Stratas.XIC: A Minimal and Efficient LED Spotlight

Designed by Christian Schneider-Moll

The inspiration for the Stratas.XIC came from the need to continuously improve LED-based lighting products and stay ahead of market trends. Christian Schneider-Moll, the designer behind this innovative spotlight, recognized the potential of the XTM and XIM Artist-LED Modules by Xicato. These modules offered improved efficiency and light quality, making them the ideal choice for integrating into the Stratas.XIC.

What sets the Stratas.XIC apart from other spotlights is its focus on efficiency and aesthetics. By utilizing the latest LED generations, Schneider-Moll was able to increase efficiency while maintaining passive cooling. This eliminated the need for a driver-box, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined design. The spotlight is directly attached to the track-mount, creating a seamless transition from the light source to the ceiling.

The Stratas.XIC is primarily made from aluminum, which is milled and worked on a lathe. After the powder-coating process and manual assembly, the spotlight is prepared with optical features such as honeycomb, reflectors, and glass, according to the buyer's preferences.

With dimensions of 178 mm x 80 mm x 150 (225) mm, the Stratas.XIC is compact yet powerful. Its simple and intuitive installation process involves attaching the base to the track and locking it into place with the track mounting mechanism. Once installed, users can choose from three lighting circuits and adjust the head to achieve the desired rotation tilt. The spotlight also comes with three interchangeable reflectors (spot, medium, flood) and a honeycomb anti-glare louvre, allowing for customizable lighting options.

The development of the Stratas.XIC took three months in Schneider-Moll's Berlin workshop. During this time, extensive research was conducted to identify the best LED module for the spotlight. After careful consideration, the Xicato XSM Artist module was chosen for its exceptional color rendering capabilities. Thermal testing and redesigning were carried out to ensure efficient cooling and optimal performance of the LED module.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was how to effectively cool the LED module while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Schneider-Moll solved this problem by enclosing the heat sink in a thin aluminum tube and incorporating a deep slot along the body of the fixture. This design allows air to flow into the heat sink at the base of the LED module and channel out the rear, resulting in efficient cooling without compromising the sleek design.

The Stratas.XIC has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures category in 2015. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

With its minimalistic design, superior lighting quality, and efficient cooling system, the Stratas.XIC is a game-changer in the world of LED spotlights. Whether used to highlight artwork or create ambiance in interior spaces, this spotlight is a testament to the power of innovation and design.