices, open-plan spaces, wood-panelled meeting rooms, and break-out areas, alongside modern amenities such as air conditioning, full data cabling, and two automatic passenger lifts.

A significant addition to the property is a landscaped courtyard terrace, created by relocating the building’s plant to the basement. This tranquil outdoor space provides a unique setting for wellbeing activities, informal gatherings, and even yoga sessions - a rare luxury in central Mayfair.

The Lighting Challenge

The refurbishment of 34 Grosvenor Street required a lighting solution that was as innovative as it was sensitive. The Grade II listed status of the building posed challenges in terms of preserving its historic features while integrating modern lighting systems. Furthermore, the lighting design needed to enhance the architectural integrity of the space and provide a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for office users.

The Lighting Solution

Zumtobel and Thorn supplied a range of luminaires that met the project’s unique requirements. Zumtobel’s ONDARIA, PANOS infinity, LANOS, SLOTLIGHT infinity II luminaires, AMPHIBIA, RESCLITE PRO, ARTSIGN and COMSIGN were deployed throughout the building’s interiors, providing versatile and elegant lighting solutions.

The feature luminaires included:

ONDARIA circular luminaires installed in the offices and reception areas, offer soft, homogeneous illumination that enhances the perception of space while eliminating glare on computer screens. Their understated design seamlessly blends with the building’s period interiors. LANOS, with its clean geometric form and unique halo effect, added a timeless aesthetic to the stairwells and corridors, while delivering excellent light quality and ease of installation. PANOS infinity, an award-winning downlight range, was selected for the toilets and smaller spaces, where its high efficacy and precision lighting were ideal. Lastly, SLOTLIGHT infinity II luminaires, integrated perfectly into the office ceilings, providing high-quality ambient lighting that supports productivity and comfort within workspaces.

For the external courtyard, Thorn supplied robust and stylish luminaires that elevated the outdoor areas. Piazza, and Cesar were chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and ability to enhance the courtyard’s visual appeal, making it both functional and inviting.

Advanced lighting controls were introduced through Zumtobel’s LITECOM system, ensuring flexibility and efficient energy management to support the building’s sustainability goals.

The Results

The collaboration between Zumtobel, Thorn, and the project partners has resulted in a lighting scheme that is both fit for purpose and visually stunning. The luminaires not only enhance the functionality of the office spaces but also respect the architectural heritage of the building. By incorporating energy-efficient technology, the luminaires combined with the lighting management solution significantly improves efficacy, contributing to the building’s overall sustainability credentials.

Matt House, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, commented:

Working on 34 Grosvenor Street has been an exciting challenge. The combination of Zumtobel and Thorn products allowed us to deliver a lighting solution that honours the building’s rich history while meeting the demands of a modern workplace. Our luminaires have brought a new lease of life to the spaces, and the use of LITECOM lighting controls ensures the solution is future-proof and highly efficient.

For more information about the respective products, please visit www.thornlighting.co.uk or https://z.lighting/en/zumtobel/.