On 5th April 2014, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) launched their first store in Australia signalling their entry into a buoyant and dynamic market.

This superb flagship store is sited in the ex-General Post Office Building (GPO) in Melbourne, whose evolvement is intertwined with the city’s history.

Its initial form was much different to today’s appearance, as two extra floors in different architectural styles and the Clock Tower along with numerous other architectural elements were gradually added over a long period from 1867 till 1907.

The GPO presents a vast retail space dominated by the impressively proportioned three storey glazed atrium. The artificial lighting of this space was the main challenge of the project for dpa, with a ceiling height of approximately 18 metres and all the performance and maintenance problems that this presented.

The lighting solution utilises linear recessed LED equipment contained within surface mounted profiles which are neatly integrated within existing ceiling pockets. With excellent beam and glare control characteristics, the fixtures provide a low maintenance solution that focuses light where it is needed, down the central spine of the atrium. The drivers are remotely located in the accessible roof void beyond. Also situated at high level, linear LED fixtures uplight the ceiling and reinforce the geometry of the atrium by highlighting the columnettes.

Client: Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
Interior Design and Project Manager: H&M
Architect: DesignInc
Electrical Consultant: Norman Disney & Young
Electrical Contractor: Apec