Project
Smile Solutions
Site
Smile Solutions
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Mechanical Designer
Reza Kashi
Lighting Design
2B Designed
Lighting Supply
Aglo Systems
Casambi Commissioning Partner
Aglo Systems
Photography
Roger Thompson
Smile Solutions, located in Melbourne’s historic Manchester Unity Building, blends modern dental care with preserved art deco elegance through carefully integrated design. Wireless control from Casambi enabled flexible, non-invasive lighting upgrades, maintaining the building’s heritage while delivering full control over scenes and brightness. Custom-designed luminaires further enhance the space, creating a refined, functional environment that supports both staff efficiency and patient comfort.
Smile Solutions, Melbourne’s largest private dental practice, occupies five levels of the iconic Manchester Unity Building, one of the city’s most treasured art deco landmarks. The practice combines modern functionality with the building’s historic character, creating a space that is both welcoming for patients and respectful of Melbourne’s architectural heritage.
The challenge was clear: how do you preserve the building’s period charm while introducing modern, flexible lighting control? Rewiring for traditional dimming would have been disruptive and costly. Casambi provided the answer with wireless control modules integrated directly into each LED driver. This solution gave the team complete control over brightness, scenes, and schedules without altering the building’s historic structure.
Custom luminaires were carefully designed to complement the art deco character of the space. Lift lobby domes were inspired by the original stained-glass ceilings, and the dental suites feature hexagonal pendants that echo the building’s geometric elegance. Each piece was manufactured with precision using stainless steel, custom-cut glass, and formed acrylic diffusers, resulting in lighting that is both functional and visually striking. In total, 16 hexagonal pendants were installed across the dental suites and 8 dome lights in the lift lobbies, each tailored to its space.
Casambi makes operation effortless. Staff can adjust light levels, select pre-programmed scenes, or schedule automated timers using their smart devices. The system adapts to the pace of the day, ensuring spaces are perfectly illuminated for treatments, consultations, or evening closures while remaining simple to manage. With Casambi, the lighting can respond instantly to different needs without the complexity of traditional wired controls.
Completed over a six-month period, from concept design with 2B Designed, through engineering, prototyping, and final installation with Aglo, the project demonstrates how modern technology and heritage preservation can coexist. The lighting enhances the building’s character, highlights craftsmanship, and provides a flexible, intuitive system that makes everyday life easier for staff and more comfortable for patients.
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