Luminaires, the Douglas company responsible for the lighting scheme in the restored Villa Marina Arcade, is to enter the project in the 2010 UK Lighting Design Awards.

Lighting specialists Luminaires worked on the lighting commission in collaboration with Ellis Brown Architects.

Luminaires’ owner Ralph Peake said ‘The concept for the scheme was a sensitive and contemporary reinterpretation of the arcade’s original Art Deco design influences, which was inspired by Charlie Park and Voirrey Samson of Ellis Brown Architects.

‘Once we were given our brief we were then able to design a lighting scheme which reflected Charlie and Voirrey’s vision.

'Perhaps most striking and central to the scheme are the seven Art Deco style lanterns which replicate the original fittings and hang through the full length of the concourse.

'These outstanding bespoke pieces along with the suspended half moon feature light in the bar area were manufactured for us by our supporting lighting specialist Chelsom and are unique to the Villa Marina Arcade.’

Luminaires’ business development manager Paul Mathieson-Nelson added ‘This has been a long but very exciting project for us at Luminaires  as it reflects the  importance of using professional  lighting designers who understand what is required on such a fine local building such as this.

'The Villa Marina Arcade is a great example of architectural lighting at its best.

'It was extremely important for our clients to be safe in the knowledge that we utilise quality light fixtures that not only look good but are also energy efficient and create the correct atmosphere for all occasions.

'Other elements in the scheme were designed to be almost unseen – although that does not apply to the stunning 'suspended feature light' whose semi-circular shape echoes the tile design on the floor, which whilst impressive in the daytime is truly magnificent in the evening.

'The tile design used for the Villa Arcade was put forward and came runner-up in the prestigious TTA (The Tile Association) awards in 2009, which is a great accolade for Ellis Brown Architects and Simon Trenholme Tiling Ltd.

'Among many of the other fixtures we installed were the ground-buried projectors to light the pilasters that run the length of the building.’

Charlie Park of Ellis Brown said ‘The light fittings chosen for the arcade are in keeping with the Art Deco theme of the structure and enhance the atmosphere and appearance of the overall design.’

Mr Peake continued ‘We used only white light throughout the scheme which extends to the exterior, where lighting two of the trees on the patio has lent some added “drama.”’

Mr Mathieson-Nelson commended Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle MHK for using only local contractors, saying ‘It was a good testament to see local contractors working together and completing the refurbishment to such a high standard - something that we can all be proud of.

'The ‘Villa’ - which now has the versatility to be used for many different functions - is a tremendous asset to Douglas and the rest of the Island.

'Our special thanks need to go to Gary, Peter and the team at Total Electrical Services who have worked tirelessly to ensure the electrical installation went as smooth as possible.’

Mr Peake concluded by saying 'I’m delighted to have been able to apply Luminaires’ creativity and lighting design expertise to such a prominent public building.

'A special acknowledgement needs to go to Chelsom whose attention to detail helped bring to life Charlie Park’s and Voirrey Samson’s designs and I am pleased that we have helped create a scheme that will stand the test of time.’

Pictured: Luminaires’ business development manager Paul Mathieson-Nelson and owner Ralph Peake in the restored Villa Marina Arcade. The bespoke Art Deco lanterns can be seen in the background.