The innovative and creative lighting projects from Geelong’s own Bluelab Design can be seen making a splash in such illustrious places as Crown Metropol, closer to home at the Geelong Arts Centre, and spectacularly in St Kilda’s Luna Apartments where it serves as inspiration for other projects.
Bluelab Design was established almost 20 years ago, designing and manufacturing specialty lighting for signature commercial projects, as well as creating robust energy-efficient lighting that’s perfect for Geelong’s coastal surrounds.
The Anglesea range includes stunning decorative interior lighting designs in timber veneer, while the Fairhaven range is all about marine-grade architectural exterior lighting that can handle the ocean’s corrosive air.
In 2012, the Bluelab design team came up with the idea to craft sustainable local timber into functional lighting, which became the Truss range. With more than 80 per cent of its components from Victorian Ash or Reclaimed timber manufactured or sourced in Victoria, the brilliant Truss range now supports at least 13 Australian businesses.
Bluelab team member Penny Altman says that with every project, they are put to the test to solve a problem in lighting and design.
“The Luna Apartments project was a good example,” she says. “The architect wanted a beam of flush lighting recessed into the walls without beading. We were able to solve the design problems, model the light output, and produce the lights on budget.
“We all love to see our designs and products in projects come to fruition. There is such a great feeling when you see a concept evolving into reality.
“We are currently working on the Ritz Hotel rebuild in Geelong and it’s very exciting to see the old building have new life.”
“And our expertise is not just limited to commercial lighting, we offer great low energy lighting designs for all interior and exterior spaces.”
MEET THE CREATIVE CREW
Each member of Bluelab brings a special skill to the table. Marcus has a Bachelor of Science with majors in theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics and is skilled at creating things from nothing. Penny, who studied lighting design at RMIT, has worked in lighting on many levels for 32 years.
Then there’s Esteban who took the bold leap to move to Australia from Mexico nearly five years ago. He has a Bachelor of Industrial Design and brings enormous energy to constantly creating ideas for lighting products. And Tracy works part time keeping things on track admin-wise.
Bluelab Design, 19 Tarkin Court, Bell Park. Opens 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 5278 6007 or www.bluelab.com.au
