Beneath the Surface Blog

The July-August issue of Illuminate magazine opens with a pointed statement in the editor’s letter:

“there’s a chasm between those making LEDs and those attempting to employ them in the built environment”.

Ummm, Mr. Crockett, did you read our minds and/or uncover the fundamental reason GPI exists? There is a huge gap between what Jim Crocker of Illuminate refers to as “chipheads” and the architects/lighting designers that use the products to create emotional and aesthetic impacts on space.  And when we say "huge gap", we mean the a divide the size of the Grand Canyon.  This LED fixture has great performance and controllability, but how do I ensure that it is implemented to achieve the great aesthetic impact as promised in all of the promotional literature?

Designers need guidance, or rather suppliers need to guide designers, on how to integrate fixtures into the custom millwork, detail the attachment systems to hold the LED fixture, and situate the LED fixtures in a manner that allows electricians to easily run low voltage wiring.  When these important steps are ignored, designers just don't achieve the aesthetic they intended.

Manufacturers and designers can speak different languages. The good news is, our staff here at GPI is “multi-lingual” so to speak.  We speak supplier, owner, architect, lighting designer, electrical engineer, and even stone subcontractor. How’s that for bridging the chasm?

Photo Credit: UW Digital Collections via Flickr Creative Commons

The last post on "Beneath the Surface" discussed some of the challenges that flat LED panels pose when used for backlighting applications.  This post address each point with a design-driven solution. Anything we're missing?  Leave a comment and we will address it with another blog post!

1. Hot spots

Depending on the translucency of the surface being backlit, hot spots along the edges of LED panels are often a major design concern.  You can accommodate this setback by burying the hot spot in structural framing, or increasing the space between the backlit surface and the LED panel to diffuse the hot spot.

2. Difficult to determine how many edges to run LEDs across

This is a tough one- since most LED panels are custom produced to size, it just takes experience and experimentation to know how many edges require light sources.

3. Cold spots

Consider the ideal size of the panels; although many manufacturers can produce flat LED panels in 4’ x 8’ sheets, it can be beneficial to break that module down into smaller panels.  A good rule of thumb is to allow each LED string to throw light 15” – 20” across the face of the panel.  So, if your panel is over 20” wide, consider running strings on two parallel sides. 

4. Expensive

LED panels have higher upfront costs, but can have dramatic energy savings, especially when the LED lighting system is controllable.  By using flat LED panels in applications for which they are best suited (feature areas which require evenly illuminated surfaces and when you have limited space in which to throw light), you can preserve your client’s budget and make the most impact where needed.

5. Imperfections in acrylic batches

Tight quality control standards will ease this challenge.  Unfortunately, designers don’t have much control over this part of the production process, so be sure to choose a manufacturer that you trust and that has strong attention to detail.

6. Powering every single panel with an adapter

Specify a complete LED backlighting system that has power supplies that can run at least 50 linear feet of LED strings.  Running an entire backlit wall or ceiling back to a central power source results in more efficient wiring and installation.

7. Panels have varying brightness

Balance out the brightness among panels by specifying dimming packs that can control each LED string and each panel individually.  If a small panel appears brighter, or a panel closer to natural sunlight appears dimmer, you can control the brightness of the panels via a manual user interface or through a central building management system.

Have you experienced any of the above issues?  How did you design around those product limitations?  Now that you know a bit more about flat LED panels, enjoy designing your next unique backlit feature!

Flat LED panels are new technology, and if you’re a designer or architect you are probably aware of a handful of manufacturers that produce these products.  And while many of the physical characteristics of LED panels are the same across the board, the majority of manufacturers lack the expertise to implement the panels with actual surfaces in actual construction environments. Here are some considerations when specifying flat LED panels for commercial projects:

 1. Hot spots

Edge lit LED panels are manufactured by embedding energy-efficient, high output LEDs along the edges of a thin acrylic panel.  Laser-etched channels distribute light across the face of the panel.  There is often a bright line at the edge of the panel where the actual light source is located.  This bright line can transfer through the surface being backlit, disrupting the visual continuity of the surface.

2. Difficult to determine how many edges to run LEDs across

If engineered incorrectly, too many LED strings will result in bright panels with excessive hot spots at the edges.  Too few LED strings will cause cold spots at the unlit edges and possibly towards the center of the panel.

3. Cold spots

If panels are sized incorrectly or LED strings run on the wrong sides of the panel, the light source may not sufficiently transfer across the entire face of the panel, resulting in cold spots towards the center of the panel.

4. Expensive

The up-front cost of LED technology is expensive, and it can be difficult for architects and interior designers to convince clients to invest in high-end products.

5. Imperfections in acrylic batches

Acrylic production results in slight variations between batches; this is very typical for the acrylic industry, but when you add light to the mix, the imperfections are exaggerated.

6. Powering every single panel with an adapter

Not a problem if you’re designing a backlit bartop for a residence, but when designing large commercial features, plugging each individual panel into an outlet is inefficient (and quite ridiculous, if you ask us!).

7. Varying panel sizes have varying brightness

Depending on the proportion of the panels (long rectangles or even squares), smaller LED panels will appear brighter than larger panels.  This is due to light bouncing in a decreased area, and also because of the voltage drop that occurs over the longer LED strands.

One of the elements of being a great designer is knowing the limitations of the product you’re investing in.  Stay tuned for the next blog article which will outline how to design around the above challenges.

Thank you to all those who visited the GPI Design/Marlite booth at Neocon 2010 in Chicago.  Aside from getting many project leads, it was truly rewarding to see the excitement and positive feedback from those who are just learning about us for the first time.  Some memorable quotes from our booth visitors:

"I've been walking around getting all these great creative ideas but not sure how to bring it all together. This is so great!"

