GPI International Blog: Beneath the Surface

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!

As an integrated engineering, design, and supply firm, we frequently work with suppliers, engineers, designers, and architects to provide our unique backlit onyx features. One topic that seems to be shrouded in mystery is the topic of fire safety and fire requirements. Terms are frequently confused or misused, and data is often difficult to find (if it even exists). So what are the different areas of fire safety?  What guidelines or codes do you have to follow?

First off, every country, and sometimes even city, has its own building codes that specify certain safety requirements in structures.  In the U.S., the most frequently used code is the IBC, (International Building Code) which is put forth by the ICC (International Code Council).

To meet these requirements, certain standards and tests must be carried out.  To this end, technical standards are written that dictate a list of requirements that must be met. These technical standards, or specifications, can be written by private companies, government agencies, or standards organizations- ASTM, ISO, CEN, etc.

Those are the basic terms, for those unacquainted with building codes and standards.  Onward to the flames!  There are two major categories of fire safety ratings.  First there is fire resistance.  Fire resistance deals with the ability of structural components (walls, floors, ceilings, doors) to restrict the spread of flame and maintain structural integrity in a fire. Fire resistance relates to structural fire performance and becomes important after a fire has started and threatens a building's structural integrity.  The fire resistance test method used throughout the United States is ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.  Fire resistance is usually measured in hours that the material or structure withstands the flame of a certain temperature.

However, not everything in a building must be tested for fire resistance. Interior finishes and exposed materials- wall coverings, ceiling finishes, etc.- are usually tested for flame resistance.  Flame resistance deals with the potential for fire growth within a structure.  Instead of fire resistance, which describes the performance of materials once a fire has already started, flame resistance measures properties in the early stages of a fire. There are several categories within flame resistance; most notably flame spread index and smoke-developed index.

The flame spread index (FSI) measures how quickly a flame propagates, or moves, across a surface. Materials are assigned values in the U.S. using a test known as ASTM E-84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Materials are measured on a scale of 0-1000. A low FSI indicates a low burn rate.  Thus, 0 is calibrated to noncombustible materials (i.e. concrete) while 100 is calibrated to 23/32” red oak flooring.  Classification in codes are:



The smoke-developed index (SDI) measures the concentration of smoke given off as a material burns. The index ranges from 0-450, and a low SDI indicates a low smoke development rate.  



Depending on the local codes, building occupancy, and intended building use, different requirements and levels of performance will be needed.  And here at GPI Design, our team of designers, engineers, and architects will work with you to achieve a beautiful LED backlit onyx feature that will meet the codes- and exceed your expectations!

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.

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.