Enhanced ergonomics and quality of experience: LED light for the premises of Gráficas Varias

The new premises of the long-established Catalan graphic design specialist Gráficas Varias were styled by interior design firm, Metre Quadrat Studio. Contrasting materials and light create a visual experience for customers and visitors and the office lighting with ERCO LED technology meets every ergonomic requirement; a perfectly efficient and sustainable lighting solution.

Gráficas Varias is based in Sant Sadurní d´Anoia, not far from Barcelona. Founded in 1918 by Josep Varias Bou, the company soon specialised in the design and production of labels for vineyards in the area. Today, the family business presents itself as a modern label printing service provider with exemplary commitment to environmental protection and sustainable production. This brand image was also to be reflected in the new design of its business premises which the company opened after extensive renovations.

The architect, Pere Pujol Rosell, was the key designer in the process. Maria Esteban Reche, a young professional at Metre Quadrat Studio, handled the interior design, working closely in all lighting aspects with ERCO consultants. In the redesigned facilities of almost 600sqm, the upper floor of the printing company serves as reception area, showroom and office. The interior and lighting are designed to meet different functions based on a consistent design concept.

The stage for the visitor is set with a dramatic entrance; a spiral staircase in concrete dominates the foyer and leads to the upper level. The curving screen of light wood slats is illuminated with the uniform light of ERCO Light Board recessed wallwashers. Upstairs, the spacious reception area and showroom evoke a lounge atmosphere. Walls, floors, ceilings and built-ins are all in black, white and shades of grey. This neutral backdrop with the muted ambient lighting gives even more prominence to the complementary colour and light accents in brilliant light, such as the colourful upholstery and the illuminated cabinets, but also the various focal points in the room, emphasised by ERCO Pollux spotlights. The way to the main offices takes the visitor through an almost completely black corridor illuminated with downlights which opens out to an inviting and airy office section.

As elsewhere, this area is designed predominantly in neutral colours, such as light grey and white for the floor, back wall and acoustic ceiling. The landscaped office is zoned by a glass wall. A coloured accent is incorporated, this time not using material colours, but backlit via angled slots in the wall and ceiling. Glare-free and energy-efficient ambient lighting is provided by ERCO Skim recessed luminaires which the designers elected to use with energising neutral white light at 4000K. For the front wall of the room they chose ERCO Compact LED recessed wallwashers for the vertical visual tasks at the shelves.

The redesigned premises, according to the head of Gráficas Varias, are intended to promote teamwork and cooperation - an objective that has been fully achieved thanks to the inventive interior concept and the perception-oriented and ergonomic lighting design.

Project data

Project: Gráficas Varias, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia / Spain
Architect (renovations): Pere Pujol Rosell, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia / Spain
Interior design: Maria Esteban Reche, Metre Quadrat Studio, Sant Sadurní d´Anoia / Spain
Products: Compact, Light Board, Pollux, Skim
Photo credits: ERCO GmbH, www.erco.com, photo: Sebastian Mayer, Berlin / Germany