{"id":39046,"date":"2018-02-02T10:45:28","date_gmt":"2018-02-02T15:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/architizer.com\/blog\/?p=39046"},"modified":"2021-12-23T08:13:17","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T13:13:17","slug":"recessed-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.arc.ht\/blog\/product-guides\/product-guide\/recessed-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"An Architect’s Guide To: Recessed Lighting"},"content":{"rendered":"

The A+Product Awards<\/a> is open for entries, with a Late Entry Deadline of July 22nd<\/strong>. Get started on your submission<\/a> today!<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Emanating out from a hollow opening in a ceiling, wall or floor, recessed lighting<\/a> is a popular form of architectural lighting that can be specified across a wide range of typologies. However, from selecting the fixture all the way to positioning it on-site, it is both a subtle and complicated aspect of design for architects to perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Search for Recessed Lighting Manufacturers<\/a><\/p>\n

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Auditorium AZ Groeninge by Dehullu Architecten features exterior recessed wall lighting by Delta Light<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

This week, Architizer spoke with Matt Schroeder and Ethan Gordon of Delta Light<\/a>, who work with architects to harness impeccable lighting throughout the entire lifecycle of their projects. \u201cLighting is one of those things that is very noticeable when done well, but can really wreck a project when it isn\u2019t,\u201d said Schroeder. \u201cWhat we do is help architects lay out lighting based on their floor plan and make sure that they have the correct spacing, output and color temperature.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that recessed lighting is just one portion of the broader spectrum of architectural lighting,\u201d said Schroeder. In most cases, you will want to specify a variety of different lighting types and fixtures, as this will result in multiple layers of light. By doing so, you can create contrast and visual interest, and avoid a space that looks bland or stark.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Private residence by exterior.be features recessed lighting by Delta Light<\/a>; image via Delta Light<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Recessed Lighting Components<\/h2>\n

While there are many types of recessed lighting on the market, \u201ctoday it\u2019s most appropriate to talk exclusively about integrated LED recessed lighting. There are still territories that will allow you to use non-LED lights, but they are dwindling very quickly.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind, \u201cthere are three portions to any recessed lighting product; however, the nomenclature isn\u2019t always good or consistent,\u201d said Schroeder. \u201cThere is the driver or power supply, the structural component called the housing and finally, the light engine or trim \u2014 the portion of the product that is visible and actually creates light. With integrated LEDs there are no longer bulbs; that becomes an antiquated term. Now, LED boards are completely integral to the product itself, which allows for a much more minimalistic installation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Although this makes replacing the light source a bit more challenging, integrated LED lights last about 20 times the length of a classic A9 lamp. With a minimum of 50,000 hour rating, integrated LEDs will typically have a lifespan of over 20 years in any primary residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Camper Fifth Ave.<\/a> by Montroy Andersen DeMarco<\/a>; lighting by USAI Lighting<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Power Supply: <\/b>Sometimes referred to as the driver, the power supply is the \u201cmagic box that transforms electricity from main voltage into whatever the fixture itself requires.\u201d Lighting manufacturers will be able to direct you towards an appropriate power supply, depending on the fixture that you select.<\/span><\/p>\n

Housing:<\/b> Sometimes referred to as the rough-in, the housing is the portion of the light fixture that lives behind the ceiling and holds the trim or the light engine in place. The appropriate housing type can be a little difficult to parse out, but is largely dependent on the amount and nature of the space that is available around where the light fixture will be installed; lighting manufacturers will be well versed in guiding this selection. <\/span><\/p>\n

One important aspect to note is that the clearance required for a traditional, non-LED recessed light can be 6 inches or more while an integrated-LED often requires only 3 inches. With architects constantly looking to maximize space, this detail serves as an additional motive for harnessing integrated LEDs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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M by Stefano Lorusso features recessed lighting by Delta Light<\/a>; image via Delta Light<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Trim: <\/b>The trim is the visible portion of the light and therefore possesses some of the greatest potential for harnessing aesthetics. \u201cSome manufacturers work with brass, stainless steel and even plastic, but the majority of the higher-end products \u2014 about 90% \u2014 are aluminum.\u201d Some of the most common trim styles are: <\/span><\/p>\n