Ember | Lava Wall Light Feature

About This Project

During a recent restaurant fitout, the architect and graphic designer approached us with a creative challenge. The client wanted to transform a plain wall near the kitchen into a striking illuminated feature that tied into their lava-themed branding.
They were after something bright and bold, but also practical and easy to clean. It needed to handle splashes from the nearby kitchen and allow for easy panel replacement if damaged

Smart Design With a Vibrant Impact

We started by designing a custom aluminium frame to hold a Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG) lightbox. Inside, we installed a vibrant lava-themed print.

To enhance the mood and contrast, we placed LED lighting only along the bottom edge and the top-right half of the frame. This selective lighting made the dark areas feel deeper, while the lava appeared even more intense and glowing.

High-Gloss Finish and Easy Maintenance

Over the fabric graphic, we hung clear acrylic panels from the top of the frame. This gave the wall a high-gloss finish while protecting the printed surface underneath. It also made the wall easy to wipe down—perfect for a kitchen-facing space.

Finishing Touches That Tie It Together

We added a Melteca kickboard to the bottom of the frame to match the restaurant’s seating booths. A black powdercoated trim was then added to cover all fixings and keep the look clean.

To keep everything in place, we used small laser-cut discs over the joins, holding the acrylic panels in perfect alignment. Best of all, individual panels can be removed and replaced without touching the entire structure.

A Feature Worth Seeing in Person

The final result is bold, functional, and beautifully on brand. It fills the once-empty wall with colour and life, drawing attention the moment you enter the space.

And like many of our best projects – you really have to see it in person.

We were thrilled to pick up a BRONZE MEDAL for this project at the 2022 New Zealand Sign & Display Awards in the Illuminated Signs Non Dimensional category.