SATTLER’s light ceilings transform ceiling surfaces into large-scale, uniform areas of light. They provide calm, even and glare-free illumination and are perceived as an integral part of the architecture – not as individual luminaires, but as a designed area of light within the room.
Whether recessed, surface-mounted or suspended: every illuminated ceiling is designed specifically for each project and tailored to the architecture, intended use, lighting effect and technical requirements. This results in bespoke lighting solutions for foyers, workspaces, retail spaces, public buildings and prestigious interiors.
-
Bünemann & Collegen GmbH, Hannover | Light Planning: Studio DL
-
Dirk-André Betz
What are light ceilings?
-
Horst Mohring
Light ceilings are flat lighting systems in which a translucent membrane, film or fabric surface is evenly backlit. This creates a uniform, soft-looking light surface without visible light sources, harsh shadows or prominent luminaires.
Unlike traditional individual light fixtures, light ceilings are designed as an integral part of the architecture. They can visually open up sections of the ceiling, making rooms appear brighter and more spacious, whilst at the same time creating a very calm, clear lighting atmosphere.
Depending on the project, light ceilings can be installed as recessed, surface-mounted or suspended solutions. Special shapes, large formats, dynamic controls, coloured lighting and acoustic versions are also available.
Advantages of light ceilings
Light ceilings combine functional lighting with architectural design. They are particularly suitable for rooms where light is not intended to appear as a single object, but is integrated into the architecture as a calm, expansive surface.
The main advantages:
Uniform illumination
Light ceilings provide even light distribution across large areas. This creates a soft, even light without visible light sources or harsh shadows.
A sense of visual calm
The diffuse lighting effect allows individual luminaires to recede into the background. The architecture remains clearly visible, whilst the lighting subtly enhances the space.
A sense of spaciousness
Illuminated ceiling surfaces can make rooms appear taller, more open and brighter – particularly in foyers, lobbies, meeting rooms or interior spaces.
Customisable design
Shape, size, light colour, control system, installation method and finishes can all be tailored to the specific project. This results in illuminated ceilings that blend seamlessly with the architecture.
Efficient LED technology
Modern LED systems enable energy-efficient, long-lasting and controllable lighting solutions with high-quality light.
-
BM+P ARCHITEKTEN | Light Planning: Lichtplanung: Elektroplan Ingenieur GmbH
-
HGEsch Photography
Areas of application
Light ceilings are ideal for architectural spaces where uniform, soft and high-quality lighting is required. They are particularly effective in areas where traditional light fittings would be too visually dominant or where large areas need to be evenly lit.
Office and workplace environments
In modern working environments, light ceilings provide even, glare-free lighting and help staff to concentrate whilst ensuring a high quality of the working environment.
-
Horst Mohring
Conference rooms
In meeting rooms, they create a calm lighting atmosphere and, thanks to their uniform illumination, enhance visual perception and communication.
-
Constantin Meyer
Foyers and lobbies
Light ceilings shape the first impression of a building and create a sense of spaciousness and openness, offering high-quality design.
Retail space
In the retail sector, they help to ensure a clear, consistent display of goods and create a high-quality, inviting atmosphere.
-
Alexander Strifler
Healthcare buildings
In sensitive environments such as hospitals or doctors’ surgeries, light ceilings provide soft, glare-free lighting and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Public buildings
In high-traffic areas, they provide long-lasting, low-maintenance and uniform lighting.
-
Constantin Meyer
Light ceilings are used wherever uniform, architecturally integrated lighting is required.
Office and workplace environments
In modern working environments, light ceilings provide even, glare-free lighting and help staff to concentrate whilst ensuring a high quality of the working environment.
Conference rooms
In meeting rooms, they create a calm lighting atmosphere and, thanks to their uniform illumination, enhance visual perception and communication.
Find out more about lighting for meeting rooms.
Foyers and lobbies
Light ceilings shape the first impression of a building and create a sense of spaciousness and openness, whilst offering high-quality design.
Find out more about lighting for reception desks.
Retail space
In the retail sector, they help to ensure a clear, consistent display of goods and create a high-quality, inviting atmosphere.
Healthcare buildings
In sensitive environments such as hospitals or doctors’ surgeries, light ceilings provide soft, glare-free lighting and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Public buildings
In high-traffic areas, they provide long-lasting, low-maintenance and uniform lighting.
Light quality, light colour and dynamic control
Lighting ceilings can be precisely tailored to achieve the desired lighting effect. In addition to traditional white light, dynamic lighting sequences, coloured lighting effects and pixel-based controls are also possible – depending on the intended use, the architecture and the technical requirements.
