Etoile

Etoile is a constellation drawn in nickel. Christian Lava built it from straight, slender metal rods that cross and recross at every angle, an open and deliberately irregular geometry, with small G4 lamps set deep inside it. The light appears as points rather than a glow, like stars seen through branches.

It changes as you move. Walk past an Etoile and the points of light seem to twinkle as the rods pass in front of them, while the lattice throws a web of fine-lined shadow across the walls and ceiling. Even switched off, it holds the eye as a piece of drawing in three dimensions.

There are four forms, all in nickel plate: a round chandelier 70cm across, a linear chandelier 130cm long, a pendant 16cm across and a 63cm wall sconce. Together they let one idea run through a whole house or hotel floor.

In the room

The linear chandelier is made for a dining table or kitchen island, and as a guide suits a table of around 180 to 240cm. The round chandelier, only 25cm deep, sits well over a round or square table, or centred in a living room or bedroom where the ceiling is not especially high. Its suspension adjusts on site down to 40cm overall, so it can hang close to a lower ceiling.

The pendants are at their best in threes, hung at staggered heights over a console, a bedside or a stair. The wall sconce, tall and narrow, flanks a mirror, a doorway or a bed, or runs in sequence down a corridor.

Because so much of Etoile's effect is shadow, it is at its strongest against pale walls and ceilings, which take the pattern and carry it across the room.

Hand-crafted by Terzani's artisans in Florence.

Configurations

• Round chandelier, Ø70cm, 25cm deep, 16kg, 16 x 1.2W G4 LED (LED versions)
• Linear chandelier, 130cm long, 20cm wide, 20cm deep, 9kg, 8 x 2W G4 LED (LED versions)
• Pendant, Ø16cm, 1kg (2kg on the DALI version), 1 x G4 lamp
• Wall sconce, 63cm tall, 12cm wide, 13cm projection, 2.8kg, 6 x 2W G4 LED (LED version)

Specification

• Designer: Christian Lava
• Material: Metal
• Finish: Nickel plated
• Light source: Dimmable G4 12V LED lamps on every version
• Dimming: By version: mains dimmer (IGBT or TRIAC), 1-10V (round chandelier), DALI, or non-dimming; the round chandelier DALI version also takes push and 1-10V control
• Suspension: Clear cord with steel cable; overall height adjustable on site, up to 200cm (chandeliers) or 190cm (pendant)
• Canopy: Nickel plated on the chandeliers; white on the pendant
• Certification: CE
• Origin: Made in Italy

Every Etoile is made to order. Caspen manages the specification with you, from form and control system to suspension lengths, and confirms the lead time when you order. Bespoke cord lengths, finishes and cluster designs are available through the studio.