London
United Kingdom
Illuminating Innovation at Piccadilly Lights, London
A tailored shading solution for a landmark revitalization
London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights is known worldwide for its towering digital billboard and vibrant urban energy. Behind the scenes of this globally recognized landmark, the Project Lucent redevelopment has redefined the space into a multifunctional hub, seamlessly integrating historic architecture with modern infrastructure. At the heart of this transformation lies an advanced solar shading solution, made possible through the expertise of Guillaume Janssen, Waverley, and the high-performance Soltis 92 fabric by Serge Ferrari.
A vision for a sustainable & functional space
Led by Fletcher Priest Architects, Project Lucent is more than just an architectural renovation—it is a statement of innovation, sustainability, and comfort. The project brings together 13 distinct buildings, creating a cohesive yet flexible environment that houses retail, office, and leisure spaces.
A key challenge of this project was ensuring thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort while respecting the unique architectural character of the site. With large glazed surfaces exposed to direct sunlight, an efficient shading system was required to balance natural light, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
Bespoke solar protection with Serge Ferrari’Group’s Soltis 92
To address these challenges, Guillaume Janssen, a Dutch specialist in custom-shaped blinds, was entrusted with manufacturing 12 tailor-made, tensioned shading systems. These unique blinds, crafted to fit the project’s specific needs, were installed by Waverley, a leading UK provider of solar shading solutions.
The choice of Soltis 92 – 2051 Alu/White fabric played a crucial role in the project’s success. This high-performance material delivers exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and solar control, thanks to Serge Ferrari’s exclusive Precontraint Technology.
Key benefits of Soltis 92 in project Lucent
✔ Dimensional Stability – The material’s patented Precontraint Technology prevents sagging or deformation over time, ensuring a sleek and modern aesthetic.
✔ Thermal Comfort – By reducing solar heat gain, the blinds help minimize cooling requirements, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency.
✔ Visual & Acoustic Comfort – The fabric balances natural daylight while reducing glare and improving sound insulation absorption for an optimal indoor environment.
✔ Lightweight & Durable – Its long-lasting performance ensures minimal maintenance while maintaining its visual appeal.
Custom engineering meets architectural precision
The complexity of atypical-shaped blinds required precision engineering. Guillaume Janssens’ expertise in crafting angular and non-standard shading systems allowed for a perfect integration into the architectural design, complementing the mixed-use character of the development.
Meanwhile, Waverley’s installation mastery ensured seamless implementation, delivering precision tensioning that guarantees optimal function and aesthetics.
A sustainable shading solution for London’s urban future
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Project Lucent development. By incorporating high-performance solar shading, the project achieves significant energy savings, aligning with London’s commitment to sustainable urban renewal.
Through innovative material technology and expert craftsmanship, Serge Ferrari, Guillaume Janssen, and Waverley have played a crucial role in shaping a comfortable, efficient, and visually striking environment in one of the world’s most dynamic urban settings.
Project Lucent is a testament to the power of tailored solar shading solutions—where cutting-edge technology meets architectural excellence.
Project Participants:
Architects: Fletcher Priest Architects
Manufacturer: Guillaume Janssen
Installer: Waverley
Copyright: Waverley
