Louis Poulsen HQ
Illuminating Heritage with Human-Centric Lighting
At Helvar, we believe that intelligent lighting is not just about illuminating a space, but about enhancing the wellbeing and productivity of the people within it. In a project that beautifully marries historical architecture with cutting-edge lighting technology, our solutions, implemented with our trusted local partner Vanpee A/S, have transformed the iconic Louis Poulsen Headquarters in Copenhagen into a modern, human-centric workspace.
Project Background
The Louis Poulsen HQ, situated in Copenhagen, is more than just an office building; it’s a historic landmark dating back to 1772. This esteemed heritage presented a unique challenge: how to introduce a contemporary, dynamic lighting scheme that respects the building’s architectural integrity while providing a state-of-the-art environment for its employees and visitors. Louis Poulsen, renowned for its design-led lighting, sought a solution that would not only be energy-efficient but also deeply supportive of human comfort and wellbeing.
The Challenge: Balancing Heritage with Modern Wellbeing
The primary challenge was to integrate an advanced lighting control system within the constraints of a listed building. This required a solution that could deliver optimal visual comfort and energy efficiency without compromising the historical aesthetics. Louis Poulsen’s vision was to create a vibrant, adaptive workspace where lighting actively supported the natural circadian rhythm of its occupants throughout the day. This necessitated a system capable of precisely adjusting light colour temperature and intensity to mimic natural daylight patterns.
Helvar’s Solution: Intelligent Control for Tunable White Lighting
Working closely with our local partner, Helvar provided a comprehensive lighting control system that perfectly met these intricate requirements. The core of the solution lies in the Helvar Tunable White LED drivers combined with the Light Over Time™ functionality.
Our system enables seamless control over the colour temperature, allowing it to transition dynamically from a warm 2700 Kelvin in the evenings to a bright, energising 5700 Kelvin during the day. This human-centric lighting (HCL) approach ensures that the indoor environment closely follows the natural daylight cycle, promoting alertness and productivity in the mornings and a more relaxed atmosphere towards the end of the workday. The flexibility to adjust brightness (lux levels) further refines the lighting scenes to suit specific tasks and preferences within various areas of the building.
The Helvar Imagine DALI lighting control system provides the robust and scalable infrastructure, allowing for precise management of every luminaire. Its intuitive interface and integration capabilities ensure that the system is not only powerful but also user-friendly for facility managers and occupants alike.
Benefits: Enhanced Wellbeing, Energy Efficiency, and Adaptability
The implementation of Helvar’s intelligent lighting solution at Louis Poulsen HQ has delivered multiple significant benefits:
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Optimised Wellbeing and Productivity: By replicating the natural daylight cycle, the Tunable White lighting supports the occupants’ circadian rhythm, leading to improved mood, increased energy levels, and enhanced productivity throughout the day.
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Energy Efficiency: The intelligent control system, incorporating features like presence detection and daylight harvesting, significantly reduces energy consumption by ensuring lights are only on when and where needed, and at appropriate levels.
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Architectural Harmony: The discreet integration of the lighting technology ensures that the historic beauty of the Louis Poulsen HQ is preserved, with the lighting enhancing, rather than detracting from, the building’s unique character.
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Future-Proof Flexibility: The scalable and adaptable nature of the Helvar system means it can evolve with the future needs of the building and its occupants, ensuring long-term value.
Through our collaboration with Vanpee A/S, the Louis Poulsen HQ stands as a shining example of how intelligent, human-centric lighting can elevate a historic workspace into a beacon of modern wellbeing and efficiency.


Key facts
Project completed: 2019
Project location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Lighting Specification, Supply and Commissioning: Vanpee A/S
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