Lighting & Control System Reimagined for a 40m Superyacht

The design intent was to move away from reliance on downlighting and introduce discreet, integrated light sources throughout the vessel — beneath furniture, within shelving, behind pelmets and across architectural features.

Linear LED was introduced extensively to create depth and softness within each cabin, allowing spaces to transition naturally from day to evening.

The original Dynalite infrastructure had been installed to a high standard. Rather than replace it entirely, we evolved the system — upgrading core components while maintaining compatibility with existing keypads and control philosophy.

One of the most intricate elements of the project involved replacing a diamond inlaid moulding with a bespoke linear LED system. Achieving this required a flexible aluminium profile that could be cut on-site with compound mitres to follow the complex geometry of the French-polished timber mouldings. A domed silicone sleeve was then precision-cut and installed, allowing the LED to sit cleanly within the detail. To ensure a seamless finish, bespoke COB LED lengths were manufactured without adhesive backing, allowing them to be pulled through the silicone sleeve post-installation — resulting in a continuous, flawless line of light.

Across furniture and joinery, FLOS Nano aluminium profiles paired with ultra-fine 4mm 2700K COB LED strip delivered a soft, consistent and highly discreet light output. Micro 3mm Neon Flex was also used to line wardrobe carcasses, introducing a subtle, continuous glow that enhances usability while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic. Downlighting was upgraded using John Cullen – Polespring fittings internally, with Quick – Palladio fittings specified for exterior areas — ensuring performance and durability in exposed conditions.

Once installed, the entire system was reprogrammed using the original Dynalite UPAN keypads. Due to the age of the system, this required reverse engineering the existing logic to rebuild and optimise control — ensuring intuitive operation while significantly expanding system capability.

In areas where Dynalite had not originally been used, legacy Vimar switches were replaced with Vimar’s universal dimmers to ensure compatibility with modern LED loads. The system was also integrated into Control4, allowing centralised control and seamless interaction with other onboard systems.

On the flybridge, the client wanted a more dynamic lighting experience. A digitally mapped LED system was introduced on the flybridge in place of the original single-function rope lighting, using digital LED tape discreetly integrated within the space. Programmed using Lightjams, the lighting is treated as a dynamic pixel canvas, capable of delivering subtle ambient scenes through to more expressive animated effects. Real-time content is delivered to an Advatek PixLite E16 controller, enabling precise control over colour, intensity and movement. The system is accessible via a simple web interface on the vessel’s iPad and the owner’s phone, and is fully integrated with the Control4 automation platform.

Subtle warm white lighting for evening dining Dynamic colour scenes for entertaining Fully programmable lighting effects