Translucence

1. Translucence

We have spent over 6 months so far designing and making ‘Translucence’.

Each vessel is hand-blown at the furnace side; first blown into an optic mould which produces a series of thicker straight ribs which are then twisted hot to produce a swirl pattern. 

2. Translucence

Once annealed, the bowl form is drilled to allow for the central threaded bar to be inserted. This bar holds the lighting module and decorative assembly , clamped with two external threaded decorative metal fittings, with a small laser cut mirror to the front, stopping direct view of the light source. Once assembled it is hung from the side via a small drilled hole.

3. Translucence

This swirl pattern is lit internally by a hidden light source, made using the latest LED COB tape that also shines through a complex 5mm thick laser cut acrylic geometric pattern, with pinpoints of light brighter on the outer edges of the acrylic. This swirl pattern is then essentially back lit by the integral light source producing a prominent optical light pattern to the rear of each piece. 

4. Translucence

During the hot glass phase, we deliberately create non-round forms. Each ‘round’ bowl has, in effect, three or four flatter planes, making each and every piece unique. 

5. Translucence

6. Translucence

Each pendant produces around 100 lumens at just 1 watt .

Each is fully dimmable and Available in either 2700 K (Warm), 3000k (Neutral) or 5000K (Cool).

7. Translucence

Each individual pendant light can be viewed as a unique bespoke object, each subtly different from the next. The laser-cut acrylic detail to the centre creates focus and further enhances the light source; emulating the same material properties of the main body yet offering precision, detail, and durability; not properties readily associated with glass on such a small scale.

8. Translucence

There are three variables of the intricate central section and the pendant has been designed to operate as mainly a stand-alone design or within a multi-array feature chandelier. Future design considerations will include a wall light and a desk top version.

9. Translucence

Most lighting that features glass focuses on the relationship between the shade and the light source and most manufacturers will populate the shade with the latest commercially available ‘trending’ LED-based light source. We wished to design a bespoke piece around a dedicated low energy light source.

10. Translucence

As a lighting design/manufacturing company, we have always endeavoured to hide the light source wherever possible and use its effect through the various substrates (glass/acrylic) to provide illumination. 

11. Translucence

Taking the example of when you shine light through a clear substrate, it passes straight through unless it hits an ‘interrupter’, which can be a scratch or foreign body encapsulated within. We like to employ various techniques to capture then emit the light; a deep cut, an encapsulated piece of mica, an additional gather of glass sitting on the surface, or even a purposeful fissure.

12. Translucence

In this design we use the thicker and thinner cross section of the glass to catch and transmit the light; simply put, when you blow a hot, round glass bubble into an optic mould or ‘dip’, the glass blows into the vertical grooves forming thicker vertical stripes. The trick to retaining this optical effect is to not reheat the gather whilst blowing it up into the desired shape, and to avoid insertion into another glass mould.