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Modular fabric ceiling system provides diffused light source for Art House Uri.
Visitors to the Art House Uri in Altdorf, Switzerland, now have the opportunity to experience the latest in lighting and textile design as they view the works of local artist Heinrich Danioth displayed under a SEFAR® Architecture LightFrame modular illuminated fabric ceiling system. As part of an expansion project, Art House Uri added a hall-shaped extension to the existing museum building to create a permanent home for the works of Danioth. With a diverse collection of contemporary art and exhibitions, the museum wanted to turn its display rooms into a place where visitors can meet and interact.
To create a welcoming environment and present the artwork in the best-diffused light possible, the project architect, Ch. Keller Design AG, took inspiration from illumination by skylight. This method of museum illumination can be traced back to the 19th century and the Sir John Sloan Museum in London. The museum used both natural and artificial light sources in conjunction with three large, illuminated ceiling modules featuring SEFAR Architecture’s LightFrame system. Each custom LightFrame module measures 9.4 by 7.9 feet. Fluorescent lighting is positioned in the skylights above the LightFrame system as a supplement to the natural daylight.
LightFrame is the only fabric ceiling system available that can provide both significant light diffusion and acoustic improvements. It features dual wrinkle-free, high light-diffusing architectural fabrics biaxially stretched over a razor thin, modular frame system. The unique secondary membrane allows it to diffuse light while improving acoustics. The dual membrane system prevents the penetration of debris and bugs that hinder the visual impact of other translucent ceiling products.
The individual LightFrame modules are stretched with two layers of SEFAR Architecture’s IA-80-CL PVDF interior acoustic fabric on the visible side that allows 80 percent light transmission. The dual skin system is airtight and eliminates penetration of dust and insects on the fabric membrane, which can inhibit the transference of light over time. The innovative illuminated fabric ceiling system also provides high levels of diffused and uniform light transmission, improved acoustics and long-lasting resistance to UV light. The low-maintenance material resists moisture and dirt, meets all fire code requirements, and is free of VOCs. In the event of a fire, LightFrame produces very little smoke and instead of dripping, it dissipates.
The Art House Uri project was completed in June 2009. Members of the project team included Ch. Keller Design AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland and installer Krapf AG, Engelburg, Switzerland.