Designing With Light
Backlit wall signs at Starwoods Hotel. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Kyle Caldwell.
For over 800 years, man has been intrigued by the beauty of light mixed with translucent materials. In Europe, the art of stained glass reached it’s peak between 1150 and 1500. Even today, designers and architects look for ways to incorporate light into their projects.
Of course, stained glass is still a beautiful option, but more modern materials such as Solid Surface offer greater versatility. Corian®, HI-MACS®, Avonite® and other brands of Solid Surface, have a translucent series in their product line for just this purpose.
How can the combination of these materials and light be utilized? Even on their own, a simple translucent panel when backlit from the sun or another light source, radiates a soothing even glow. Translucent sections can be combined with opaque colors to create specific shapes and patterns of light. When routed or milled, the intensity of light increases in these areas, creating interesting designs or lettering for signage.
Even opaque colors can be creatively used to interact with a light source. Strategically placed LEDs can be embedded in the back of a milled piece of Solid Surface for an accent light or a definite pattern that is seen only when the lights are turned on. White material can also be used to reflect light for a beautiful ambiance.
Mixing light intensity, color, carved patterns, and the color of the material itself, provide unlimited possibilities. Furniture, signs, lampshades, wall panels and so much more have been created using these techniques.
The ways that Solid Surface materials can be used along with a light source to create a dazzling project is just another proof of the wide versatility of this amazing product. What can you dream up?
Grooves for LED lighting. DIFFA Booth. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces.
Illuminated table base. Design by Paul Vu. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Backlit LED display moves up and down to the music in this DJ booth. Design by Russ Perry - Keane Creative. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Hidden LEDs glow imitating a water ripple when pressure is sensed on the egg shaped seat. Design by Morris-Sato. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Ambient light reflected from behind a mirror. Irvine Medical Center. Design by Philips Medical. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Backlit wall signs at Starwoods Hotel. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Kyle Caldwell.
CNC milled lampshade. Design by Alex Vitet. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.