CARDAN evolution

With its state-of-the-art LED technology and sophisticated design, the CARDAN evolution architectural downlight from Zumtobel offers a new approach to cardanic accent lighting. Cardanic solutions have often been plagued by the problem of self-illumination caused by light being directed towards the fitting itself. CARDAN evolution incorporates an asymmetric housing to prevent or minimise this issue, enabling the full efficiency of the lighting technology to really come into its own.

With its state-of-the-art LED technology and sophisticated design, the CARDAN evolution architectural downlight from Zumtobel offers a new approach to cardanic accent lighting. Cardanic solutions have often been plagued by the problem of self-illumination caused by light being directed towards the fitting itself. CARDAN evolution incorporates an asymmetric housing to prevent or minimise this issue, enabling the full efficiency of the lighting technology to really come into its own.

Zumtobel developed the fundamental and functional design concept for CARDAN evolution together with the architecture and design office blocher partners. As a core and yet simultaneously discreet and asymmetrical design feature, the so-called “Lightgroove” is a moulding in the housing that crucially prevents self-exposure – a typical problem with existing cardanic solutions. Self-illumination is completely avoided with a tilt angle of 0° to 20°, while the issue is minimised with a tilt angle of 21° to 30°. The fact that the housing does not disturb the light beam makes the luminaire up to eight per cent more efficient. In combination with dedicated reflector technology, the “Lightgroove” also ensures excellent glare reduction and therefore optimal visual comfort. In addition, the presence of minimal gaps prevents users from seeing directly into the ceiling. This supports a calm appearance and creates a smooth transition from the ceiling to the spotlight.

A modular design approach makes the CARDAN evolution recessed downlight the ideal choice for a series of different applications. The luminaire can call on a wealth of different shapes, sizes, fittings, light colours and accessories to meet the needs of various lighting tasks. For example, flexibility for vertical lighting has been achieved with the addition of two new optics: a bending glass optic that visually extends the tilt angle by a further 20° and a vertical optic for the uniform illumination of walls and vertical surfaces. At the same time, precision reflectors throughout the range deliver precise beam characteristics and thereby guarantee brilliant accent lighting. The luminaire head can be rotated 360° and tilted by 30° to suit the exact demands of the particular application.

CARDAN evolution also impresses with a tool-free installation concept. The recessed ring and all frames can be mounted quickly using a snap-in mechanism, while the luminaire head is then simply clicked into place. Once installed, the luminaire can be easily modified or aligned with the new adjustment tool – and without having to climb a ladder. Thanks to the modular design, disassembly is also possible without causing any marking or damage to the ceiling.