USAI Introduces The Little Ones - The Best Gets Smaller

There are Two Versions - Zepto and Micro

Have you ever seen a rendering of a space (restaurants are famous for this) where horizontal surfaces are all softly lit, people have glowing faces and everything looks amazing, but there isn’t a light in sight? 

So it goes, the expectation is smaller and smaller forms of light will be able to illuminate our spaces with ever quieter ceilings. 

USAI has answered that challenge with their latest series - The Little Ones. The Little Ones are a series with two families, the Zepto and Micro. We’ll talk about each of them in turn. 

Zepto

The Zepto is downlight and wall washer in an impossibly small 1” round aperture. Despite the tiny aperture, Zepto can deliver up to 975 lumens. The Zepto offers two beam spreads 25 degrees and 45 degrees and is incredibly quiet. 

Let’s talk drivers

The Littles Ones are a constant current system. USAI has developed this system so that it can be specified as either 1-1 or up to 4 fixtures per driver. 

The 1-1 arrangement does increase overall output but it also increases per-unit cost and is only workable for accessible ceilings. The multiple fixture arrangement is more economical and since the driver is remote is ideal for inaccessible ceilings. 

Micro

Micro is a full family of 1-1/4” Round and Square recessed lights, including a downlight, adjustable and wall wash. Micro can be trimmed or trimless and work in millwork applications. The maximum output falls with Micro down to 650 maximum delivered lumens. 

The adjustable and wall washer both come below the ceiling aperture, but that’s practically unavoidable given just how tiny the fixtures are. The adjustable will provide up to 30-degree max tilt with 25-degree being the narrowest beam available. 

Drivers and Power

Similar to Zepto you can specify these at 1-1 or up to 4 lights per driver. The performance will vary a bit for the multiples versus 1-1. 

Ready to Present

The team from USAI is ready to present this family to you. We can give you a 15-minute overview and demonstrate the family either via zoom or in-person if you’re comfortable with that option. 

It's Time for You To Get To Know Stenos from Luminii

The small linear form factor has quickly moved into the design vernacular. There’s no point dancing around it, Iguzzini redefined the downlight category with the Laser Blade. But like any innovation in the industry, once a product is defined it can be improved upon. Luminii has taken the small linear downlight to an entirely new level with their introduction of Stenos.

The Stenos Downlight

The first thing to understand is that Stenos is small. Super small. The GIF above isn’t a rendering. It’s an actual set of Stenos modules compared to dice cubes. You can tell the emphasis is on size because Luminii lists the Stenos downlights by aperture length - 3” 5” and 12”

Stenos Downlight

3” = 250 lumens

5” = 520 lumens

12” = 1260 lumens

Native 15-degree circular beam (30-degree, 50-degree, and elliptical lens available)

It’s only 1.9” deep and mounts with spring clips. (Don’t be afraid to ask for different mounting details). This little module is IC and wet-rated as-is and doesn’t require any further box or protection, making it great for residential applications. This is also a constant voltage product and uses Luminii’s existing power supplies including the universal PDCU series.

The Stenos downlight is available as an adjustable, offering a 30-degree rotation off-nadir. There isn’t a wall washer (yet!) but accenting table tops, sculptural art, and even some wall art is well within Stenos’ capability.

Now, let’s talk Stenos Track

Stenos is also available in a stunningly small track profile. The track is available both as recessed and surface-mounted. The track field-cuttable and two-circuit, which allows you to break up circuits for say ambient and accent lighting (more on ambient in a second). There’s no visible hardware and Luminii offers blank covers should some sections go unused.

Now let’s talk power

Just like the downlights, Stenos track is a constant voltage system that can utilize Luminii’s standard drivers. The way the track is fed balances power to the two circuits creating a 48 watt limit per circuit. Given the low wattage of the fixtures, this should be more than enough headroom. The track system cut sheet shows the array of feeders for both the surface and recessed track, including corners, t-shape, and x-shape connectors.

Ambient Light

We keep all of the downlighting modules we started with and add two ambient modules at 2’ft and 4ft long. I could easily see this system at home in lobbies, conference rooms, small galleries, restaurants and hotels, and a host of other locations where varied light is required.

Stenos Ambient Module

Stenos Ambient Module with Louver

It’s All About The Light

The Stenos platform was designed from the ground up by Luminii and carries all of the Luminii sensibilities. The chipset and TIR optics are proprietary and patent pending. This isn’t just another off-the-shelf product, it’s Luminii through and through. More capabilities are coming to Stenos, which I’m not allowed to talk about just yet. But here are some points to leave with you with.

It’s Quiet

Designed to tuck the light source up and away and employing louvers, this is designed to give you an incredibly quiet ceiling.

It’s Efficient

When using low-voltage efficacy is everything, you will not find a brighter or more efficient fixture in this category. This will easily meet Title 24 and the design minimizes the number of remote drivers required.

