CASE STUDY: FRAMELESS BACKLIT WALLS IN <6" SPACE AT LIFETIME TV NETWORKS

Panelite Case Study: Frameless Backlit Walls Maximize Space in Meeting Rooms and Hallways

Panelite Case Study:  Frameless Backlit Walls Maximize Space in Meeting Rooms and Hallways

 

HOK Architects designed a luminous interior meeting space and backlit feature walls throughout the headquarters of Lifetime TV Networks in New York. With color-changing LEDs behind the translucent honeycomb panels, the architects created a dynamic, ever-changing interior.

 

The most challenging aspect of the design was that the office plan allowed very little space for the lighting and wall panels.  With Panelite Bonded Series panels, the backlit walls are less than six inches deep.

 

The specified configuration uses a clear satin finish on the backside of the walls – an ideal finish for even diffusion of LED light. The front face of the panels has a transparent finish to achieve a glossy, transparent look from the outside; this also gives the walls a sense of depth.

 

 

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Bonded Series Translucent Honeycomb Panels | Backlit Walls Partitions | Lifetime TV Networks

Bonded Series Translucent Honeycomb Panels | Backlit Walls, Partitions

Panels Give a Sense of Depth to the Walls While Using < 6" of Space

Panels Give a Sense of  Depth to the Walls While Using < 6″ of Space

 

Panelite Lifetime TV Networks Headquarters | Product: Bonded Series

Panelite Case Study | Backlit Walls, Partitions at  Lifetime TV Networks Headquarters | Product: Bonded Series

 

 

 FRAMELESS BACKLIT WALLS

 

Bonded Series panels take advantage of the inherent structural strength and extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio of honeycomb technology.  The panels use 70 – 80% less raw material than monolithic resin or cast acrylic panels of comparable thickness. The 10’ high walls at Lifetime TV Networks are installed without any intermediate framing or structural support.

 

The architect specified BF-EFL flush finished edges for this project. The joints are created by simply butt-fitting the panels using a clear Very High Bond (VHB) tape, a common, easily sourced product by 3M.

 

The resulting joint is approximately 1/16” thick, far more minimal than the ¼” to 3/8” joints typically seen in silicone butt-glazed installations for glass.

 

Lifetime TV Networks Sketch | Detail at Base of Wall

Lifetime TV Networks Sketch | Detail at Base of Wall

PANELITE BONDED SERIES PANELS

 

Product code: B-RC-CT-CS

Core: Random Clear
Facing 1: CT Clear Transparent(Front)
Facing 2: CS – Clear Satin (Back)

 

Thickness: 13/16”

 

ClearConnect™ Fabrication:

BF-EFL – Finished Flush Edge

Panel joint bonded with VHB (Very High Bond) tape on site

 


Bonded Series BF-EFL Flush Finished Edge Joint |  Backlit Walls at Lifetime TV Networks Headquarters

Bonded Series BF-EFL Flush Finished Edge Joint | Backlit Walls at Lifetime TV Networks Headquarters


 

Design of this complexity is very difficult to achieve with translucent glass, since glass is much heavier, cannot be cut onsite, and requires more visible seams. Nor does glass offer the same degree of even light diffusion as honeycomb.

 

Installer for this project, Lehr Construction, fabricated the Bonded Series panels onsite as required during the installation process.


 

DESIRED AESTHETIC

 

Color-changing LED lights, evenly diffused through the frameless, translucent walls, enliven the space.

 

LED lights can be as close as 2.5” behind the panels and still provide uniform lighting, as opposed to fluorescent lights which typically need a spacing of 12 – 18” behind the diffusing panel. The VHB butt-joints are nearly invisible, allowing an uninterrupted expanse of luminous color.

 

The curved walls in this design were created by faceting the panels within the wall system.

 

 

Faceted Bonded Series Panels Created Curved Backlit Walls and Partitions

Faceted Bonded Series Panels Created Curved Backlit Walls and Partitions

 

THE RESULT

 

Frameless backlit walls that maximize the space available for active use in the meeting rooms and hall-ways.

 


 

Project:  Backlit Walls, Partitions using Bonded Series™ Panels

Client: Lifetime TV Networks

Architect: HOK

Installer: Lehr Construction

 

 

 

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RELATED LINKS

 

  1. Project profile page – Lifetime TV Networks
  2. Spec sheet for the Philips ColorFuse PowerCore Spec Sheet linear LED recommended for applications similar to Lifetime TV Networks.
  3. Create custom curved panels using Bonded Series
  4. Project story: Curved backlit panels animate a children’s space with light and color
  5. Bonded Series Product Options
  6. Bonded Series installation options, guide