Beneath the Surface Blog

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!

GPI's environmental policy is straightforward: if it harms the environment, we avoid it. It is evident in everything we do here, form the cars we drive to the fluorescent-free lighting in our offices to recycling our own paper. You will find forward-thinking in our partnerships, in our processes and in our products. We believe our designs have an impact, maybe small, but an impact nonetheless. What matters most is that we are doing our best to influence smart, sustainable design and we are proud of our long history of environmentally-conscious design.

GPI International is committed to avoiding harmful environmental processes

• We use thin slices, just fractions of Mother Earth in our DURA-Lite™ natural stone panels (renewable).
• With thin, lightweight panels, our shipping footprint is a fraction of typical stone shipping footprints.
• Our custom natural stone panel fabrication produces up to 35% less waste.
• Our FLAT-Lite™ LED panels use very little energy and last for years and years.
• Our FLAT-Lite™ LED panels generate no heat, or hazardous material waste.
• Lighter, thinner products allow substantially less steel needed in our structural systems.
• We offer recycled glass products including a 100% post-consumer waste glass panel.
• Our PVC used in our stretch fabrics is 100% recycled.
• Increasing the use of wall panel substrates with recycled and no formaldehyde-added content.
• We are using or converting to aqueous-based adhesives and top coats with low emitting volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
• We use only HAPS compliant coatings.
• All saw dust produced in our manufacturing process is recycled.
• All low VOC solvents used in manufacturing are recycled.
• We recycle cardboard, clear plastic and paper used in our offices.
• We use LOW Emission and hybrid vehicles for company transportation.
• Protection and sustained yield management are strictly enforced.
• We no longer print marketing sales aids, all tech info and product sheets are sent electronically.
• When we do print in the office, we use "spranq eco sans" font that uses 20% less ink.

In doing our part to protect the environment, we will continue to pursue ways to find new, more sustainable solutions for our company and customers.

Some of the latest surfaces our designers are testing. The sky is the limit!

Our design team is continuously building our materials library with the latest and greatest in architectural surfaces. Backlighting translucent surfaces is what we do best- especially if you're crunched for space and need even illumination across a surface. Based on the properties of the surface you choose, we'll provide consultation for lighting systems and construction details to achieve your intended lighting effect.

GPI International can provide backlighting for virtually any translucent surface you can dream up. Here's just a sampling of recent products we've been integrating with our FLAT-Lite™ LED panels:

• Glass (recycled, printed, frosted)
• Resin / plastic / acrylic / polycarbonate / PETG
• Stretch fabrics
• Translucent honeycomb panels
• Screens

Interior designers, architects, spec. writers, contractors - what new products are you itching to use but haven't found the right application for yet?