It’s Flexible

Lens, louvers, and modules can be changed quickly and easily in the field. Your client shifts the layout - no problem.

Get Your Hands On Some Samples

This is one of those products you just have to see. Luminii is rolling out sample cases in just about a week and I want to show you one. This is important enough that I’ll be reaching out to my designers individually, but if you don’t want to wait, use the button below and email me to book a demonstration either remotely or in-person.

Now, enjoy a dinosaur GIF…

Book A Virtual Tour Of The Structura Factory

If you’re reading this, odds are you are working with Structura or are interested in specifying them on future projects. When you browse the Structura website, it’s not long before you find really innovative and interesting architectural forms for the exterior.

Long Story Short, you don’t need me to convince you Structura is great.

However, you might wonder how these fixtures are made? How are poles built, how is the wood treated? That’s why we’d like to invite you on a virtual tour of the Structura factory.

What I love about tours like this Structura is proud of their facility and their processes. They make a great product and they want to show you how it’s done. If either of the times above doesn’t work, just email me and we can organize a virtual tour for your team directly.

Three amazing Pieces from Beta-Calco

Let’s Take a Deep Dive Into Le Louvre with Beta-Calco

At the heart of Beta-Calco is a desire to take relatively common fixture types and elevate them into powerful architectural statements. Need a high output pendant that can fill a large cavity with light? Look at Triple. 

Looking for powerful, high wattage accent light with powerful glare reduction? Enter Matrex. 

And so it is with Le Louvre. 

The lighting market is not lacking for lines of light. Countless manufacturers have made them over the last decade. But Beta-Calco elevates this form factor turning a basic line of light into a gorgeous architectural element. 

It all starts with the louver 

The most obvious statement Beta-Calco has made is the louver itself. The diagonal latticework does double duty (I’ve learned this is a theme of Beta-Calco’s designs). First, of course, there’s the simple statement of the louver, but it also serves an important purpose - glare reduction. 

The end of the fixture reveals a concave aperture that houses a soft lens and then a louver. The shape helps lessen the viewing angle into the fixture which is then cut off by the lattice. The result is an incredibly quiet view along the line of light. 

The louvers are available in an array of finishes including frosted, black, satin chrome, satin gold and champagne. Obviously they are visually different, but they also these different louver finishes will reduce or increase light output depending on the desired effect. 

Most of the louver options.

Seamless connections

Some flaws in a lighting fixture are only noticeable by a designer. The little gap between the lens and aperture of the downlight. The subtle inconsistency in lens placement makes some LED diodes more dotted than others. Other flaws are plain as day, and you don’t need to be a designer to see them. 

There’s nothing more off-putting than light leaks at the juncture of linear runs or at the end cap of a fixture. When the seamed joints reveal a thin line of light or even just a partial opening it’s instantly noticeable and makes the entire installation feel cheap. Beta-Calco solved this problem with an ingenious little solution

Add a Pop of Color

Beta-Calco delivers specification grade performance, but their fixtures are also statements. So Le Louvre is available in 12 standard finishes including a painted light cherry and Dark Walnut finish. 

Easy to Specify

One thing Beta-Calco has tried to do is re-think how a website can be used as a lighting designer’s tool. So not only can you download all of the relevant fixture data (clean cut sheets, IES, BIM and dimensional data…etc) but you can build your part number right on the page and as you choose options, other options become limited automatically. 

For instance, if I choose a black louver, my maximum lumen outputs become unavailable. 

You can build out this part number and then copy and paste it into your schedule.

Here’s a quick review I did in shed….

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Matrex Elevates the Accent Lighting 

Le Louvre takes the linear form factor and elevates it to an architectural element. Matrex does the same for the accent light, especially in high ceiling spaces. 

At its core, there are two shapes to Matrex - a cylinder and a rectilinear. By mounting and combining these Matrex can deliver in multiple applications. But let’s review the basics first.

Matrex

4 Beam Angles: 15, 30, 50, 70 Degree

Up to 9200 delivered lumens

90+ CRI

3000K, 3500K, 4000K

Matrex RD

4 Beam Angles: 15, 30, 50, 70 Degree

Up to 10,050 delivered lumens

90+ CRI

3000K, 3500K, 4000K

It’s all about the Configuration 

With these basic performance factors in mind, let’s talk about how Matrex can be carried to create beautiful light, especially in taller applications. 

Matrex is available as a surface/yoke mount, in a single or double headed application. The surface mounted edition an be paired with a second Matrex hanging from steel cables to create a two-headed version. 

That cable suspension can also be done with a single or dual-headed configuration. Or even doubled up to create twice the output for atrium-style applications. From these fairly basic mounting configurations, you get a wide variety of possible Matrex configurations to meet your project’s needs. This video from Beta-Calco summarizes the capabilities.

