The Tile Light is designed to prioritize both human health and environmental well-being. Crafted with cutting-edge sustainable materials, this luminaire offers more than just illumination—it's a beacon of wellness and sustainability. Experience the benefits firsthand as the Tile Light enhances indoor air quality, regulates humidity levels, and boasts antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Say goodbye to toxins and harmful VOC emissions, as this luminaire is thoughtfully engineered to be non-toxic and eco-friendly. But that's not all. The Tile Light is a powerhouse of energy efficiency, consuming approximately 80% less energy during production compared to traditional lighting solutions. Plus, its eco-conscious design may even contribute to LEED certification points for your space. With a playful yet modern aesthetic, the Tile Light is a statement piece, adding a touch of whimsy while promoting a healthier lifestyle. Embrace the future of lighting with the Tile Light—where innovation meets sustainability for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Target Audience

Design Considerations

For this project, I set the design parameters of creating a luminaire which is both healthy for the environment and human health. With this in mind, I dug deep into materials research and came to ceramic tiles. Though not often considered for furniture, the tiling industry has had considerable sustainable innovation in the recent years, creating healthier options for architects and contractors. I aim to take advantage of these innovations in building materials and translate that to luminaire design.

This luminaire is intended to look highly curated and playful. Sustainable and healthy objects should be more than just sustainable. I wanted to create something someone would look at and be shocked that it was healthy and regenerative. This luminaire is also customizable. It rotates 45 degrees in either direction to change the directionality of the light and create fun patterns. This allows for further aesthetic curation by the user. This also enables the user to turn the ambient light into a task light. There is also an option to put a shelf underneath the luminaire; this serves a functional purpose of storage and add to the light phenomena as the tiles product interesting refraction and light dispersion

Ideation

Mood Board

Sketches

 

Refinement

3D Sketches

Drawn Sketches

Light Experimentation

Fabrication Process

Materials

Limix Tiles

Limix Tiles are a Lime-Based alternative to traditional ceramic tiles that are beneficial to human health. They are free of toxins, absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCS), and sequester carbon. The tiles improve indoor air quality while regulating humidity. They are also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. During manufacturing, the take 80% less energy than traditional ceramic tiles. The tiles are composed of calcium carbonate (eggshells), lime, and marble dust. These tiles are also eligible to give LEED credits to builds. 

Spectralock Pro Grout and Latapoxy Biogreen 300 Adhesive

These grout and adhesive products are Green Guard (third party) Certified for Low VOC off gassing, making them a healthier alternative to traditional materials. Both materials are also compliant with the Business and Institutional Manufacturers Association and with the BIFMA E3 credit 7.6.1 (a voluntary furniture emissions test).

FSC Plywood

Forest Stewardship Council certified wood means the wood if from sustainable managed forests. Using this wood ensures the forests are not being deforested or illegally harvested. It is recognized by the US Green Builing Councils LEED Green Building rating system requirements and the International Living Building Challenge.

Light

The directional light bulbs from the company BioLuz used in this fixture are LEDS which are 80% more energy efficient that alternatives. They produce zero elements and have a longer life span. 

Lamp Socket, Adaptor, Wiring, and Connector

Metal, Plastic, and Wiring. Unable to find sustainable alternatives.

Mechanism

This mechanism is currently made out of plastic. Were it to be in production, it would be made of regenerative bioplastic. 

Technical Drawing

Light Quality

This luminaire has two warm white toned directional bulbs. They emit 2700K and have 540s lumen. My intention was to create a spot light that is up against the wall to create a warm dispersion of light. There is a brighter refraction of light at the base of the luminaire. The light then disperses softly down and out. When paired with the shelf, the light refracts off of the reflective tiles to create more light dispersion and the shelf creates a unique shadow pattern. The light can be rotated 45 degrees in either direction. This enables to user to customize their experience. The light can be pointed to illuminate more intentionally enable the used to use it like a reading light or display light. When pairing the movable capability of the luminaire with the shelf, the different angle of the light changes how the light reflects off the tiles.

The Tile Light: A Regenerative Luminare