A striking piece of infrastructure in northern Sweden has been given a fresh new look, and it continues to turn heads.

Rising 32 metres above Brattland, just outside the ski resort town of Åre, Sweden’s first designed power line pole blends engineering with art. Set against the Åreskutan mountains, it has become a familiar landmark for travellers arriving from Östersund. After 14 years in service, the pole has been upgraded with new lighting from Lumenpulse and a control system from Pharos Architectural Controls. Stockholm Lighting Company, which delivered the original installation, returned to lead the refresh.

At the centre of the system is a Pharos Designer LPC controller. Compact and reliable, it keeps the installation running around the clock while allowing for a wide range of creative lighting effects. Flexibility is what makes the system stand out. Pre-programmed scenes can run automatically, while still allowing live adjustments when needed. This means the pole can shift its look throughout the year, with colours and patterns that reflect the changing seasons. From crisp winter tones to warmer summer shades, the lighting mirrors the surrounding landscape. It also marks special occasions, including Sweden’s national days, helping the structure stay connected to the community.

Over time, the pole has become more than a functional structure. For many, it signals that they are arriving somewhere special. Lina Strömmer, Managing Director at Stockholm Lighting Company, said: “Many people see the pole as a welcome sign. With the Pharos system, we have created something flexible and fun that can keep evolving.” That adaptability means new ideas can be introduced without major changes, keeping the installation fresh for years to come.

Ryan Sainsbury of Pharos Architectural Controls added: “The dynamic lighting helps turn the pole into a visual landmark, adding colour and interest to the area.”

In Åre, this unique power line pole continues to stand out, brought to life through smart design and carefully controlled light.

When L’Oréal began work on its new distribution centre in Auckland, the goal was about more than keeping products moving. 

One area in particular, the Dangerous Goods Store, needed lighting that could handle strict safety rules while also supporting an ambitious sustainability target. Completed in November 2025, the project brought together a strong team, including developer James Kirkpatrick Group, Gravitas Consulting, Waide Commercial Construction, and Electrical Consulting Services. Working alongside Techlight, the team turned to Petrel to deliver a solution that could meet every requirement.

The challenge was clear. The space is classified as Zone 2, where explosive gases are unlikely but still possible. In this kind of environment, lighting plays a critical role in keeping people safe. To meet the brief, 73 high-bay Petrel luminaires were installed, providing bright, reliable light across aisles and open areas. Built for hazardous locations, they offer strong protection, long life, and minimal maintenance. This is vital in spaces where safety and reliability cannot be compromised. Emergency lighting was also a key part of the design. Twelve dedicated units were installed to ensure clear visibility in the event of a power failure, helping staff move safely through the space if needed.

Alongside safety, sustainability was a major focus. The finished facility has achieved New Zealand’s first ever 6-Star Green Star Design rating, the highest level awarded. This places it at the forefront of sustainable industrial buildings in the country. Stuart Head of Petrel explained: “Lighting plays a big role in energy use and overall environmental performance. By using efficient LED technology with precise control, this project reduces energy demand while supporting safer working conditions.”

Close collaboration helped bring everything together. Early planning between designers, engineers and contractors ensured the lighting worked seamlessly with the wider building. The result is a facility that sets a new standard, showing how smart design can deliver safety, performance, and sustainability in even the most demanding environments.