"Is that stone real?!"

"Your stones are like using mother nature as art pieces."

"I'd like to use this on my next project, my client wants me to 'pimp his space'!"

"What a great idea! How did you invent this system?" To which we explained that we didn't stumble into this business overnight, we evolved from standard natural stone supply to exotic stone supply to complete integrated systems of surface, structure, and light.

And... the greatest finale was getting a hug and a knuckle pound from two very excited designers who were drawn into our booth just before we began disassembly!

If you missed the show or are back at your office needing inspiration, here is a photographic recap:

Thanks to all of our booth visitors for their positive energy and engaging conversations. See you next year!

Project Update: LED Light Panels at AED Idea Center Installed, Glass Panels Evenly Backlit

Backlit Glass Columns by GPI | AED Idea Center | Washington, D.C.

Architect: Studio 27 Architecture

Lighting Designer: MCLA

Application: Backlit frosted glass at eight columns

Products: GPI Infuse™ Flat-Lite™ LED Panels at 3500K lighting temperature

Integration: Diffuser films to hide lamp image and disguise hot spots, GPI Infuse™ Custom Power/Dimming Packs that communicate with Lutron 5000 Graphic Eye to balance brightness between large and small panels

This is a rough progress image from the field.  Check back for completed photographs when the dimming interface is completed!

(Blog Update 1/16/11: see the completed photographs)

Project Update: LED Panels Wired and Installed, Glass is Evenly Backlit

Backlit Glass Columns by GPI | AED Idea Center | Washington, D.C.

Architect: Studio 27 Architecture

Lighting Designer: MCLA

Application: Backlit frosted glass at eight columns

Products: Frosted glass panels, GPI LED Panels at 3500 K, GPI Custom Dimming Packs that communicate with Lutron 5000 Graphic Eye

Integration: Diffuser films to hide lamp image and disguise hot spots, GPI Dimming Packs to balance brightness between large and small panels

Above image indicates construction progress from the field.  Check back for completed photographs when the dimming interface and surrounding finishes are complete!

Acronyms galore.  The letters "L", "E", and "D" on my keyboard are going to be worn out after this blog post!

Lighting systems typically constitute the highest energy use in commercial buildings. The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) has recognized the energy savings potential in general lighting systems, and LED lighting systems can be a significant contributor to obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for a new building. LED lighting systems can contribute to LEED certification in at least three areas: Energy and Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation and Design Process.

Energy and Atmosphere (EA) 35 possible points

Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Conditioning of Building Energy Systems

Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance

Credit 1: Optimization of Energy Performance (worth 1 to 19 points) is the primary area where LED lighting can have an impact. The proposed building design must demonstrate improved performance as compared to baseline criteria.   The greater the performance from baseline, the more points are awarded.

-Reduced carbon emissions (as compared to incandescent lighting)
-Low operating temperatures reduce heat dissipation into spaces, cutting the strain on the HVAC system and ultimately saving air conditioning costs
-Compatibility with photovoltaics
-Minimize energy usage by integrating LED lighting systems into Lutron or other building management system

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Credit 6.1: Controllability of Systems- Lighting
Control of the lighting system by individual occupants or specific groups in multi-occupant spaces can potentially earn 1 point toward LEED certification. LED luminaires provide the opportunity to work as part of a lighting control plan/central building management system. They provide light instantaneously once power is applied, requiring no warm up time. LED lighting systems can also be dimmed to provide variable light output depending upon the needs of the occupant. The efficacy of LEDs efficacy actually increases when they are dimmed due to lower junction temperatures. Continuous, non-stepped dimming provides occupant comfort and increases efficiency.

Innovation and Design Process (ID) worth from 1 to 5 points

Credit 1: The utilization of innovative products and processes may earn between 1 and 4 points toward LEED certification. As LED lighting systems for general lighting represent new, innovative technology, they may qualify for LEED certification credit. LEED does not award this credit if a product is already obtaining points in another category, so design teams must choose where the most impact can be made and pursue credit(s) accordingly.

Other benefits of LED lighting:  
LED (light emitting diode) lighting systems are not only environmentally sustainable, but can be cost efficient as well. Even if your building isn’t striving for LEED certification, there are numerous benefits that are attractive to designers and building owners. While the upfront costs of LED lighting systems and dimming capability are often greater than traditional lighting methods, the life cycle and can even add value to the property in the long run. 

-Fewer building materials required
-Reduced operational costs for electricity and maintenance
-No hazardous materials or wastes (lead and mercury free)
-Longer lifespan= less waste for landfills
-Simpler installation
-Possible commercial building tax deductions 

More information on GPI's FLAT-Lite™ LED lighting system complete with commercial capacity power supplies and dimming options.

The above summary is based on LEED v3 which was released by the USGBC in April 2009 for LEED New Construction and Major Renovations (NC).  This summary does not include the potential of LED lighting to earn points for exterior applications and light pollution reduction.

A photo update of our installation progress on-site in Norfolk, Virginia (see the Wells Fargo project rendering for the final vision). Most of the steel has been installed and a few FLAT-Lite™ LED panels were tested.  Everything fit together perfectly and it looks like the columns will be installed tomorrow.


The reception wall (above) had some framing adjustments, which pushed back the column installation.  Steel and LED panels for reception wall will be going up today, translucent stone panels tomorrow.


All of the DURA-Lite™ panels are prepped, mechanical fasteners are aligned and secured, ready for installation.


Framing out the square lobby columns (above) in preparation for hanging our stone panels. 


All of Terry's precise work and attention to detail in the framing systems and it's soon going to be covered up with the stunning Mercury onyx panels! Check back soon for even more progress on the finish surfaces and lighting systems.