Introduction
11 Manchester Square is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Marylebone, acquired by Workpad Group and transformed into premium flexible workspace.
This 18th-century protected building presented a particular challenge – how to create modern, adaptable workspace lighting that serves multiple tenants with varying layouts whilst respecting the architectural integrity and conservation requirements of a heritage property.
Project Brief
The building’s transformation into premium flexible workspace required a lighting solution that could serve multiple tenants with varying layouts, all whilst respecting the architectural integrity of an 18th-century structure.
The client needed a scheme that addressed the fundamental tension between heritage conservation and commercial functionality. Fixed ceiling layouts present significant problems for landlords managing heritage buildings.
When you cannot predict tenant requirements or space configurations, permanent downlight positions become a liability.
Workpad Group required lighting that would meet contemporary workspace standards, provide individual tenant control, allow for future reconfiguration without building modifications, and preserve the character of this protected Georgian property.
The existing communal wall lights also needed addressing as they failed to meet current performance and safety standards but contributed valuable period character to the building.
Development
Detail Lighting’s in-house design department took full responsibility for the lighting layouts, calculations, and control strategy.
We set 3500K as the standard colour temperature across the workspace – an ideal balance between visual comfort and alertness for working environments.
The scheme was developed in line with CIBSE LG7 recommendations, ensuring the right balance of horizontal and vertical illuminance to support comfortable, productive workspaces.
Because 11 Manchester Square is a heritage building with ornate ceilings and architectural detailing, we selected track and spotlight systems as the most practical and flexible lighting solution. These minimise ceiling penetrations, preserve the building’s period features, and allow fixtures to be repositioned as tenants and room layouts change.
We specified ALT Spotlights as the primary luminaire, chosen for their optical precision, compact form, and low-glare performance.
A combination of beam angles was used to ensure both uniformity and visual interest across different zones.
Honeycomb accessories were fitted to reduce glare and increase visual comfort, particularly in areas near screens or where seating faced the luminaires.
For larger open-plan areas, we incorporated our LED Track Linear Lighting fittings, which provide soft, consistent ambient illumination with a low UGR16 rating.
This helped maintain comfortable luminance levels across wider spaces while ensuring the lighting hierarchy between task and ambient layers remained balanced.
Every track system was supplied ‘Casambi enabled’, allowing Workpad and their tenants to control their own lighting scenes and respond to daylight variation throughout the day. Casambi control also provided occupancy and daylight sensing to enhance efficiency and tenant experience.
Sustainability formed a central part of our approach. Instead of replacing existing communal wall lights, we refurbished and upgraded them with new LED engines and integrated emergency functionality. This retained the building’s original aesthetic while improving performance, compliance, and efficiency.
The approach significantly reduced waste and embodied carbon – aligning with our ‘repair, why replace’ strategy.
Throughout the project, our team provided technical design support, lighting calculations, and product integration to ensure compliance with both design and emergency lighting standards. We also produced documentation and a clear handover package so the landlord could easily manage and adapt the system for future tenants.
Outcome
The completed lighting scheme has transformed 11 Manchester Square into a flexible, comfortable, and energy-efficient workspace.
It is now a flexible, tenant-friendly lighting infrastructure that respects the building’s heritage whilst meeting modern workspace standards. The track and spotlight system allows spotlights to follow desk arrangements, highlight feature walls or provide task lighting as needs evolve.
The track and spotlight system provides Workpad with a cost-effective, future-proof solution. Fixtures can be repositioned and re-aimed easily as tenants change or spaces are reconfigured, without the need for invasive electrical work.
The Casambi wireless controls give each tenant autonomy over their lighting, offering simple scene-setting and daylight-responsive adjustment, while giving the landlord a reliable, low-maintenance platform.
By refurbishing existing luminaires rather than replacing them, the project avoided unnecessary waste and embodied carbon, achieving a sustainable upgrade without compromising design integrity.
Through careful product selection, precise optical control, and a clear understanding of heritage workspace challenges, Detail Lighting delivered a complete commercial lighting solution that balances performance, aesthetics, and adaptability.
The result is a lighting environment that enhances productivity, supports flexible occupancy, and maintains the building’s timeless character.
This is a prime example of how thoughtful lighting design can unite tradition with modern function.
