recently completed: sunset coffee building
This former coffee roasting facility sits at the edge of downtown Houston along the banks of Buffalo Bayou. It is one of the areas only remaining industrial buildings from the turn of the century and its revitalization converted the building into a mixed use public event space (indoors and out), office, gallery/display space and retail space, while maintaining its historic character. Lighting throughout was chosen for its historical feel while contributing to its new multi-purpose function. Lighting locations were coordinated with existing structure to enhance the look of the architecture while minimizing intrusions into the structure.
As an urban, public space, security and vandalism were important considerations for the lighting--not only for security lighting but also in the need for vandal resistant fixtures. With a tight budget, G2LD looked to use inexpensive, industrial-grade, commodity fixtures wherever possible that would be sturdy, give good output, and compliment the building's look for a bargain price. Designed to LEED standards, energy and maintainability were also prime concerns for this public-use space.
Among the unique lighting design elements are a green roof event space, lit primarily by glowing orbs scattered throughout the native grasses garden, and a four-story stair tower (visible through large storefront windows), which becomes blue in the evening with industrial fixtures mounted to the bottom of stair treads, a nod to the blue lights found along the Bayou's walking trails.
Additionally, a long bridge which spans the plaza below, takes pedestrians from the sidewalk level to the building and then beyond to Bayou views. The walkway is lit entirely with LED lights recessed into the handrail. Mimicking the blue lights inside the building and along the bayou, the handrail lights become blue when visitors reach the Bayou end of the bridge.