Signal House

Signal House is a high-end office building in the heart of Washington’s Union Market District, a historically industrial area undergoing revitalization. The new, 10-story, 228,000 square foot building features not only office and meeting space, but a variety of amenities including a kitchen, fitness center, recording studio space, and more. In homage to the area’s industrial past, its design centered around concrete, terra cotta, metal, and glass. The lobby became a focal point for this concept, greeting members and visitors with a celebration of the neighborhood’s history through unexpected design elements and, of course, a unique approach to lighting.

Inspired by the old gas lamps that would have illuminated the neighborhood with warm, golden light back in its industrial days, Nanometer developed these small but striking “mushroom” pendants. An unexpected take on the standard pot light, these feature a low-CCT static white LED array on the back side that reflects off the ceiling. The result of this indirect lighting glow that warms the space while also calling attention to the texture and architectural details of the building’s ten-foot concrete ceilings.

The “mushrooms” were created using silver-painted aluminum to keep them lightweight while still retaining a vintage, handmade look, almost like a reclaimed industrial element. LEDs were attached to a plate set inside the bowl, and a recessed J-box accompanied each fixture. The resulting effect is elegant and timeless, combining the energy efficiency and customization of today’s LED lighting with the rugged textures of the space’s industrial heritage, and complimenting the eclectic art and furniture.