Sky: A Floating Surface Downlight

Creating a Visual Effect of Levitation

Sky, designed by Rubén Saldaña Acle, is a surface downlight that stands out with its minimal beauty and textured finish. Its unique feature lies in its ability to create a visual effect of levitation, making it appear as if the light fixture is floating a few centimeters from the ceiling. This design concept sets Sky apart from other surface luminaries, giving it a distinct and attractive appeal.

One of the strengths of Sky is its great luminous flux and performance. It is capable of lighting up areas with high ceilings, such as pavilions, airports, and shopping centers. This makes it a versatile choice for various architectural projects. With its attractive design and high luminous flux, Sky offers a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality.

The realization of Sky involves the use of advanced technology. It is built with an injection of special aluminum alloy, ensuring optimal heat sinking of the light source and maintaining the LED's optimal thermal range of work and lifespan. The diffuser is manufactured using Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with a special agent for optimal light distribution, anti-glare properties, and maximal light transmission. The luminary is painted in a white matt textured finish, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to technical specifications, Sky has a diameter of 300mm and a total height of 87mm, with the disc itself measuring 46mm in height. It has a color rendering index (CRI) of over 80 and offers dimmable options such as push, 1-10V, and DALI. The color temperature can be chosen as either 3000K or 4000K, and the luminous flux ranges from 2200Lm to 5150Lm. With a light output ratio starting from 78%, Sky consumes between 20W and 46W of power, operating at 220V-240V and 50/60Hz. It can be applied to both ceilings and walls, providing flexibility in its usage.

Sky is not only a practical lighting solution for high ceilings but also a perfect option for interior designs that prioritize a minimalist aesthetic. Its attractive design and performance make it a versatile choice for various architectural projects. The project started in 2012 in Valencia and was exhibited in Light and Building 2014 (Frankfurt), showcasing its innovative design and technological advancements.

The design of Sky was based on thorough research into aesthetic trends in interior design. The design team observed market trends and competitors, systematized their findings, and interpreted the results to synthesize the design guidelines. The integration of design and electronics was a key aspect of the research, ensuring a perfect combination of functionality, aesthetics, and performance.

Designing Sky came with its challenges, as the team aimed to merge performance and aesthetic beauty into a new concept of a surface downlight. The goal was to achieve a remarkable luminous flux that could effectively light up spaces with high ceilings while consuming less power. The team's achievements include a light fitting that combines minimal design, high performance, and efficient heat dissipation.

With its floating design concept and versatile functionality, Sky offers a unique lighting solution for both architectural and interior design projects. Its ability to create a visual effect of levitation adds a touch of intrigue and elegance to any space. Sky's recognition and accolades include winning the Silver A' Design Award in 2015 in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges Sky's outstanding expertise, innovation, and remarkable level of excellence in both technical characteristics and artistic skill.