By day, Copper's Soho headquarters presents a transparent glass façade. By night, it transforms into a softly glowing "copper vault" that balances privacy, security, and architectural presence.
When Copper set out to redefine its headquarters, the brief went beyond a standard office fit-out. The façade needed to express security and innovation while preserving the openness of a fully glazed building. The concept, developed by Speirs Major Light Architecture, reimagines the Richard Rogers-designed structure as a distinctive illuminated landmark within Soho.
At the core of the scheme is a carefully controlled interaction between light and material. A sheer curtain sits behind the glass façade, acting as a projection surface. As daylight fades and the curtains close, a warm amber glow emerges, gently animating across the fabric folds. The result is a striking night-time identity that remains elegant and understated.
Architainment Lighting supported the project through the supply and commissioning of both the lighting and curtain control systems, working closely with Speirs Major to deliver the scheme as specified.
Delivering this effect required precise control of both light and material. To achieve the copper-toned glow, Architainment supplied Linealux L1 Mini Grazers from Lumascape. Their compact form and precise optical control made them well suited to the façade's tight architectural constraints.
However, lighting alone was not enough. The success of the installation depended on careful coordination between the lighting and automated curtain systems. This meant ensuring:
- Uniform illumination across the curtain surface
- Consistent amber colour rendering
- Smooth animation sequences
- Reliable curtain operation and positioning
- Seamless interaction between curtain movements and lighting scenes
- Comfortable viewing from both inside and outside
Architainment's involvement extended well beyond product supply. Detailed on-site commissioning included refining light levels, fixture alignment, and programming the curtain control system to ensure the façade performed exactly as intended.
Working together, the lighting and curtain controls support the daily transition from daylight transparency to the building's evening identity, with curtain movements and lighting cues carefully synchronised. The final effect is intentionally restrained, with movement, intensity, and timing calibrated to sit comfortably within the surrounding Soho streetscape.
In one of London's most visually active districts, Copper HQ stands out through restraint rather than spectacle. Its identity is clear without being overt, demonstrating how carefully integrated lighting and control systems can reinforce architectural intent while creating a distinctive and memorable presence.
Photography: Keith Bradshaw