Light colours
From warm white light (3000K) and neutral white (4000K) to Tunable White and RGB/RGBW, a wide range of lighting moods can be created – from a calm, cosy atmosphere to dynamic, colourful lighting displays.
Dynamic lighting control
Lighting ceilings allow for flexible adaptation to different usage scenarios and times of day. Customised lighting scenarios, the simulation of natural daylight patterns, and usage-based control ensure that the lighting effect is precisely tailored to the space and its function.
-
Edison Sattler
Digital light panels
Pixel-based individual pixel control allows for precise, high-resolution control of light ceilings. This also enables dynamic content and video-based applications. At the same time, integration into smart control systems allows for seamless integration into the overall building and lighting control system.
Lighting ceilings with acoustic panels
Lighting ceilings can be combined with sound-absorbing materials as an option. This creates a solution that combines lighting quality and room acoustics in a single, architecturally integrated system.
Particularly in open-plan offices, meeting rooms, lobbies and public areas, the combination of light-reflecting surfaces and sound absorption can significantly improve the quality of the environment. Reverberation is reduced, speech becomes clearer and the room feels more peaceful.
-
DREI ARCHITEKTEN
-
© Zooey Braun
Technical structure of a light ceiling
Light ceilings consist of a precisely coordinated system comprising a frame, a light-emitting surface and integrated LED technology. An aluminium frame forms the structural basis, into which a translucent light-diffusing film or fabric is stretched. The LED technology behind it ensures even, uniform illumination across the entire surface.
Depending on the project requirements, the installation depths typically range from approximately 70 to 300 mm.
Light is provided either from the sides via LED systems integrated into the frame or via full-surface backlighting, enabling a variety of lighting effects and design solutions.
Additional options such as double-layered films for insect protection, printable light-transmitting surfaces or various diffusers expand the design and functional possibilities.
Customised lighting ceilings – bespoke solutions
SATTLER’s light ceilings are bespoke solutions tailored to specific projects. Each design is individually adapted to the architecture, intended use, technical requirements and desired lighting effect.
Right from the planning stage, we work together to consider the size, shape, installation method, light colour, control system, maintenance and design details. The result is illuminated ceilings that not only provide functional lighting but also form an integral part of the architectural concept.
SATTLER supports projects from the initial concept through to implementation – providing consultancy, lighting design, technical development, manufacturing and installation as required. This enables us to deliver even complex custom shapes, large illuminated surfaces, specialist installation scenarios and dynamic lighting solutions.
The planning is carried out in close collaboration with architects, lighting designers, interior designers, clients and contractors.
Case studies – Light ceilings in use
Our case studies demonstrate the wide range of ways in which illuminated ceilings can be used in architecture – from large-scale illuminated surfaces in public spaces to precisely integrated bespoke solutions within existing ceiling structures.
Every project has its own specific requirements in terms of form, installation, lighting effects and technical implementation. The examples show how illuminated ceilings structure spaces, aid wayfinding and enhance the architecture through uniform areas of light.
Frequently asked questions about light ceilings
-
A ceiling-mounted lighting system makes rooms appear brighter, calmer and more spacious. As the light is emitted evenly across the ceiling, individual light fixtures recede into the background. The architectural features remain clearly visible, whilst the illuminated surface visually opens up and adds structure to the room.
-
Yes. Light ceilings can be customised to suit specific projects in terms of size, shape and installation method. In addition to rectangular or square panels, special shapes, circular light fields, free-form geometries and solutions for complex ceiling structures are also possible.
-
The required load-bearing capacity depends on the size, design, frame, LED technology and installation conditions. For this reason, every illuminated ceiling is designed and technically assessed on a project-by-project basis. Factors to be taken into account include the ceiling structure, fixing points, access for maintenance and the existing substructure.
-
Depending on the project, technical elements such as control components, sensors, access panels or special diffusers can be integrated. Coordination with ventilation, sprinkler systems, acoustics or other ceiling elements should also be taken into account at an early stage of the planning process.
-
Yes. Light ceilings can be fitted with dynamic control systems. Options include dimmable white light solutions, Tunable White, RGB/RGBW, pre-defined lighting scenes, or lighting sequences that change according to the time of day.
-
Yes, subject to certain technical requirements. Pixel-based illuminated surfaces can be used to display dynamic content, graphic gradients or video-based applications. Such solutions are custom-designed and tailored to the resolution, control system and desired effect.
-
A traditional light ceiling does not automatically improve the acoustics. However, it can be combined with sound-absorbing materials. This allows lighting effects and acoustic quality to be combined in a single integrated solution.
-
Maintenance and cleaning depend on the design, installation method and type of membrane used. During the planning stage, provision for inspection, accessibility and material properties are taken into account to ensure that the skylight can be operated reliably over the long term.
Author: Alexander Strifler
