Case Study: Merlin Place
Cambridge
LUCECO DELIVERS BESPOKE LED LIGHTING SOLUTION AT MERLIN PLACE, CAMBRIDGE
Client Name: Merlin Place
Project Location: Cambridge
Project Manager: Chris Tippett
Date: February 2026
When Roger Parker Associates, on behalf of Kadans, SDC and our contractor partner Hilton Cannon, specified the lighting for Merlin Place, a prestigious new multi-floor office and purpose-built laboratory development in Cambridge, Luceco supplied a tailored LED solution that delivered performance, visual comfort and seamless architectural integration across both office and specialist lab environments.
Designed to support scientific research, technology and innovation businesses, the scheme represents a major new addition to the city’s rapidly expanding life sciences sector - an important and growing industry that demands high-quality, future-ready infrastructure.
High performance lighting for laboratories and offices
Combining contemporary office space with high‑specification laboratory facilities, Merlin Place demanded a lighting scheme that would support diverse tasks from collaborative workspace activities to precision technical work. The consultant team identified the need for high‑quality, efficient LED luminaires that could be integrated seamlessly into the bespoke SAS330 metal ceiling system in the labs, whist also delivering visually comfortable illumination in office zones.
Luceco was engaged early in the design process to develop a lighting solution that would meet aesthetic, technical and performance criteria without compromise.
Specialist Luceco LED solution
To fulfil the project’s complex requirements, Luceco supplied a combination of its Contour and Platinum LED luminaires, complemented by bespoke LED units to integrate into the SAS330 ceiling profile:
| Product | Application & Features |
|---|---|
| Contour LED luminaires | Specified for general office areas, chosen for their sleek profile, excellent uniformity and high visual comfort. With crisp, controlled light output and low glare, Contour delivers a modern aesthetic while supporting productivity and comfort in open-plan and cellular office spaces. |
| Platinum LED luminaires | Deployed in ancillary and circulation areas for their robust performance, wide distribution and architectural appeal. Platinum’s consistent illumination helps achieve uniform light levels along corridors and shared zones while maintaining design cohesion with the overall interior scheme. |
| Bespoke SAS330 integrated units | Developed specifically for the laboratory ceilings to ensure seamless installation within the metal ceiling system. These custom fittings provided the precise optical distribution required for lab tasks, combined with high efficacy and comfortable colour rendering. |
Delivering confidence and collaboration
Chris Tippet, Luceco Account Manager said, ‘Merlin Place was a project where the lighting needed to be both technically precise and architecturally sensitive. Working closely with Roger Parker Associates, we developed a solution that not only met the performance criteria for the labs and offices but also delivered smoothly integrated products that respected the interior design intent. This collaborative approach ensures the client receives a lighting system that performs exceptionally.’
John Sandford at Roger Parker Associates said, ‘Luceco’s flexibility and willingness to work with bespoke ceiling integration gave us confidence that the lighting design could be fully realised without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. The outcome has exceeded our expectations.’
Supporting growth, innovation and sustainability
The Merlin Place installation highlights Luceco’s ability to support specification‑led projects - particularly in the life sciences/laboratory facility sector - with innovative and sustainable LED solutions. By delivering high‑performance luminaires combined with bespoke design support, the project reflects Luceco’s strategic commitment to:
- Grow its presence in architectural and commercial specification markets
- Innovate through tailored products and design collaboration
- Sustain energy‑efficient solutions that reduce long‑term operational impact
With energy‑efficient LED technology, tailored optical performance and integrated design execution, Luceco has provided a future‑ready lighting solution that meets both functional and aesthetic goals.
Client: Merlin Place
Location: Cambridge
Luceco Project Manager: Chris Tippett
Date: February 2026
