Illuminating Perdaman's New Perth Headquarters
When Perdaman, a full-service multinational clean energy company, sought to unify its rapidly growing team on one level, the goal was to create a cutting-edge, human-centric workplace that reflected their values of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Their new 1570m² tenancy in Perth’s Alluvion Building accommodates 120 employees, carefully balancing enclosed offices with open collaborative zones. At the heart of it all was a strong architectural vision, and lighting played a pivotal role in bringing it to life.
The project was entrusted to design studio Paper, who were tasked with crafting a ‘best in class’ workspace with openness, transparency, and maximum access to daylight and the sweeping views. We spoke with Kim Thornton-Smith, Partner and Designer at Paper, to understand how lighting helped realise this ambition.
“One of the key drivers for the project, was to open up the view across the southern side, from reception all the way to the Swan River.” This sweeping visual corridor is flanked by flexible meeting rooms that can be opened fully using Italian syncro sliding glass walls, transforming the reception and meeting spaces into one continuous space, thus inviting the river environs in.
To tie these rooms together visually, B4 FOURline linear LED lighting was recessed across the ceilings, acting as both a lighting solution and an architectural link. This continuous line of light draws the eye across the space and reinforces the open, flowing design.
Each meeting room is fitted with large-scale presentation screens, requiring precise, glare-controlled illumination. B4 FOURdark darklighters were selected for their minimal form and dimmable functionality – balancing aesthetics with presentation-ready practicality.
The reception area sets the tone with a richmaterial palette, elevated by a thoughtfully layered lighting strategy. A feature ceiling grid of spotted gum panelling is punctuated by Modular Minude 45 bronze downlights, subtly accentuating the timber.
To illuminate vertical surfaces and guide movement through the space, Modular SLD35 wall washers and additional directional lighting flank both sides of the reception. This creates a subtle north-south lighting axis that naturally draws visitors through the space and towards the river view beyond.
All luminaires were specified at 3000K, producing a warm and welcoming tone that complements the dark finishes and timber details, emphasising material richness while enhancing comfort.
In the breakout area, lighting isn’t just functional but sculptural. Over the central island bench, Geometry Suspended from Modular were used. Chosen for their ability to redirect light with precision while making a bold architectural statement. “They’re both functional and sculptural,” says Kim, “helping ground the island while becoming a design feature in their own right.”
Above the seated areas, Extruded Suspended luminaires also from Modular, were hung strategically to create zones of soft but focussed ambient light. These fittings act as subtle visual dividers in the open-plan space, offering intimacy without enclosure.
From architectural intent to on-site execution, the collaboration between Paper and MLP ensured the lighting design didn’t just meet expectations, it gave form to the entire space. “Working with a partner like MLP is rewarding,” says Kim. “It is an artistic and technical collaboration between PAPER’s design intent and MLP’s solution-based resolution.”
MLP’s curation of product and technical detailing helped the Paper team achieve a design that’s as refined as it is functional, blending seamlessly with the workplace’s architectural language and supporting the wellbeing of the people who use it every day.
Perdaman’s new headquarters are a benchmark for modern workspaces. Elevated by thoughtful, integrated lighting design that enhances function, enriches materiality, and connects people. At MLP, we are proud to have been part of bringing that vision to light.
