ACTUALTHING

Bringing light to life. Big lights for large spaces.

We design and manufacture dynamic, lightweight, large-scale luminaires for large corporate and domestic spaces and interior environments.

Our pieces are designed around accurate mathematical formula. This means our luminaires have a fascinating and universal appeal based on science and structure and we harmonise that philosophy with natural, sustainable and advanced materials and processes.

All our products are made in the UK, by hand and to order. We individually number and catalogue each luminaire to ensure authenticity, traceability and investment protection.

We offer a bespoke custom service for size, colour and material beyond the options shown. Each piece is scaleable and customisable to order to suit a particular requirement, environment or application.

All Actualthing pieces are only avaliable directly from us.

We ship worldwide.

ACTUALTHINKING

Responsibility, Authenticity, Innovation

Responsibility. Actual only uses materials and processes that are sustainable and traceable (eg; FSC certified timber). In our opinion plastics are amazing materials but should only be used appropriately, sparingly and responsibly. We never use single-use plastics. Our products are designed and made in the UK with locally sourced materials.

Authenticity. We number, date and catalogue each piece that we make and in strict sequence. This means our customers know that their investment is an authentic Actualthing original and is made to the highest creative and manufacturing standards. As an owner you will recieve a certificate of authentication and the luminaire will bear an individual number, date of manufacture and the initials of its maker.

Innovation. Actualthing exists to innovate and to bring dynamism and light to environments and spaces. We aim to continue to bring exciting new concepts to life in the future and for all around the living space. We hope you will join us on our journey.

GEO900: Description

GEO900 is a large ceiling-mounted luminaire based on a lightweight geodesic structure with a centrally positioned LED bulb. The structure is held by five clear cords to a central rose and the LED globe by a central power cable. Designed for large spaces, the luminaire is can be ordered in a choice walnut, oak or birch and can also be specified in a bespoke material or finish. GEO900 is delivered complete and installation is straightforward.

Structure: A geodesic sphere

GEO900 is a true geodesic sphere made from 296 accurately cut individual strips of material. Each is hand assembled into triangles, pentagons and hexagons and held by 110 threaded brass fixtures. GEO900 is lightweight at 900g (excluding the lamp fitting and bulb), and is 900mm in diameter. The GEO900 principles are scaleable, meaning that we can offer even larger versions on request as well as custom finishes (please see the bespoke section).

Material: Natural timber

GEO900 is available in three standard FSC certified timbers; walnut, oak and birch. Other timbers are available (including ash, cherry, maple and beech) as a custom order on request. Walnut has a rich, exotic, almost mid-century appeal whereas oak a lighter, honey-coloured contemporary look. Birch is perfect for that timeless, blond Scandinavian feel. All timbers are hand-finished using a natural beeswax. For non-timber versions please see the bespoke section.

Description: ten30

ten30 is a lightweight luminaire with a dynamic and enigmatic presence. In-situ it has a floating, magical quality which draws interest through it’s structural features. ten30 comes with a reflective globe LED that provides an added dimension to the luminaire. It is supended from the celing by five nano-threads and the cable for the lamp is isolated in space. Aluminium and carbon-fibre versions are available, as are custom options with alternative materials and dimensions.

Material: Walnut, Carbon Fibre, Aluminium

For the standard ten30 we use walnut for the strutural elements which are suspended using fine composite thread. We also offer ten30 in aluminium and poltruded or weave carbon fibre. Custom materials and finishes can be arranged via our bespoke page.

Structure: Tensegrity Icosahedron

ten30 is accurately based on the principles of tensegrity (tensional integrity) Its full descriptor is a ‘30 strut tensegrity icosahedron’. Buckminster Fuller invented the concept of tensegrity in the 1960’s which has parallels with the skeleton where bones act as spacers held together by tissue. ten30 is comprised of thirty elements suspended in compression and under constant tension. The pre-stressed elements do not touch each other and delineate the luminaire spatially. ten30 is lightweight, dynamic and provides a calm, restful centrepiece. At 950mm in diameter it is designed for large spaces with tall cellings.