And here’s me kicking the tires on a Matrex RD in the shed….

Here’s How Warp Can Elevate Your Downlighting

The market isn’t lacking for hanging pendant solutions, but like the other forms we’ve discussed, Beta-Calco takes the simple pendant and elevates it in a few important ways. 

Three Light Sources in One

At first glance, the Warp looks like any other drum. But within that basic profile, there are three light sources - a diffused ambient light, a spotlight, and an indirect uplight. The three systems of light instantly create layers within the design making it easy to get multiple “looks” out of one pendant system. 

Warp

18” and 24” Diameters

Direct or direct indirect

Direct up to 3200 Lumens / Indirect up to 3900 Lumens

Downlight 1700 Lumens (2700K available)

3000K/ 3500K / 4000K

3 circuits of control

Intergal EM available

Warp also comes in a surface mount and a hemisphere style which forgo the uplight element. In the video below I kick the tires on Warp Hemi.

See it in person or virtually

I have samples of these three fixtures for your review either in person or via zoom. Ivan is my Beta-Calco expert and he’s available to present and educate any time.

How Louvers Work with Ecosense Trov

The video below might not be my most polished work, but it does answer some common questions I get about louver recommendations when it comes to Trov from Ecosense. In this five-minute video, I walk through the different styles of louvers Ecosense offers, along with how they affect wash and graze distributions.

Join Us Live From the Modern Forms Showroom April 8th!

This Thursday, April 8th Modern Forms is presenting live from their showroom! When you register and attend you’ll be entered to win one of their new smart fans.

ERCO Eclipse - March 23rd

I’m going to be really honest here. I rarely get excited about product launches. While I’m always happy to see a factory iterate on an existing product or create something new, a factory rarely launches a product that truly wows me.

ERCO has done that with Eclipse.

I was interested after the first couple of teaser videos like the one above. Then the entire SDA team was given a live demonstration from the showroom in Germany demonstrating the various ways you can use Eclipse, similar to the video below.

ERCO Eclipse

XX Reasons to get excited

Sizes and Outputs

Available in four sizes including a palm-of-your-hand small 2 watt all the way up to a 4000 lumen powerhouse, ERCO has brought every sizing option needed to the US.

Flexibility

With Eclipse, the base spec is just the beginning. By adding up to 3 accessories on top of the optic, you can shift CCT, soften beams, and even create framing projectors with one hand as you work on a ladder.

Customization

Eclipse brings even more specifiable options. Dimming is available via 0-10v, onboard potentiometers, and Casamabi wireless controls. Tunable white and RGBW are both available where dynamic color is required.

March 23rd - A Virtual Demo

We had planned a virtual demo live from the showroom in NJ in the first week of February, then we got snowed out. We’re planning a 1 pm demonstration. Everyone who joins will be getting a special thank you.

Pssst…Here’s a Sneak Peek

Lumium just got a major update. Now it's much more in line with what you expect from Ecosense

Last week, I got to do a really fun presentation with Tara and Jayne from Ecosense all about Lumium 2.0. We ping-ponged between their space at WeWork and the Shed to demonstrate the different aspects of this revamped product line. You can watch the whole thing below.

Optics + Fast = Ecosense

When Ecosense introduced Trov a few years ago they brought two things to the table that lighting designers love - optics and availability. Trov made dozens of distinct, high-quality optics readily available. That combination of optics and rapid ship time (typical 10 business days) has made Trov a go-to for linear cove and grazer applications. They followed a similar model with the release of Rise, which despite its myriad configurations, still ships in less than two week.

When Ecosense acquired Lumium they acquired a linear manufacturer with beautiful form factors and gorgeous finishing details, but Lumium lacked two important things…optics and fast lead times. That’s why I’m so excited about the update to Lumium 2.0 which takes the 4 most popular form factors (don’t worry the other 20 are still available) and introduces the two things I’ve been talking about optics and faster lead times.

OK, so let’s talk about the optics

Lumium’s New Optics

Lots of linear manufacturers have been touting their optics lately, but many of them are sourcing the exact same optics from third-party acrylics vendors, meaning they’re all getting the same generic performance. Ecosense went a different way and developed its own optics in the distributions you see above. We demonstrated those optics during our presentation. (The video below jumps right to the optics demonstration.)

That optical performance enables the creative use of linear forms to create glare-free visually comfortable spaces. The combination of wall washing/grazing, wide batwing optics, and soft floodlighting means that out of a single, uniform fixture you can create illumination for every application in the space.

Color Technologies

Color is the next addition to the Lumium offering including Warm Dim, Tunable White, and RGBW. For your hospitality or multi-use space projects that need dynamic color, you can now introduce beautiful Lumium form factors along with amazing color.

