An expanding fashion brand with a focus on sustainability has opened its first west coast boutique. Situated within an iconic hotel’s storefront along a busy thoroughfare in Beverly Hills, the lighting entices guests inward while complementing the project’s austere minimalism. The project was completed within a seven-month timeline from design to launch, with a limited project budget.
The boutique’s vaulted architecture is softly uplighted via wall-mounted architectural sconces. An architectural “slit” at the ceiling and wall transition houses HVAC and lighting, providing soft illumination that delineates the architectural curves. Monopoints on extended stems drop below the architectural “slits” and provide focused accent illumination onto merchandise near the storefront. Trimless adjustable accent lighting arranged in quadruplets follow the flat portions of the quadripartite vaulted ceiling and highlight merchandise within the main spaces and perimeter walls.
Casework lighting provides efficient supplemental display illumination. Straight and curved runs of linear fixtures are detailed into millwork niches, while focal millwork pieces along the two primary viewing walls incorporate luminous panels to softly highlight key merchandise. LED sources were utilized for all project lighting, specified in 2700K and 90+CRI for excellent color rendering while creating an inviting, residential feel that compliments the warmth of the custom millwork elements.
Lighting is judiciously integrated at various architectural scales, ensuring recommended practice retail lighting levels are achieved within stringent 2022 Title 24 energy requirements. A sophisticated cloud-based dimming system provides slow fade times between customized daytime, evening, and after-hours scenes as well as daylight dimming for energy conservation. Limited fixtures were installed within the ceiling to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Together architecture and lighting present an appealing canvas upon which the boutique’s fashion is highlighted. Mimicking the softly illuminated individual handbag displays, the boutique is indirectly illuminated, creating a warm lantern effect inviting guests to experience the brand’s unique product.
