Lighting rafts are reused at Manchester office

Lighting rafts originally designed for T5 fluorescent lamps have been reused and upraded to LED in a sustainable project at a Manchester office.

For P&A Projects, the company tasked with the upgrade, this represented a challenge as none of the rafts was identical, and each one required a bespoke solution.

From these measurements, P&A Projects calculated the size of rectangle features required to match the individual raft dimensions. These were all individually numbered to correspond with each of the eight floors and its location. Some of the rafts were altered to suit new partitions, which were added across the different floors.

A lighting design was undertaken across the workspace, to ensure that the lighting levels for each of the areas were following guidelines. Of particular note, on the fourth floor, a bespoke rectangle feature was designed to suit the existing suspension points to minimise ceiling alterations. Additionally on this floor, P&A Projects integrated a wireless controls system. This reinforced the brief of the client to remove the need for any additional wiring to be installed.

While the ground floor and lower ground required a new lighting installation, this was designed to match the other floors to keep the theme consistent throughout the building.

The re-use of the rafts allowed for the existing supply points, lighting controls and fire protection and emergency lighting to be retained. These were installed within the existing T5 fluorescent rafts.

The refurbishment has transformed this Grade II listed building into a coveted workspace, designed to encourage innovation, improve productivity and allow for personal wellbeing opportunities.

Sevendale House features breakout spaces, private meeting rooms and event areas. Wellness facilities can also be used by those working with Sevendale House, as well as a dedicated cycling and shower hub.

The building was transformed in 2014, turning it into the Grade A workspace it offers today. A second wave of refurbishment was completed at the end of 2024, with a comprehensive redesign of the ground floor reception.

• Learn more about sustainable lighting at Circular Lighting Live 2025, Recolight’s flagship conference and exhibition, which takes place on Thursday 25 September 2025 at the Minster Building in the City of London. Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2025 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models. More info: www.circularlighting.live