Paper Lantern for Readings, Australia

The striking 23 by 3.4-metre bespoke illuminated ceiling feature for bookstore Readings is a monumental paper lantern crafted entirely from pulped misprinted books.

Responding to client concerns around book waste, the design transforms surplus into spectacle and was inspired by the Japanese papermaking technique of Nagashi-zuki. A year of development led to the creation of a refined pulp and processing method, ensuring strength, quality, and optimal light transmission. Custom pulp baths and frames were constructed, enabling the fabrication of large-format handmade paper panels. Each sheet bears the unique textures, tones and translucency of its origins; turning waste into a material of beauty. Every panel is therefore a one-off artwork, celebrating craft, unpredictability and the tactile presence of the medium.

Extensive testing was undertaken to refine the lighting – balancing warmth, clarity, diffusion, energy efficiency and consistency across the expanse. Astonishingly, the light output was optimised so effectively that no supplementary lighting was needed in the zone.

The project truly pushes the boundaries of sustainability. The recyclable frame added durability, and the design was engineered for disassembly, ensuring longevity and ease of repair. Just 25 misprinted books were used to create all 130 light panels, requiring minimal energy use in production.

More than a design feature, it communicates a powerful message: that discarded materials, thoughtfully reimagined, can inspire awe, ignite curiosity and shift perceptions of value in the built environment.

The ceiling’s paper lantern form evokes a timeless sense of calm and reverence, drawing on cultural references while reinterpreting them at an architectural scale.