Reimagining a City Icon: Westpac Building Façade Lighting Refurbishment

Reigniting an Icon – Smart Controls Revitalise Sydney's Westpac Barometer.

Sydney’s skyline has recently been enhanced by the striking refurbishment of the Westpac Building façade at 275 Kent Street. This transformation, commissioned by Mirvac, blends cutting-edge technology with architectural sensitivity to re-establish the building’s presence as a night-time landmark in the CBD.

Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

Originally designed as part of the KENS Project by Johnson Pilton Walker in April 2006, the Westpac Building has long been a notable fixture in Sydney’s urban landscape. The façade lighting refurbishment presented an opportunity to honor the building’s architectural origins while incorporating modern lighting technology to enhance performance and visual appeal.

Lighting Design and Delivery

Lighting design and supply were expertly delivered by Light Project, whose focus on quality and innovation brought the new façade vision to life. The lighting scheme enhances the building’s form and texture, emphasizing its architectural rhythm and elevating its visual identity after dark.

Innovative Controls for a Smarter, Dynamic Façade.

Strategic Use of Casambi Wireless Technology

A key innovation in the refurbishment was the integration of Casambi wireless mesh technology—a strategic choice for overall system management and scene control. This approach delivered a range of practical and operational benefits:

• User-Friendly Interface: The Casambi app provides authorised users with intuitive control over pre-programmed scenes, such as barometer modes and custom colour looks, as well as access to system monitoring tools.

• Simplified BMS Integration: The wireless system enables seamless interaction with the building’s existing BMS, allowing for high-level commands (on/off, scene selection) and real-time status feedback.

• Flexible Scheduling & Remote Access: Casambi allows for easy time-of-day scheduling that replicates the original design intent with improved flexibility and full-colour control. Secure remote access supports diagnostics, live adjustments, and ongoing support.

• Defined System Boundaries: By compartmentalising the façade lighting controls, the system simplified installation for the electrical contractor, Elec Comm, and clearly delineated responsibilities across disciplines.

Smart Execution and Seamless Collaboration

The success of this project lies in the thoughtful collaboration between all contributors. While Elec Comm managed the electrical installation with precision, Martin Bevz took the lead on controls system design, integration, and commissioning—delivering a sophisticated yet streamlined control infrastructure.

Lighting Up Sydney’s Skyline Once More

The Westpac Building façade lighting refurbishment is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a revitalisation of a city icon. Through modern technology and collaborative expertise, this project has breathed new life into the structure, allowing it to shine once more in Sydney’s architectural landscape.

Credit:

Developer: Mirvac

Lighting Design & Supply: Light Project

Electrical Contractor: Elec Comm

Original Architectural Concept: Johnson Pilton Walker (KENS Project, April 2006)