Set in Manchester’s Grade II listed Law Library, Solus is a showroom with a tactile interior palette and an extensive archive of tiles. Reflecting the narrative-driven approach of the brand, the lighting design evolved around a central ‘campfire’ table, which invites clients around for discussion after selecting tile samples from the extensive archive surrounding. Drawing influence from theatrical stage-lighting and the way artefacts are illuminated in museum galleries, the space transforms from a well-lit library to an immersive backdrop for storytelling.
Conceptually inspired by the light shaft within the interior of a brick kiln, surrounding light levels diminish while defined pools of light pour down onto the central table drawing guests in.
The tactile nature of the tiles was a key consideration, allowing guests to freely explore them. By utilising adjustable, RGBW spotlights, Solus has been harnessed with an invaluable tool for showcasing how light can affect the appearance and perception of a tile. In early discussions, the Solus team spoke about how the tiles within the collection originate from various different countries: ‘Every tile has a story.’ Parallel to this, conversations were had about how the quality and tone of light differ from country to country. This was something on an international scale that was condensed and captured within the Manchester showroom through dynamic lighting, which would take clients on a journey through the senses.
Rather than simply showcasing the tiles in their current state, the goal was to use lighting to convey how they could be perceived differently in various environments. Colour tone and temperature, brightness and contrast are all factors in lighting that contribute towards how we perceive the world around us.
These variations can have either subtle or dramatic impacts on features, such as texture and tone. As lighting designers, we are able to explore this relationship between light and material every day, so to be able to give Solus and their clients the ability to do the same was a really special opportunity.
