Sunset Petal — Luminaire Design
Sunset Petal is a decorative wooden luminaire inspired by the natural form and blooming pattern of a water lily. The design translates the softness and organic geometry of flower petals into a functional lighting object, combining natural material, sculptural form, and ambient illumination. The concept represents freshness, blooming, new beginnings, and a calm connection with nature.
Project Data
- Category
- Lighting / Product Design
[Lighting / Product Design]
Project Images
Concept Sketch Sheet · 01 / 01
Luminaire Detail Sheet
Concept, material, fabrication, and prototype documentation for Sunset Petal.
From Wood to Water Lily
From base preparation through individual petal cutting, shaping, and slanted profiling, to positioning each petal around the central light holder, assembly, polishing, and final finishing.
Big Ideas Behind It
The project leans into biomimicry, material expression, handcrafted fabrication, lighting, and organic form — the water lily that inspired every petal, layer, and curve.
Luminaire Detail Sheet
Concept, material, fabrication, and prototype documentation for Sunset Petal.
From Wood to Water Lily
From base preparation through individual petal cutting, shaping, and slanted profiling, to positioning each petal around the central light holder, assembly, polishing, and final finishing.
Big Ideas Behind It
The project leans into biomimicry, material expression, handcrafted fabrication, lighting, and organic form — the water lily that inspired every petal, layer, and curve.
Design Concept
The light source is positioned at the heart of the composition, while wooden petals radiate around it to create the appearance of a blooming flower. The arrangement consists of two layers with seven petals in each layer, creating depth and a fuller floral form. Each petal follows a soft teardrop-inspired geometry.
Design Inspiration
The water lily was selected because of its balanced radial structure and its association with growth and renewal. Its layered petals provided a reference for repetition, rhythm, symmetry, hierarchy, and organic form.
Approximate Dimensions
- Base width: 6–7 inches
- Base height: 2–3 inches
- Upper portion: approximately 7 inches high
Material Selection
Chesham wood, selected for its natural grain, warm brown tones, polished surface, and handcrafted character.
Lighting
- 12 W LED light source
- Approximately 800–1200 lumens
Function
- Ambient lighting
- Decorative lighting
- Interior accessory
- Sculptural statement piece
- Potential color-changing illumination
Design Development & Prototyping
Concept development → physical prototype → digital visualization → material experimentation → fabrication → finishing. An initial molding-clay prototype studied geometry, petal arrangement, proportions, and three-dimensional composition. SketchUp renders were used to visualize the form and lighting effect before fabrication.
Key Design Features
- Water-lily-inspired organic form
- Two layers of seven petals each (14 petals in total)
- Teardrop-shaped wooden petals
- Central light as visual focal point
- Natural wood grain with a polished finish
- Sculptural and functional character
- Potential color-changing lighting
Design Outcome
The final design transforms the recognizable form of a blooming water lily into a functional interior lighting object. The warm natural quality of wood contrasts with the central light, allowing it to function as a wooden sculpture when switched off and an illuminated floral feature when switched on.