Overview

Intelligent Environments were engaged to design, supply, commission and integrate the lighting control infrastructure for the redeveloped Qantas International Lounge at Auckland Airport.

Delivered in two stages ahead of the peak Christmas travel period, the project represents a high-density lighting control deployment within a premium aviation hospitality environment. The expanded lounge accommodates more than 370 guests across dining, relaxation, wellness, and workspace zones.

The project was delivered in collaboration with Alaska Construction & Interiors (builders), NDY (services consultant), and Keece Electrical (electrical contractor).

From installation through final commissioning, Intelligent Environments worked closely with Keece Electrical, whose scope included power and lighting delivery. As Lee Hewitson, Project Manager at Keece Electrical, noted:

“They were professional, responsive, and easy to coordinate with, which made delivery on site smooth and efficient”

Operating within a live, airside international terminal, the project required strict programme control, security compliance and close coordination between trades.

Objectives

The lighting control strategy was designed to support both the guest experience and the operational requirements of a high-traffic international lounge environment.

Key objectives included:

• Creating a calm, refined atmosphere aligned with Qantas’ global lounge standards
• Enabling granular control access distinct functional areas including dining zones, workspaces, wellness spaces and amenities
• Integrating lighting scenes with AV systems to support changing operational modes throughout the day
• Improving operational efficiency through occupancy-based automation
• Delivering the full system within a tight construction programme inside a secure airport environment

Technical Implementations

Lighting Control Architecture

The installation required coordination of 13 independent DALI networks controlling approximately 600 addressable devices across the lounge.

Given the density of devices and the scale of the environment, Intelligent Environments implemented a structured addressing and network segmentation strategy. This ensured reliable communication across networks while supporting long-term maintenance and serviceability.

Each luminaire and control point was individually addressed, configured and validated through staged commissioning processes aligned with the construction programme.

Keece Electrical highlighted the clarity of the coordination:

“Communication was clear, responses were timely, and there was a strong collaborative approach from start to finish”

Integrated Lighting & AV Control

Premium airport lounges transition through different operating modes during the day. Lighting needed to respond seamlessly to these shifts while remaining intuitive for operational staff.

Custom integration logic was developed to synchronise lighting scenes with AV triggers, allowing the environment to transition smoothly between daytime dining, evening lounge ambience and event scenarios.

This integration ensured the lighting system enhanced the spatial experience without introducing operational complexity.

Zoned Lighting Strategies

Different areas of the lounge required tailored lighting behaviour.

Dining spaces, work areas, yoga zones, family spaces and show amenities were configured with independent scene presets and dimming profiles. This zoning approach allowed each area to operate according to its functional requirements while maintaining overall consistency throughout the lounge.

The result is a flexible lighting environment capable of adapting to changing occupancy patterns and operational needs throughout the day.

Horticultural Lighting Integration

The lounge also incorporates living plant walls, requiring specialised horticultural lighting.

Dedicated control channels and programmable schedules were implemented to manage plant growth lighting independently from the general hospitality lighting. This ensured appropriate growth cycles while maintaining the desired visual environment for guests.

Energy Optimisation

Occupancy sensors were deployed in amenities and back-of-house areas to minimise unnecessary runtime. This automated control reduces energy consumption while maintaining the operational standards expected in a premium hospitality environment.

Delivery in a Live Airport Environment

All works were completed within a secure airside international terminal, requiring carefully staged installation and commissioning.

Through structured preparation, contractor coordination and staged commissioning, Intelligent Environments delivered the system within programme and ahead of the peak holiday travel period.

Keece Electrical summarised the delivery standard:

“Gold standard. No issues at all”.

Project Partners and Collaboration

• Sector: Aviation Hospitality
• Builder: Alaska Construction + Interiors
• Consultant: NDY
• Electrical Contractor: Keece Electrical
• Lighting Control Platform: zencontrol
• Lighting Control Integrator: Intelligent Environments

Intelligent Environments’ role included lighting control architecture design, DALI network configuration, scene programming and system logic, AV integration and on-site commissioning and optimisation.

This integrated approach ensured the lighting control system supported both the architectural intent and long-term operational performance.

Project Outcome

The completed Qantas International Lounge now operates with

• 13 fully commissioned DALI networks
• Approximately 600 addressable control devices
• AV-integrated lighting scenes
• Zoned lighting control across functional areas
• Dedicated horticultural lighting circuits
• Occupancy-based energy optimisation

For guests, the environment feels calm, cohesive and comfortable.

For facility managers, the system provides precise control, operational flexibility and measurable efficiency.

The project demonstrates Intelligent Environments’ capability in delivering complex lighting control systems within secure, high-profile aviation environments while working in close collaboration with construction and electrical partners.

To learn more about this project or discuss a complimentary consultation for your next project, please contact us.