In October 2021 HI Lighting was engaged to provide a lighting upgrade for the staff room at St Michaels College. The project faced tight construction deadlines and a need for customised elements, prompting a focus on a locally produced Australian Made solution. While the existing LED lighting had replaced the original fluorescent fixtures, its direct replacement approach lacked aesthetic appeal. A new design was required to complement the planned interior changes.

The primary objective was to emphasize the pentagonal ceiling feature while improving overall lighting levels to meet Australian standards. To achieve this, a custom pendant was designed using Visionline VL70 Up Down Suspended Extrusion, manufactured locally by LPE in South Australia. This choice allowed for seamless coordination and ensured the demanding timeframe could be met. The VL70 extrusion was selected for its rapid manufacturing and ease of delivery, eliminating the complexities of interstate or overseas freight. The resulting feature comprised two pentagonal pendants installed at varying heights, aligned with the five-sided skylight and ceiling details to create a striking centrepiece.

Another challenge arose with the existing imperial ceiling grid. To address this, HI Lighting incorporated the newly developed Versaline luminaire from Efficient Lighting Systems in Melbourne. This surface mounted LED fixture, with its unique patented clipping system, easily adapted to the grid. Its ultra slim profile, coupled with low glare optics, offered a modern and efficient solution, while its small footprint ensured the space met the required lighting levels. The decision to use Australian Made products again proved critical, as it enabled quick lead times that were essential to the project’s success.

In the kitchen areas, the ultra slimline Digilin Shallow 24 recessed extrusion was installed. As the thinnest dot free LED extrusion on the market at only 8.8mm, it provided a sleek, contemporary finish that enhanced the overall aesthetic.

The entire project was completed during the school’s summer holidays, ensuring the space was ready for the new year. HI Lighting’s reliance on its core range of Australian Made products allowed the team to meet the stringent deadlines without compromising on quality or design. The standout VL70 custom pendant now serves as the focal point of the staff room, perfectly highlighting the unique architectural features while offering improved functionality. This project underscores HI Lighting’s ability to deliver innovative and tailored lighting solutions, cementing its reputation as a leader in the education sector.

Project Team:

St Michaels College
Greenshields + Partners
Edge Architects