Vilnius Padel Centre
LithuaniaIn Vilnius, the largest padel club in the capital has opened its doors – a 4,500 sq. m space with 10 panoramic courts and a 140-seat restaurant. But the story here isn’t just about size; it’s about creating an environment where sport blends naturally with social connection and relaxation, and that requires special lighting control practices and considerations.
This vision was brought to life together with our local partner, Asprama, whose expertise and on-the-ground insight were essential in delivering this project.
For a fast-ball and dynamic sport like padel, good visibility is non-negotiable. High-quality vertical and horizontal lighting ensures players can track the ball at every angle without distraction or glare, supporting both safety and comfort. Large globe luminaires equipped with DT8 drivers act as „big suns“ above the courts, providing smooth tunable white light through Light Over Time (a feature that allows the colour temperature and intensity of the light to change throughout the day, mimicking the natural progression of sunlight to support players’ comfort and visual performance).
Photo source: Mostai Padel Arena
Photo source: Mostai Padel Arena
The backbone of this project lies in how intelligently the courts are controlled. Through integration between the arena’s online reservation system and the Helvar DALI-2 Imagine system, lighting is automatically activated only for the specific court that has been booked, ensuring energy is never wasted on unused spaces. This smart automation not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports a smooth user experience for players and staff. Beyond bookings, the system offers full lighting flexibility for training sessions, events, or maintenance activities. Manual overrides via touch panels and the SceneSet app empower staff to adjust lighting instantly whenever needed, adding a layer of control that supports both day-to-day operations and special occasions.
Beyond the courts, thoughtful lighting design extends to every corner of the club, from softly dimmed sauna zones to lively, welcoming entrance corridors. In the entrance, RGBW vertical tube LEDs create a dynamic welcome: dimmed when the space is empty, transforming into a colourful wave when someone enters or leaves, adding a playful energy right from the door.
Photo source: Mostai Padel Arena
In the changing rooms, lighting can shift to match the mood and function – bright before a match, warm and calm after. This is possible thanks to the tunable white capability built into the system, supporting circadian lighting principles. By aligning artificial light with the body’s natural daily rhythms, circadian lighting helps promote energy during active hours and relaxation during recovery phases. Automatic presence detection further enhances comfort and reduces energy consumption, a crucial factor for a large-scale facility.
Photo source: Mostai Padel Arena
In the sauna area, lights are kept dim to foster rest and recovery, while in the restaurant area, scenes can be set manually from a touch panel to create different atmospheres.
Exactly in line with the club’s vision of being more than just a sports arena, this holistic approach creates an environment where technical precision meets human-centred design. While delivering the right atmosphere and comfort, the approach also ensures significant energy savings, which is a vital consideration for a facility of this scale. With the right building and lighting systems, the club has built an environment where movement, rest, and social connection truly coexist and blend.
Key facts
Project completed: 2025
Project location: Lithuania
Local Helvar Partner: Asprama
Lithuania
