Falling Leaf

1. Falling Leaf

We keep a close eye on new technology and, although 3D printing is still in its infancy, the detail and resolution that can be achieved is remarkable. The process of using 3D CAD files to create lighting often produces geometric, mathematical shapes, forms that take advantage of the singular process of laser printing.

Please note that laser sintering differs from what is widely known as 3D printing; Selective Laser Sintering uses 3 powerful lasers  as a power source to sinter a polyimide, binding the material together to create a solid structure, rather than  building up a rather low resolution form by laying down layers of material in succession, typically through an inkjet printer head.

We have been researching how to produce a leaf chandelier that retained the delicacy and realism of a real leaf and we first started experimenting with thin porcelain. 3D laser sintering offered a way to do this, this white polymer possesses a similar translucency and allows for great detail.

We have generated five models in three sizes so that our compositions remain organic and bespoke; true to nature. This is our first kinetic light sculpture; the leaves are in constant, gentle motion - in a light wind their motion increases creating a mesmeric pattern of light and shadow , cast from the light source above.

2. Falling Leaf

This hallway chandelier contains just 54 leaves and has been commissioned for a private residence in central England. This was our first long 'Falling Leaf' chandelier and drops just over 4 metres - it is controlled via RF from an App and features just 15 watts of RGB lighting.

3. Falling Leaf

Our Lighting uses the very latest in RGBW down-lighting and can be dimmed, scrolled or paused using the latest Smart Phone App. By specifying a full colour spectrum and white in the LEDs we can offer an amazing palette of pastel colours as part of the selection.

4. Falling Leaf

5. Falling Leaf

We were recently commissioned to produce a 4 metre long 'Falling Leaf' installation for the atrium and staircase of a beautiful contemporary 3 floor dwelling in South West London, built by Castellum, a high-end residential main contractor and developer.

Shown here is Sam, one of our main installers, slowly unfurling the leaves into position.

The whole installation has previously been composed in the studio and tested under various wind conditions.

6. Falling Leaf

7. Falling Leaf

8. Falling Leaf

Showing a 3 metre leaf composition using a collection of white 3D printed leaves under a dimmable warm white ( 3000K ) down-lighter.

9. Falling Leaf

Model: Sally Sparrow

Photographer: Lucas Gosling

10. Falling Leaf

As we were developing the 3D laser printed leaves we also investigated the potential to create another design using more traditional techniques and materials. After much investigation and development we decided to go with a talented company that hand cuts each individual leaf from a section of brass sheet. Each leaf motif is then hand stamped with the vein pattern then powder coated white on what will be the interior surface and electroplated on what will be the convex outer surface.

11. Falling Leaf

We decided to develop two complimentary colour alternatives; the white and bright copper finish and the white with bright nickel variation ; both created in three sizes.

When designing a composition we normally use all three sizes and both colourways; we further establish the unique quality of each chandelier by gently heating each leaf then hand shaping. Furthermore each is then hung from a different point allowing the illusion of every leaf looking unique .All leaves are hung on a barely visible but immensely strong clear monofilament.

12. Falling Leaf

We completed a project for Element 7 , manufacturers of high end flooring in Chelsea Creek, London, in early 2018, comprising of around 140 brass and 3D printed leaves and just over  four and a half metres long . We usually specify 85% brass leaves with the remainder in SLS printed polymer - the small sprinkling of the 3D leaves adds yet another factor to the variety of forms within the one installation.

13. Falling Leaf

Model: Sally Sparrow

Photographer: Lucas Gosling

14. Falling Leaf

This 4m long Leaf Chandelier installation has just been completed for a private client on the  Isle of Guernsey, comprising of 65 leaves, 16 of which are 3D printed . As is usual we have also supplied a WiFi receiver which operates the RGBW lighting via a dedicated App. Here we are looking through a long internal window back into the hallway from the kitchen

15. Falling Leaf

16. Falling Leaf

Shown at dusk; the App allows the RGBW display to be set to cool white.