Museum Extension at the Tate Gallery of Modern Art Features SEFAR LIGHTFRAME®

DEPEW, NY… Museums offer visitors a visual experience made possible only through ideal lighting solutions. SEFAR® Architecture LIGHTFRAME® effectively and elegantly illuminates the displays at the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, allowing works from Van Gogh to Warhol to shine.

The museum’s designers, Herzog & de Meuron, were looking for uniform illumination throughout the Tate Gallery, from both natural skylight and artificial light sources. The design of the ten-story Switch House provided a natural light solution – balancing a brick façade with extensive window areas, allowing balanced sunlight into the exhibit areas.  LIGHTFRAME illuminated modular fabric ceiling system provided an exceptional artificial light transmission with uniform distribution.

SEFAR Architecture’s IA-80-CL fabric was chosen for the LIGHTFRAME system’s roomside installation. The LIGHTFRAME modules measure up to 4.20 m(13.75') x 2.20 m(7.25').

The fabric fields were intended to be as large as possible. "Like transporting them in a giant toaster" is how Architen Landrell describes the journey to the site undertaken by the 72 finished frames with lengths up to 4.20 m. The modules, which had to be transported to the fifth floor of the new building, barely fit into the elevator.

The filigree light-metal frames create a uniform luminous ceiling that appears weightless while ensuring the priceless exhibits are seen in their true colors. These functional LIGHTFRAME modules are easily hinged open – allowing access for maintenance of the system.

LIGHTFRAME’s unique secondary membrane allows it to evenly diffuse light while improving acoustics. The dual membrane system prevents the penetration of debris and bugs that hinder the visual impact of other translucent ceiling products.

LIGHTFRAME also provides long-lasting resistance to UV light and does not yellow over time. The low-maintenance material resists moisture and dirt, meets all fire code requirements, and is free of VOCs. In the event of a fire, the membranes used with LIGHTFRAME produce very little smoke and instead of dripping, they dissipate.

The extension of Tate Modern was completed in 2016. The project team included architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, London, UK, and contractor Architen Landrell, Chepstow, UK.

To learn more about SEFAR LIGHTFRAME, visit: https://www.sefar.com/en/609/Product.htm?Product=16869.