Lighting up the Adventure Bar

Paul Nulty Lighting Design (PNLD) are pleased to have provided architectural lighting design to the 120m2 Adventure Bar in Clapham High Street, London.

The bar is the fifth to be opened by the growing chain and lighting once again plays a key role in providing mood and ambience.

Working closely with interior designers, Finch Design, PNLD have produced a dramatic scheme using some simple theatrical techniques and feature luminaires to create a dramatic and inviting space, whilst producing comfortable lighting to booths where customers can drink and relax.

The total expenditure on lighting, including controls, was just £6,500.00 including a lighting control system so the PNLD team had to be very creative with the details and resourceful with regards to the specification of luminaires. Head of Practice, Paul Nulty explains: "It was an ambitious budget so we had to think laterally and eventually sourced OEM components such as squirrel cages for the pendants from eBay, and we also used reclaimed luminaires – both of which helped us come in on budget."

The project, from concept to completing commissioning, was undertaken in just nine weeks.
The key lighting features are the trademark clusters of light bulbs over the front area and along the panelled wall and banquette. They provide visual emphasis and sparkle, drawing the eye into the space and that of passing trade. A further visual feature is a 'cage' area, wrapped with fairy lights, that provides a separate space for groups to hire.

The client wanted the space to be as permeable as possible so lighting levels subtly increase towards the back of the bar, pulling the eye through to where a feature neon sign provides a 'full-stop' at the end of the view. PNLD achieved permeability by utilising a lighting control system that enables the illuminance levels to be carefully balanced across the bar.

GU10 birdie luminaires are located on surface mounted, galvanized conduit which provides a 'rawness' associated with the Adventure Bar brand. Both PNLD and the client are committed to swapping these to LED retro-fit versions, as Paul Nulty explains: "It's quite frustrating that technology hasn't quite caught up with the hype yet, despite trialing several different versions of retro-fit LED lamps, we simply couldn't find one that dimmed suitably."

The banquette seats are illuminated with dimmable fluorescent light fittings that graze light across fair-faced brick and panelled walls, revealing texture and creating a dramatic feature while also being low-energy. The use of low-energy lighting behind the banquettes and within the back-bar ensure that the design still complies with current UK energy legislation and will be easy for the owners to maintain.

Director of the Adventure Bar, Thomas Kidd commented: "The lighting design successfully reflects and underlines the Adventure Bar brand and our offer. It's raw, honest and dramatic and we're really pleased to have been able to open on time and on budget without compromise."