WELLINGTON AIRPORT

THE PRODUCT:

  -  CLIPSO – GRAND-FORMAT FABRIC TENSION CEILING & WALL SYSTEMS

TYPE: ceiling-mounted

INDUSTRY: travel & tourism

APPLICATION: aesthetic treatment

GRAPHICS: illuminated white

SIZES: various sizes, shapes & forms manufactured to specification on order

LOCATION: Auckland

ARCHITECT: Mitchell Addison Architects / Lightplan

INSTALLATION: Alaska Construction Interiors

OVERVIEW:

The Mitchell Additon & Lightplan teams collaborated with OneFrame to deliver a series of circular RGBW illuminated ceiling features within a newly developed hospitality environment at Wellington Airport. The design intent centred on creating a dynamic, adaptable lighting experience capable of shifting atmosphere in line with events, time of day, and user interaction.

To realise this vision, OneFrame developed a bespoke ceiling system utilising the CLIPSO Grand Format Stretched Fabric System, paired with programmable RGBW backlighting. The solution enables the space to transition seamlessly between lighting scenes — from subtle ambient tones to vibrant, event-driven colour compositions — all integrated within the broader building lighting strategy via a DALI control interface.

A key project constraint was the inability to recess the system into the ceiling cavity. Instead, the illuminated forms were required to be face-fixed to the existing structure. This necessitated a carefully considered design response, including a reduced 80mm profile depth and a stepped frame geometry to maintain refined proportions while concealing the lighting infrastructure.

Achieving uniform illumination at this shallow depth required detailed optical calibration. LED placement, output, and diffusion layers were engineered to eliminate hotspots and ensure a consistent illuminated surface across all colour sequences — a critical requirement given the RGBW functionality and the prominence of the features within the space.

The CLIPSO membrane plays a central role in performance, providing a continuous, seam-free surface that diffuses light evenly while maintaining crisp form definition. The result is a clean architectural expression where light is perceived as a material, rather than a visible source.

From a delivery perspective, the system was developed as a coordinated kit of parts, with each element resolved for accuracy, repeatability, and ease of integration on site. This approach allowed for efficient installation within a live construction environment while preserving the integrity of the design intent. Ongoing access for maintenance and system control was also embedded into the design resolution.

The completed installation demonstrates how illuminated ceiling systems can extend beyond static lighting solutions — becoming responsive architectural features that support both functional performance and experiential design within high-use hospitality environments.