Tucked away down a quiet, cobbled street in the heart of St Albans, acclaimed chef Nick Male opens the doors to his new British restaurant; Loft.
LAPD merged the beautiful character of a Grade II listed building with a domestic lighting concept and as a result created a sense of warmth and relaxation for all its diners.
The Loft, St Albans has been transformed by the lighting, into a modern contemporary restaurant destination.
A warm light entices and welcomes guests as they walk from George Street. Here, a gentle light washes the restaurant signage, therefore providing incidental light to the stairs leading up to the entrance.
Modern and minimalist hurricane lanterns flank the doorway. Decorative filament lamps enhance the appearance of the lanterns. Due to their output, these are able to highlight the entrance to the characterful Grade II listed building.
The considered warm lighting complements soft reflections from tactile textures, warm finishes, and patinated copper surfaces. As a result the interior exudes a contemporary style within the delicate 16th Century shell.
A cascade of pendants, delicately entwined within the original wooden beams, illuminates the main dining area. This provides a soft ambient light from low level through to the high pitched roof. The cluster of small opal LED lamps creates a soft sparkle within the roof space without detracting from the overall beauty of the listed building.
Another set of larger opal pendants enhances the copper bar, while integrated LED lighting lights the rich metal clad front and the rear bottle display shelving.
Away from the main restaurant, there is a private dining room which needed a sleek navigational aid. Therefore, a clean light detail integrated within a continuous handrail leads guests to their dining experience.
A central pendant, hung over the table, creates a more intimate mood. To further enhance the intimacy, soft atmospheric lighting to the eaves is provided by floor lights in each corner. Furthermore, the ability to control colour and intensity was added via wi-fi wireless colour change and scene setting.