Ramping Up To Ecosense Speed

Lumium is ramping up production this year to the point where single fixtures and continuous runs which don’t require shop drawings, can ship within 10 business days. That doesn’t mean we are there today. As they build up production capacity this is something we expect to see over the next 4-6 months, similar to the ramp-up we saw with Trov and Rise.

Ready to Learn More?

Shoot me an email and we can walk through the latest on Lumium.

Get to Know Insight Lightings Line Voltage Cove and Grazing Solutions.

In this video, I take you through Insight lighting’s cove and grazing options. It’s a quick 7-minute walkthrough including the interior and exterior cove and grazers as well as a demo of the performance of the quad chip for RGBW.

You can find all the technical data on Insight’s website.

Inter-lux Rubber defines the genre for flexible lighting tools

Over the last few years, quite a few lighting manufacturers have introduced flexible lines of light. So what makes Rubber from Inter-Lux so special? There are a few things:

• Bends on both axis

• Available in IP67, IP68 and IP69

• Ultraviolet and Salt Water resistant

• Pixel Level RGBW

• Optics

• A miniature width (available in side bend only)

Rubber Mini

I love the tight bend radius

Rubber with grazing optics

What’s interesting is that the white silicone between optics actually softens the mix of light. The white paper against the wall is curved and you can see there are no hot spots between grazing diodes.

Rubber with black finish and optics

The black silicone between diodes, but contrast creates a quieter graze, but it also doesn’t mix as much.

Watch: Live From the Coronet Showroom with Joint

In this piece, Shakil Ahmad takes us through the Joint system with a live demonstration from the Coronet showroom in Manhattan. We go through the design concept, how to specify, and some potential applications for this lego-block system of light.

Industry News: Can you believe it’s time to register for another virtual LEDucation?

Watch a live Demo of USAI's BeveLED Mini Adjustable Cylinder

I’ve written about USAI’s cylinder offering pretty extensively on the site, but there’s nothing like seeing the product work. In this piece, I’m joined by Cynthia Turner and Timothy Hart as they each demonstrate how the BeveLED mini adjustable works.

Watch: Two new great form Factors from Modern Forms

This is a fast and fun one. Anthony Interlandi of Modern Forms takes me through two brand new form factors. They are budget-friendly, ship quickly, and look great. Meet Pi and Dink.

Our piece of industry news: Construction industry confidence is rising.

Watch: Get to know the new Luminaires from Structura

Most designers associate Structura with beautiful poles. In this video, Alexis takes us through two new luminaires from Structura. We’re going to meet the Lineal Bollard and the Metro.

Industry News: Universal Lighting Technologies achieves High Recognition in Industry’s First “Trusted Warranty” Evaluation Program.

Watch: Get Steamy with Designplan

Steam rooms and saunas remain a challenge due to the harsh environment and high temperatures. Designplan offers a series of linear and downlight projects specifically for steam room and shower applications. In this video, Richard Klapper is going to take us through the options.

For our piece of industry news, Inside.Lighting walks through 9 Decision Points when it comes to employing GUV.

Watch: Coronet's Magneto is a flexible system of linear light, spot lights and even decorative fixtures

Industry News: Inside.Lighting shares a report on the possibility of artificial light at night causing Thyroid cancer.

Shakil and Sarah walk us through Magento from Coronet, including the latest addition - Puck.

Sign Up! Leviton Greenmax DRC is the most versatile room controller system on the market.

There are lots of room controller systems in the market and they all work with 0-10v dimming fixtures but it is complex or impossible to control other kinds of fixtures. From the typical ELV and triac line voltage dimming to the more advanced DMX and DALI controlled fixtures, Leviton GeenMAX DRC is there for you. The system also includes a touch screen and app-based user control for applications that will benefit from that flexibility.

Join us this Wednesday, February 10th for a 10-minute introduction to Greenmax DRC. There are three opportunities to join.

VIDEO: Intense is making quality recessed downlights more affordable.

Intense continues to iterate on their downlight offering with additions to MX Naked and the LD4.

The MX family has been around for years now, but with the addition of the MX Naked, Intense has created a lower cost of entry to the MX family by removing the large housing and associated costs. This makes the MX much more cost-competitive for commercial applications.

The LD4 offers a more basic Lambertian distribution downlight to the offering. This low-cost basic downlight is great for hotels multi-family residential buildings, healthcare facilities or any place where you need a high-quality downlight, but not necessarily all of the spec grade features like adjustability, multiple beam spreads, and warm dimming.

Get to Know ALW Linear

In my very first live from the shed video, I walk through ALW’s linear offering. For more reference, use the slideshow below.

Show Notes: Inside.lighting is reporting promising industry growth for 2022
Below is the slideshow I reference in my presentation.

WATCH: Hemera creates a cascade of light at the Peeples Center

Hemera proves yet again with this project how they can be an incredible partner to designers and contractors. This custom ceiling combined with a cascade of ...