LightGraphix: Responsibly lighting up the superyacht sector

Lighting doesn't just determine the brightness and darkness of a space; it elevates it. More than just mere functionality for superyachts, lighting sets the onboard ambience, shaping its unique spaces. The correct set-up can work wonders, from setting the mood for a gourmet meal and illuminating sleek exterior lines to complementing interior design features.  

Understanding the importance of lighting in the yachting sector, the team at LightGraphix has over four decades of experience and a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative products. Based in the UK but boasting a global support network, the company designs and manufactures lighting solutions tailored for superyacht and architectural applications. Photo: David ChurchillTrusted by renowned shipyards and working with top worldwide lighting designers such as Lighting Design International, Winch and Sinnex, LightGraphix is attuned to the unique challenges of the yacht environment. The company's yacht-specific products are meticulously engineered with high-performance output while utilising the latest LED technology.Photo: David ChurchillYachting-specific solutions

The company proudly adheres to its 'Product DNA,' leveraging cutting-edge technologies to make it the standout choice for superyacht clients. LightGraphix's managing director, Robert Buxton, explains: “We pride ourselves on designing lighting products that are built to last, from high-grade materials, creating the best-in-class light output with superior beams and colour rendering, with high IP ratings, and yacht-specific watertight fixing methods.”With an extensive range exceeding 100 LED products, LightGraphix illuminates each corner of superyacht design, from exterior decks, overhead spaces and the interiors to boom-mounted lights. "Our focus is on creating the best-lit effect and designing products that blend into their surroundings. Over the years, we have developed technologies to enable this; products can be specified with angled optics, tilt lens technology, deep recessed LEDs, glare shields and all glass bezels to sit flush on the surface, resulting in industry-leading glare control and products that fit seamlessly with any yacht style,”comments Buxton. Around 60% of LightGraphix's products have been developed in conjunction with the world's premier lighting designers to achieve the aesthetic elements crucial for designers. Materiality is also paramount. "To guarantee a superior level of finish, we use top marine-grade materials, including stainless steel 316 and apply various additional processes to ensure the highest quality with extra protection against the elements,” adds Buxton. 

On the practical side, the company has also integrated an anti-wicking barrier into its exterior products, which provides extra protection against water ingress through the cable should they be installed with a non-IP-rated connection, preventing it from reaching a fitting's inner components. 

Changing demands 

Over the years, the proliferation of LED technology and innovative lighting solutions has ushered in new designs, enabling increased versatility and customisable requirements. This custom-made component is a fundamental demand in the yachting realm.

James Platt, Marine Specification Sales Manager at LightGraphix, explains: "While new trends continue to emerge, yacht owners will always have particular requirements. This is why we offer exceptional flexibility and the capability to deliver; using our dedicated in-house design team, testing facilities, and rapid prototyping abilities, we can fulfil all requests, no matter how unusual."Referring to a specific project, Buxton explains the continuing shift toward converging a yacht's interior with exterior spaces: "We are currently about to deliver a project whereby the brief for the custom lights is to have an exact same look both inside and out."

The company remains responsive to changing demands and requirements throughout the industry, including within the refit sector. "We have always repaired products, which is especially useful for refit projects where they want to keep the same cutout. Shipyards also take advantage of our custom design service, where we modify standard products for existing fixtures,” adds Buxton.Photo: Cory SilkenSwitching on sustainability 

Sustainability was ingrained in LightGraphix's ethos long before it became a prominent trend in the superyacht realm. The company consistently seeks more sustainable processes and solutions for its products and addresses any adverse effects associated with manufacturing and implementing lighting. Buxton comments: "Innovating and reducing our environmental impact has always been at the heart of our design philosophy."

Manufactured in the UK with the majority of components locally sourced, the company's products represent a commitment to minimising its carbon footprint. However, its sustainable mindset is more than just this; it is about complying with an approach centred on longevity. They develop products engineered to last, boasting industry-leading LED lifetime figures exceeding 90,000 hours.

 "We always want to avoid the wastefulness of discarding an entire product for any reason, such as if it was wired incorrectly or a designer wanted to change the beam colour or angle," Buxton comments. Further explaining: "So we created a unique system, our Replacement Light Engine (RLE), creating a modular system with the unlimited ability to repair and upgrade the LED fittings at any stage in the lifecycle." The system enables the process of renewing lighting solutions onboard with minimal waste. Aside from its robust sustainability credentials, this system also gives rise to flexibility, altering a lit effect as desired post-build.Today, they are the first manufacturer to implement this circular lighting solution, in an exterior range of products, which culminated in three years of rigorous testing and development to ensure flawless operation. Upon its launch in 2022, the system was awarded a green rating and platinum-level award at the 'Build Back Better Awards.'

Beyond its pioneering solutions, LightGraphix continually strives to improve its environmental commitment. It has partnered with Ecologi to facilitate carbon offsetting and boasts a 100% recyclable packaging process. Meanwhile, at least 80% of the stainless steel components purchased have been formerly recycled. 

Highlighting future plans 

LightGraphix continues to enhance its credentials by providing the best sustainable lighting solutions to the yachting industry. Photo: David ChurchillFuture plans include integrating recycled or biodegradable filament into the company's 3D-printed parts and tools. Additionally, they aim to unveil a new rating system that will empower clients to determine the sustainability metrics of various finish options. These plans will culminate in helping the company move toward a carbon-neutral business.

Underscoring LightGraphix's drive to continue responding to and delivering to changing demands throughout the superyacht industry, it maintains a steadfast environmental commitment. Through pioneering innovations like its RLE system, this company is responsibly elevating and improving the entire onboard lighting experience.