Light + Building, Frankfurt, Germany creating office lighting controls to a new level
Philips gives workers smartphone control of office lighting with groundbreaking connected lighting system
Let’s talk office lighting controls just got fun. Because Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in lighting, and Saint-Gobain Ecophon, a global supplier of acoustic systems, are taking smart building technology to the next level. Together, the companies will launch a new version of their jointly developed light-emitting acoustic ceiling.
The new SoundLight Comfort Ceiling Tunable White combines advanced lighting with acoustic comfort. More importantly, the system can dynamically adjust the color and intensity of white light throughout the day. As a result, indoor lighting can more closely follow the natural patterns of daylight.
Office Controls
The technology aims to support the human body’s natural circadian rhythm, or biorhythm. For example, brighter and cooler white light can help create a more stimulating environment during active parts of the day. Meanwhile, warmer and softer lighting can create a calmer atmosphere when people need to relax or wind down.
Therefore, the ceiling does more than simply illuminate a room. It creates an indoor environment designed around the people who use it. In addition, the acoustic ceiling helps control unwanted noise and improve sound quality. That combination could make the technology particularly valuable in offices, schools, healthcare facilities, conference rooms, and other busy indoor spaces.
Furthermore, better lighting and acoustics can influence how comfortable people feel inside a building. Natural-feeling light can help occupants remain alert and engaged. At the same time, effective sound absorption can reduce distractions and create a more comfortable working environment. Consequently, Philips and Saint-Gobain Ecophon see the system as a way to support both wellbeing and productivity.
Tunable Office Systems
The new tunable-white system builds on the original SoundLight Comfort Ceiling, which the companies launched in 2012. That system brought lighting and acoustic ceiling technology together in one integrated solution. However, the addition of dynamic white lighting adds another dimension. Instead of providing the same lighting conditions throughout the day, building operators can adjust the environment as people’s needs change.
Ultimately, the SoundLight Comfort Ceiling Tunable White reflects a broader shift in building design. Architects and technology companies increasingly recognize that energy efficiency is only part of a sustainable building. Buildings must also create healthier, more comfortable spaces for the people inside them.
By combining acoustic performance with adaptable lighting, Philips and Saint-Gobain Ecophon are moving ceiling technology beyond its traditional role. Instead, the ceiling becomes an active part of the indoor environment. As a result, lighting, sound, comfort, and human wellbeing can work together in one integrated system.
Research on Stress Due to Office Lighting Controls
New research by the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University highlights the positive effect of SoundLight comfort ceiling on employee comfort 
and well-being in the workplace:
- 9 out of 10 office workers stated that SoundLight comfort ceiling contributes to an environment in which they like to work
- The majority of those involved in the research remarked that the ceiling created a more stimulating, lively and inspiring atmosphere
- Office workers that tested the SoundLight comfort ceiling experienced greater visual comfort
SoundLight comfort ceiling
The SoundLight Comfort Ceiling Tunable White uses programmable lighting controls to change both the brightness and warmth of office lighting throughout the working day. As a result, the system can create lighting conditions that better reflect the natural changes people experience outdoors.
Many employees spend most of their working hours inside. Therefore, they receive less exposure to natural daylight during the day. Over time, limited daylight exposure can affect alertness, energy levels, and the body’s natural daily rhythm.
However, SoundLight Comfort Ceiling Tunable White aims to bring some of those natural lighting patterns indoors. The system adjusts its lighting throughout the day to simulate “daylight inside.” Consequently, employees experience changes in brightness and color temperature that more closely resemble the progression of natural sunlight.
Furthermore, the technology helps maintain the body’s natural connection to the daily light-dark cycle. Brighter, cooler light can create a more energizing atmosphere during periods of activity. Meanwhile, warmer lighting can provide a softer environment later in the day. Therefore, offices can adapt their lighting instead of relying on one static setting from morning until evening.
Research about Light and People
Philips developed the technology around its research into the relationship between light and people.
“Innovation at Philips is based on our understanding of how light can be used to positively impact people – we know it can soothe, energize and relax us, aiding productivity and concentration,” said Menno Kleingeld from Philips Lighting.
Moreover, Kleingeld explained that Philips applied this knowledge while working with Saint-Gobain Ecophon. Together, the companies designed the SoundLight Comfort Ceiling Tunable White to help create more comfortable and inspiring workplaces.
The partnership also combines two important parts of the indoor environment: light and sound. Saint-Gobain Ecophon brings its expertise in acoustic systems, while Philips contributes its lighting technology. Therefore, the ceiling can improve sound absorption while also providing adaptable illumination.
The companies first jointly developed and released the original SoundLight Comfort Ceiling in 2012. However, the addition of dynamic lighting represents the next stage of the technology.
Dynamic Lighting
“Now with dynamic lighting we take the next step towards an optimum working environment when it comes to light and sound absorption, enabling people to perform at their best and keep the balance in their biorhythm,” said Gert-Jan van Doormalen, President of the Ecophon Group.
Ultimately, the technology reflects a growing focus on designing workplaces around human needs. Instead of treating lighting and acoustics as separate building systems, SoundLight combines them into one integrated ceiling. Consequently, offices can address noise, illumination, comfort, and the daily rhythm of occupants at the same time.
Most importantly, the system shows how building technology can move beyond basic functionality. By adjusting light throughout the day and controlling unwanted sound, SoundLight aims to create an indoor environment that feels more connected to the natural world while helping employees remain comfortable, alert, and productive.
Philips Office Lighting Controls
So Philips is no giving workers smartphone control of the office lighting with groundbreaking connected lighting system.
Here are the main features:
• Template office of the future for greater comfort, productivity and building efficiency
• Workers able to personalize lighting and temperature via smartphone app
• Connected LED lighting powered over Ethernet provides anonymous occupancy and climate data for more efficient facility management
The groundbreaking system uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to connect office lighting fixtures to a building’s IT network. The lighting system acts as an information pathway, enabling workers to control and access other building services via their smartphones, allowing them to enjoy greater visual comfort and productivity.
Sensors
The office lighting fixtures, when outfitted with sensors, are able to capture anonymous data on room occupancy, temperature and humidity. They connect to the IT network and interface with other building systems such as heating, ventilation and IT services. This benefits the facility manager who has a single system showing real time and historical views of building utilization. For example, they could see that on a Friday afternoon a particular floor is not used and adjust the temperature, lighting, and cleaning roster accordingly. Having an integrated view of a building’s occupancy patterns and energy usage provides for more informed decision making with unprecedented levels of energy and operational efficiency.
Source: Philips
