Share Post:
Born from our iconic Alton pillar light collection, this striking chandelier was designed in-house by our talented team in collaboration with London-based architecture practice, Stanesby Architecture. Created for a landmark Hyde Park residence.
When our client approached us to light a particularly striking architectural feature, a stairwell with a towering 14-metre ceiling height and a tight 750mm x 2.4m void, they originally envisioned a chandelier with a 3 – 4 metre drop. But we knew we could create something far more impactful. This project quickly evolved into a show-stopping example of long drop stairwell lighting, where challenges became creative opportunities.
With the chandelier suspended directly from a central skylight, we had to respect a strict 100kg weight limit. This meant getting inventive not only with the design, but also with the materials and structural fixings. We developed a bespoke suspension shackle, just 70 – 80mm in diameter, that could be fixed securely to the limited flat space available on the skylight while supporting the entire fitting.
Due to the narrow stairwell, every aspect of the chandelier had to be designed with modularity in mind. The final piece comprised 20 individual components, including nine light fittings, all carefully prepped to be wired and assembled in-situ. The lights were positioned at 120-degree intervals around the central column, creating a beautifully balanced visual effect despite the confined installation area.
Product: Alton lighting collection
To stay under the weight restriction without compromising on aesthetics, we used a clever combination of brass, stainless steel, and aluminium. Each element was then brass-plated and hand-patinated to achieve a rich, rubbed bronze finish specified by the client. The result? A seamless, luxurious look that gives the impression of solid brass, with none of the weight challenges.
Image: Custom light fittings for the Alton Cactus chandelier project | Explore modern chandelier ideas
One of the technical hurdles was ensuring consistent LED performance along the entire 11.5-metre drop. This required carefully gauged internal cabling that could carry power reliably from the transformer through the full length of the chandelier, another detail that made this bespoke chandelier design a triumph of both form and function. Inside the distinctive borosilicate glass tubes are precision-cut parchment liners that gently diffuse a warm 2700K LED light. The entire system is controlled by an integrated automation system, offering complete dimming flexibility.
Product: Alton Lighting Collection | Explore: Bespoke staircase cluster
At Fritz Fryer, we design for longevity. The Alton Cactus Chandelier is fully serviceable in situ using only simple hand tools, ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term integrity. This bespoke chandelier project is a shining example of how Fritz Fryer transforms complex briefs into beautifully resolved lighting features. This isn’t just a chandelier; it’s a future heirloom, an iconic, enduring centrepiece within a landmark home.
The Alton Cactus was born.
A bespoke stairwell chandelier has been custom-designed by our talented bunch of lighting designers which has been tailored to fit the dimensions, style, and structural limits of a staircase void.
Each stairwell is totally unique but with our dedicated in house design team we can suggest installations methods such as modular assembly, lightweight materials, and bespoke suspension methods.
Yes, if our standard cluster options don’t fit the space, no worries we have a team of designers who specialise in custom lighting solutions for grand spaces.
This luxury chandelier installation involved engineering a custom chandelier with an 11.5m drop suspended from a skylight under strict weight restrictions.
At 93kg, it’s one of our most technically complex bespoke chandelier designs to date, created specifically for a grand staircase in a London residence.
Absolutely. Fritz Fryer offers tailored lighting design and installation services for residential, heritage spaces, and commercial settings.
For tall stairwells, especially in grand or luxury homes, we recommend long drop stairwell lighting solutions, such as our cluster pendant chandeliers or totally bespoke chandeliers.
These types of fixtures are perfect for illuminating a space with multiple levels.
Provided the correct load-bearing and safety standards are met. For example In this Alton Cactus project, we suspended a 93kg chandelier from a skylight using a custom-fabricated suspension shackle that had been tested and was adhering to the max weight requirements of the skylight.
Yes, we often design stairwell chandeliers as part of a larger residential lighting scheme.
In this Border Oak Home project, we provided cohesive lighting throughout, including a central stairwell pendant that matched the property’s character and style.
Yes. While we’re known for high-end residential projects, we also create impactful stairwell lighting for commercial interiors.
See ourmulti-pendant chandelier in this office stairwell for a sleek, functional design in a modern workspace.
