Lodes presents Case Studies Series: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Gozo – Malta

Lodes, a decorative lighting company, specialises in creating functional and artistic solutions that offer limitless possibilities for customisation through the combination of lamps and canopies.

At Lodes, we believe it is essential to continually explore the profound connection between our products and the people who choose them, as well as the interaction between our lighting and the environments they illuminate. The extensive creative freedom enabled by the combination of lamps and canopies gives rise to the concept of Standard Bespoke, a collection with universal appeal, capable of meeting the unique requirements of any space by offering endless possibilities for crafting distinctive and meaningful configurations.

When design needs go beyond the standard concept of made to measure, our Out of Scale approach comes into play. Out of Scale represents a fully bespoke solution, where possibilities are limitless and designs push the boundaries of shape and scale to create unprecedented configurations. The goal of the Lodes Case Studies Series is to highlight tangible examples of these concepts in action, demonstrating how a specific challenge or design need can inspire solutions tailored to the unique requirements of a space and project. These solutions transform lighting into distinctive and significant compositions aligned with individual preferences. With the Lodes Case Studies Series, light configurations become personalised responses to any design challenge.

The expertise of the Lodes team and the versatility offered by the combination of lamps and canopies create infinite possibilities, delivering innovative solutions that transform light into a bespoke answer. The inaugural case study in this series focuses on the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo, Malta. At the heart of the project is a luminous dome composed of 868 A-Tube Nano elements. This dramatic cascade of light creates a striking visual impact, harmonising with the natural light that streams through a circular glass skylight, to which the installation is anchored. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is a unique property with over 25 years of history. Its architecture, constructed over several decades, prioritises local materials and a strong emphasis on guest experience, beginning with the moment of arrival.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, this five star hotel epitomises luxury and sophistication, catering to travellers seeking privacy and leisure. As part of a five year renovation plan, the project began with the rejuvenation of the hotel’s common areas. The lobby, central to the guest experience, was designed to leave a memorable impression, both during the day and in the evening. This vision led to the collaboration with Living Design, a leading Scandinavian studio specialising in hospitality design, which was entrusted with the entire restyling project. Their mission included the creation of a luminous composition that harmoniously integrates form, natural light, volume, and space.

Tarek Hegazy, Founder of Living Design, describes the project as follows:

“We saw that it was very important to have a light structure and composition in the lobby that would fascinate without distracting too much from the overall observation and enjoyment of the space. So we started working on the anchor points, and as we proceeded with the design, we saw that it had to be a hemisphere.”

Hegazy continues:

“I know that it was also very difficult for Lodes to realise this composition. Perhaps, in hindsight, we were really demanding. We wanted the structure to look perfectly spherical both inside and out, which was very difficult to achieve.”

The goal was to create a light installation that would complement, rather than obstruct, the central glass dome of the lobby. This cascade of light was envisioned as a focal point, an element capable of defining the space without overwhelming it. With this design challenge in hand, Living Design turned to Lodes, a trusted partner from previous projects, to develop a completely novel and fully customised lighting solution.

Massimiliano Tosetto, Managing Director of Lodes, remarks:

“With this requirement, we had to create something that had never been done before. A structure capable of supporting the composition, housing as many as 864 drivers inside it plus 4 drivers placed on the central element at the top, all while allowing natural light to filter through from the ceiling.”

The design process began with identifying a structure that could balance structural rigidity, lightweight construction, and transparency. The result was a conical framework, ideally suited to meet the desired effect. The ring based structure was engineered in segmented sections to facilitate both transport and installation, a crucial aspect for such a complex and large scale installation. The final installation fulfilled the vision of both the hotel’s management and Living Design. This restyling project successfully enhanced the guest experience while preserving the property’s original inspiration and its deep ties to local tradition and culture.

Tosetto adds:

“In this project, we not only designed a customised canopy, but also a specific solution to facilitate both installation and maintenance in case of future LED replacement.”

Lodes provided end to end service, including design consultation, the creation of a bespoke structure, and the supply of the lighting elements. On site support was also offered to streamline the installation process, which was completed in just three days. This project perfectly embodies the transition from Standard Bespoke to Out of Scale. The luminous dome at Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is not simply a decorative feature, but a bespoke response to a precise design challenge, a composition where light, structure, and space merge into a single, memorable experience.

Discover the entire project here