Introducing The X Factor
A new Horizon in custom luminaire design
Photographer: George Rahmatoulin (Structure Capture Photography)
Rising dramatically from the Foti Pitta in the heart of Nicosia, Cyprus, Labs Tower is a striking addition to the cityscape. Designed by Eraclis Papachristou Architects, this ultra-modern structure stands at 90 metres, making it the second tallest building in the city. Labs Tower dominates the skyline of predominantly low-rise Mediterranean-style buildings.
A mixed-use development, Labs Tower houses both office and high-end residential spaces. Its design breaks from the norm of fully clad structures, instead presenting a legible kit of parts—zones and facilities that still read as a cohesive entity.
The exposed structural design inspired the lighting concept, executed by Archtube Architectural Lighting Design, led by Dakis Sevastides. V-shaped column structures are revealed in double-height features on floors 4 & 5, 13 & 14, and in the lobby, while the crown displays four floors of dramatic X-shaped columns. Surrounded by reflective glass, the raw concrete of these columns provides a perfect canvas for architectural lighting.
The goal was even, glare-free illumination of all column faces while minimising energy use. Archtube concluded that the V-shaped columns needed lighting from both above and below, with dynamic dual white light. Luminaires had to match the architectural finishes seamlessly
“illumination Physics has been invited to meet the challenge and they did so with great success, through a time-consuming process that involved photometric tests, mock up, samples, mounting condition details and technical control information, three custom lighting fixtures were introduced for the project specifically, meeting the requirements of Archtube”
- Archtube Director Dakis Sevastides
Photographer: George Rahmatoulin (Structure Capture Photography)
Extensive modelling in determining the minimum illumination and fixture count. For the V-shaped columns, recessed adjustable downlights and aimable inground up-lights were used, featuring remote DC constant current drivers for simplified maintenance and consistent performance.
The IP Downlight series provided 15-watt adjustable lighting with asymmetric lenses aligned to column axes, painted to match each setting. The IP Aimable IG series inground up-lights delivered precise illumination with adjustable lenses for beam overlap.
The greatest challenge was the outer faces of the X-shaped columns. To tackle this, the Horizon luminaire was developed—a custom dual-head fixture with 12 individually lensed LEDs per unit, each angled to ensure perfectly even illumination top to bottom. A 1:1 scale physical mock-up of the X column allowed meticulous testing and fine-tuning. The result: seamless lighting that accentuates the bold structural geometry without glare.
The supply and installation of the equipment was managed by illumination Physics' partner in Cyprus, LUCE Ataliotis. The focusing of the lights was carried out with meticulous accuracy — no small feat given that rope access was required throughout the process. The result is a celebration of the Eraclis Papachristou design, expressed through scientifically accurate architectural lighting as a derivative artform.
Labs Tower now stands as a shining example of modern design and innovative lighting, visible day and night across Nicosia.
Photographer: George Rahmatoulin (Structure Capture Photography)