The Lexus showroom in Auckland is Giltrap Group's stand-alone luxury car showpiece. The showroom incorporates leading edge green technology and innovations that support the sustainable and environmental values and practices of the franchise and company.

For the main area of the showroom, the objective was to provide a bright, attractive and uncluttered environment for staff and customers with optimum light conditions for display of new Lexus cars. An important consideration in the lighting design was how to introduce controlled quality daylight illumination to the more enclosed areas of offices, reception and customer lounge, balancing them as far as possible with the daylight in the showroom. By increasing natural light, it was also intended to reduce dependence on artificial light throughout the facility.

When looking for a suitable daylight solution for the office, reception and lounge areas, the Giltrap Group approached Hometech Solatube regarding the possible use of the Solatube Daylighting Systems. An initial meeting to view the system first in the Auckland showroom resulted in working in with RTA Studio to design a daylighting solution. That solution optimised the use of daylight throughout the interior spaces of the complex which could not take advantage of the perimeter daylight entry to the building. Eight of the Solatube 330 DS-CC SolaMaster Daylighting Systems were selected included the Daylight Dimmer control where, at the flick of a switch, individuals can control the level of light to their specific requirements.

“We are very pleased with the outcomes of our lighting design," says Warren Gibb, General Manager, Property and Business Development, Giltrap Group, Commercial. "The showroom was opened in winter but the natural light Solatube Daylighting Systems bring in has significantly reduced the need for artificial light even on dull days. Staff enjoy working in a more naturally lit environment. The Solatube Daylighting Systems have attracted considerable attention and are a frequent talking point among staff and visitors. Early indications are that the use of Solatube Daylighting Systems will deliver significant cost savings in tandem with our specification of low wattage electric lighting controlled by daylight sensors in the showroom.”