The TL-1 Lamp by Montreal-based studio Juba is a sculptural table light developed from research into LED systems and circular manufacturing. Designed by Nick Trudel, the lamp features a rounded reflector made from hand-formed cellulose acetate, a plant-based material derived from wood pulp and cotton. This component creates a layered gradient effect, where color shifts from dense pigment to translucency, producing a soft halo that changes depending on viewing angle.
The lamp emits indirect light on both sides, creating two distinct readings: a brighter, more luminous face and a softer rear glow that casts a faint halo onto surrounding surfaces. It is constructed using locally sourced materials including machined aluminum and a cast mineral-composite base, with each unit built to order. Subtle variations in color and pattern make every piece unique, while replaceable LED components and a dimmer knob support long-term use and adjustability.
Image Credit: Nathan Lang
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sustainable Bio-based Materials
- Plant-derived polymers like cellulose acetate enabling premium-feel products with lower carbon footprints and novel aesthetic properties.
- Gradient Diffuse Lighting
- Layered translucent materials producing angle-dependent halos and dual-intensity faces that redefine ambient illumination strategies.
- Circular Custom Manufacture
- Made-to-order production with replaceable components and locally sourced inputs creating longevity-focused product lifecycles and reduced waste streams.
Where This Applies
- Home Lighting and Fixtures
- Consumer demand for sculptural, low-energy luminaires opens pathways for differentiated, material-driven product lines with serviceable electronics.
- Hospitality and Interior Design
- Venue designers favoring unique, mood-shifting fixtures that provide layered ambiance and tailored visual narratives for guest experiences.
- Materials Manufacturing
- Producers of bio-based polymer sheets and mineral composites seeing opportunities in supplying bespoke, aesthetic-focused components for high-end design markets.
