Integrating a Feature Stairwell Luminaire with Existing Lighting Control
We recently visited The Ampersand Hotel to oversee the installation of a striking new stairwell light feature from Ingo Maurer. Suspended through the stairwell, the installation forms a dramatic vertical statement, connecting the spaces from ground floor through to the upper levels of the hotel.
The bespoke fixture incorporates 233 individual 12V LED lamps, all driven on a single circuit and controlled via 1–10V dimming. Despite the scale and complexity of the fitting, the control approach remains elegantly simple, ensuring smooth, reliable performance while preserving the visual impact of the design.
To accommodate the new feature, the existing Tiger lighting control system, which previously served the ground floor, was extended up to the fourth floor, where the stairwell luminaire is connected. This approach allowed the new installation to integrate seamlessly into the wider lighting scheme, without the need for a standalone control solution.
Scene setting for the stairwell is provided via a Tiger SGP control plate, enabling the lighting levels to be adjusted to suit different times of day and operational requirements, while maintaining a consistent and welcoming atmosphere throughout the space.
The installation was carried out by RP Bray Electrical Contractors, whose coordination and attention to detail ensured the fixture was installed and commissioned smoothly.
The result is a balance of architectural impact and thoughtful lighting control, showing how complex feature installations can be delivered with a simple, integrated approach.
