A Luminaire for the Senses

"The market expects holistic solutions for increasingly complex projects. Interior design requirements have altered and off-the shelf designs are losing their appeal. It is precisely these more sophisticated demands that we would like to meet. This was an example of us thinking outside the box in order to offer a broader range of ideas," explains Armando Hödl, Global Product Manager at Zumtobel. "TRAMAO" is the name of the new pendant luminaire; created through the joint efforts of Zumtobel and textile expert Typico it combines excellent light quality with good sound absorption and modern design. There is a choice of two sizes, 19 different colors, two looks and various color temperatures and light directions, not to mention regulation via DALI and Bluetooth. The non-woven cover with its felt-like look not only produces a fascinating material quality in the room but also helps dampen sound. As the mottled fabric of "TRAMAO" can vary subtly this means that every pendant luminaire is essentially unique. To produce the rectangular structure with rounded edges thermoplastics are added to the pliable non-woven fabric to lend it the necessary thickness and rigidity. "One challenge is to gauge the right amount of thermoplastic in order to generate a material that is both an effective sound-absorber and sufficiently sturdy. The aluminum holder for the LED components is perforated so that the non-woven can absorb soundwaves from below and equally what is reflected from the ceiling," explains Hödl. And adds: "Every LED component in this luminaire has a multipolar function making 'TRAMAO' an exemplary, cost-efficient, sustainable and functional product“. The body of the luminaire is available either with an opal appearance or a coffered design – the latter took its cue from the coffered ceilings, say of the pantheon in Rome. However, not only do the two options have a different appearance their function also varies: "The coffered design of the Acoustic Light Shaper diffuser has a demonstrably better acoustic efficiency in the higher frequencies," says Armando Hödl.

"TRAMAO" offers plenty of scope not only as regards acoustics but also in terms of lighting: Since all three light components (for area light, point light and indirect light) can be controlled individually TRAMAO’s lighting moods can be adapted to suit personal preferences. It’s also possible to dim the light or select different light color temperatures with tunable white technology.

No matter which version you opt for, "TRAMAO" is made up of a high proportion of recyclable materials. Moreover, as the luminaire has both a lighting and sound-absorbing function this translates into a sparing use of materials. “Essentially, 'TRAMAO is made of a non-woven and aluminum – both materials are easily recycled which makes them excellent choices. Moreover, the pendant luminaire is devised in such a way that identical materials are used together as far as possible so it’s easier to recycle and re-use them is at the end of their serviceable life. The non-woven shade is made of roughly 40 percent recycled fabric. Depending on the model, this corresponds to up to 70 recyclables 0.5-liter PET bottles per luminaire,” comments the product manager. In other words, for its acoustic pendant luminaire Zumtobel has not only combined the reliability of a standard product with the freedom of choice of a customized product, but already considered how the raw materials could be re-used at the design stage. Thomas König, Managing Director of Typico summarizes: “'TRAMAO' is the living proof that functional light can also satisfy the most sophisticated design demands. No other luminaire combines such a high quality acoustic performance, great design and superlative light.”