PANOS was developed in collaboration with Sottsass Assocciati with the skylight of the Pantheon in mind. Natural light as inspiration requires a light source and a reflector that are able to match it. To achieve this, Zumtobel developed a unique combination of LED chip and reflector. The reflector designs are comprised of compound polycarbonate and a micro-thin, high-quality sputtered finish, which yields superior, high-performance optical solutions. The choice of this compound material was inspired by space technology, where it has proven itself to be a strong yet lightweight solution mostly used for space helmets. Additionally, the material allows for a vast range of reflector finishes.

There are four main key advantages to PANOS:

• Up to 125+ Lumens per Watt Efficacy
Highly reflective surfaces in the mixing chamber are supplemented by a diffuser film with an extraordinary degree of emission. This highly efficient light chamber concept provides for mixing-chamber efficiencies close to 100%.

• Efficient and Beautiful Reflector Technology 
Precision-formed, high-quality compound polycarbonate reflectors ensure optimum light distribution and consistently repeatable efficiency levels due to a unique sputtering technique.

• No Housing Required
The innovative design allows for installation times that are twice as fast as traditional downlights with housing. In addition, the driver module can be installed from below or simply placed into the corner of the ceiling “T”. The lighting module also uses a quick-connect for power and can be installed in a mounting ring without the use of tools.

• Easy to Change and Maintain in the Field 
The tool-free concept of PANOS makes this luminaire adaptable to many different application needs. A vast array of reflector finishes is offered as well. In the rare case when maintenance is required, drivers, light engines, and reflectors can be changed with minimal effort.

The propriety high-tech coating technology of sputtering—a unique, high-quality 4-chamber metalizing process in a high pressure vacuum—provides significant benefits to the user. The unique combination of the first two layers ensures perfect glare control and optimal light distribution. An additional nano layer protects against scratches and fingerprints. Fingerprints can now be easily removed after installation, which is not possible with most downlights. Not only does this compound material provide for extremely high efficacy levels, Zumtobel prides itself on this clean process. The sputtered PANOS reflectors are 100% recyclable!

PANOS downlights are powerful and efficient and combine a very broad range of features and functionality while blending perfectly into the architecture. Bulky, costly, and over-complex housings are a thing of the past. With PANOS, there is no need for a housing at all. Compared to standard downlights that require large housings, the minimal, compact design of PANOS installs with ease and in half the time.

With a very efficient LED chip, a highly effective passive cooling system, and a shallow heat sink, PANOS downlights are truly sustainable luminaires in terms of installation and operation. This market-leading product from Europe, which is compliant with ANSI/UL product safety standards, is ready to install right out of the box in US ceilings. PANOS stands for unmatched light quality, reduced installation time, and no concern about above-ceiling space. 

The strong design concepts and innovative technologies of the PANOS family make it one of the most comprehensive LED downlight ranges. The PANOS family includes round and square versions; diameters in 2.7” (68 mm), 3.9” (100 mm), 5.5” (140 mm), and 5.9” (150 mm); flanged or flangeless trim; reflector surfaces in clear specular, clear semi-specular, matte, white, gold, and faceted; color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, and 4000K; a luminaire efficacy of up to 125+ lm/W; and color rendering of Ra 80+ and Ra 90+. The number of iterations for the PANOS is nearly limitless.

Zumtobel Lighting, a supplier of next-generation lighting solutions, recently announced they were selected by world-renowned architectural design firm Gensler to provide lighting for the firm’s newly designed Oakland, CA, office.

When Gensler’s East Bay office relocated from San Ramon to an LEED-certified building in Uptown Oakland, they integrated themselves into the surrounding urban landscape. Within walking distance of historic buildings, the new location adds ongoing inspiration and charm to the appeal of Oakland. The resurgence of Oakland and the East Bay provides growing business opportunities and economic revitalization.

While the new Oakland office was being designed, one of the tasks was providing the lighting environment for the conference rooms. The goal was for the selected luminaires not only to provide general lighting for the open environment, but also for the luminaires to be clean, simply designed and mountable in a TechZone ceiling system.

In order to best achieve the desired lighting environment, Gensler chose Zumtobel BASYS LED II downlights and SLOTLIGHT II as solutions for this application—they effortlessly met the multiple requirements for the installation. 

For more than 60 years, the Zumtobel brand has been synonymous with innovation, unique products, service quality and superior design. The Zumtobel brand has always been reinforced by knowledge of lighting and a profound understanding of its effects on people. Aspiring to create the best lighting for people and the environment, Zumtobel provides next-generation, customized solutions featuring measurable added value.

Zumtobel makes sure a product’s impact on the environment is transparent and was the first company in the lighting industry to publish environ¬mental product declarations in compliance with the international ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards. EPDs are prepared by Zumtobel in compliance with a process verified by independent auditors¬. A filter function in the online product catalogue can be used to quickly find the EPDs that have already been made available; others will be prepared readily upon request.

Gensler believes that a holistic and sustainable approach to design is a fundamental aspect of every project. The continual evolution of their organization and design processes delivers innovation aimed at helping clients and communities become more resourceful, resilient and regenerative. 

With two companies focused so strongly on environmental sustainability, efficiency and the responsible use of resources, it’s no wonder Zumtobel products are a perfect fit for Gensler.

(Photo credit: ©Jasper Sanidad Photography / Gensler)