Heritage bones, modern ambitions and a complex lighting brief to match
UniLodge Lincoln House is no ordinary student accommodation. The 13-level purpose-built building sits on Bouverie Street in Carlton. Developer BESIX Watpac and architect Nettleton Tribe delivered a $50 million project. It includes 579 single-occupant studios, a commercial kitchen, dining area, study rooms, a gym, a sky lounge and a rooftop garden.
The project also had a heritage component. The development incorporated a Grade-C listed Art Deco clinker-brick facade building. This required careful refurbishment to bring it into a contemporary living environment. Nettleton Tribe used a dark material palette on the exterior. This echoed the character of the surrounding heritage architecture. Lighter inner facades then worked to break it up and draw natural light inward.
The electrical contractors needed a manufacturer who could supply a wide variety of LED lighting fixtures. Different quantities, configurations and finishes were required across the building. Spaces ranged from functional hallways and a high-use kitchen to relaxed communal lounges and an open-air rooftop. On top of that, they wanted to work with a local lighting manufacturer in Melbourne. Due to the complexity of this project, it needed a supplier with a collaborative approach to deliver the right products on schedule.
From first order to final delivery, how we kept to the schedule
A smooth install starts with a clear specification. We worked with the experienced lighting team to define the right look and configuration of products. Apartments, hallways, study rooms, the gym, dining areas, the sky lounge and the rooftop garden all had different needs. We locked in the wattage, light output, colour temperature and finish for each space so the team had everything they needed on site.
We mapped out each fitting type and its specific configuration. Then we compiled orders in separate rounds to align with their timetable. This helped manage both budget and delivery timing. Our production team manufactured the luminaires. And they confirmed every configuration and shipped them over several months as required.
The customisations we carried out for this project included:
- Different wattages, lumen outputs and colour temperatures matched to each application
- Refinishing luminaire bodies and trim elements in black to suit the design intent
- Adding dimmable components to selected fixtures for ambience control in social spaces
- Customising luminaire bodies to conceal LED drivers for a clean, recessed finish
We responded quickly to queries and kept communication clear at every stage. Our ability to handle large-quantity orders and complex specifications made the difference on a project of this scale.
Products used in this project
Illumination that respects heritage and modern student life
The finished building shows what thoughtful LED lighting for student accommodation can achieve. From the entrance lobby to the rooftop garden, every space is illuminated with care. Functional areas like corridors, the gym and study rooms are well-lit for the task at hand. Social spaces use warm strip lighting and dimmable downlights to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
The heritage-listed Art Deco facade sits comfortably within the overall development. The lighting respects the building’s heritage while meeting modern standards and aesthetics. That balance reflects the architect’s vision and the careful work of the wider project team. The result is a building that students are happy to call home. Bright, functional and full of character.
With our experience, Industralight has been involved with large residential projects like this, including:
