Autotrader Manchester - StretchLume Luminous Ceilings

Imperial Stretch Ceilings was appointed to deliver three bespoke circular StretchLume luminous ceiling rafts at Autotrader's headquarters in Manchester.

Designed as striking architectural centrepieces within the office/showroom environment, each raft measured approximately 5 metres in diameter and combined high-performance LED lighting with our seamless translucent stretch diffuser system to create a clean, shadow-free illuminated feature.

The completed installation provides a soft, uniform glow that enhances the workspace while complementing the contemporary interior design and vehicle display areas.

During the construction phase, the client requested a significant late-stage design revision.

The original concept was altered to incorporate recessed downlights within a newly introduced inner MDF ring, creating a more layered lighting composition while maintaining the clean circular aesthetic.

This presented several technical challenges:

• Maintaining completely uniform illumination across the illuminated ceiling surface.
• Preventing shadowing or hot spots caused by the additional structural elements.
• Integrating the revised design without impacting programme deadlines.
• Coordinating multiple trades within an already progressing fit-out environment.

Working closely with the client team and site contractor, we reviewed the revised design, adapted the StretchLume system to suit the new layout, and helped developed a solution that preserved the intended visual effect.

To achieve a consistent, shadow-free appearance, our team designed and installed a bespoke LED layout behind each circular diffuser.

The installation incorporated:

• 3 No. circular StretchLume ceiling rafts
• 5m diameter per raft
• 600 metres of 24V LED tape
• 4000K neutral white colour temperature
• 140 lm/W high-efficiency LED technology
• Seamless translucent stretch diffuser membrane
• Custom inner ring detail to accommodate recessed downlights

The result was a highly efficient luminous ceiling system delivering exceptional light uniformity while integrating seamlessly with the revised architectural design.

The project required careful coordination and precision installation to ensure consistency across all three ceiling features.

Our team installed pvc perimeter fixing profiles to the circular framework, bespoke lighting arrangement and StretchLume diffuser membranes before carrying out final commissioning and quality checks.

Despite the late design changes, the project was delivered successfully and to programme, demonstrating the flexibility of the StretchLume system and the collaborative approach of all parties involved.

The completed installation creates a series of striking illuminated ceiling features that serve as focal points throughout the workspace.

Key outcomes included:

✓ Uniform, shadow-free illumination

✓ Seamless circular diffuser finish

✓ Integration of recessed downlighting within the feature design

✓ High-efficiency LED lighting at 140 lm/W

✓ Successful delivery following late-stage design revisions

✓ Premium architectural lighting solution aligned with the client's vision