Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Sterling Lighting LLC
Lead Designers Patrick Harders LC
Photo Credits James Solecki, Justin Blair
Other Credits Kevin Peltier
Completion Date October 2024
Project Location Danville Virginia, United States of America
Entry DescriptionWhen I set out to design the IN27, I was tackling a challenge that arises frequently when incorporating path lighting into my designs: how to achieve beautiful, even, and wide ground illumination without compromising the source? Traditional path lights often reveal the stem, which interrupts the visual field, and I wanted to change that.
Using a projection mask and directing the light field with 2 Optics vs reflection (covered under our utility patent), my team created a way to cast a shadow only where the stem sits, while distributing the light evenly and widely across the surrounding path. I integrated TIR optics and designed the lens to guide the light around the stem with precision. The result? The stem visually disappears, and the light washes the ground cleanly. You see the effect, not the hardware.
We built the IN27 from 316 stainless steel and finished it with PVD coating for long-term durability, even in harsh environments. It outputs 99 CRI light and uses a modular driver/LED assembly with adjustable lumen output for serviceability in the field.
This luminaire is ideal for discreet installations where downlighting isn’t possible, but quality, coverage, and control still matter. The IN27 is understated in form, deliberate in function, and designed with the installer, designer, and result in mind.
Sustainability ApproachWe designed the IN27 with sustainability built into every decision, starting with longevity. The housing is made from 316 stainless steel with a PVD finish, resisting corrosion, UV exposure, and wear in harsh environments. Its modular driver and LED assembly allow for field service, refitting, or upgrades without replacing the complete luminaire, minimizing waste and extending its life. By integrating a patented optic and projection mask, the IN27 delivers precise light control with minimal glare or spill, maximizing energy efficiency. This isn’t a disposable luminaire, a long-term lighting tool built for professionals who value durability, repairability, and performance that lasts.