Brunei History Centre: Translucent Membranes for a Seamless Glow

Brunei History Centre: Translucent Membranes for a Seamless Glow

Bringing Light and Design Together at the Brunei History Centre

At the Brunei History Centre, design meets function in a space that preserves the past while embracing modernity. Tasked with upgrading the gallery’s lighting and ceiling system, Ligkt™ collaborated with the design team to introduce a clean, light-filled environment using translucent membrane ceilings. The result is a softly illuminated space that feels open, calm, and highly functional—ideal for an institution dedicated to education and cultural preservation.

Why Membrane Ceilings Were Chosen for the Gallery

The Brunei History Centre required a ceiling system that could deliver light quality, acoustic performance, and visual simplicity—without compromising on longevity or design integrity.

Light Diffusion for Consistent Illumination

The use of translucent membrane and membrane lighting technology allowed light to be spread evenly across the ceiling surface. Circular fixtures placed behind the Ligkt™ stretch ceiling created a soft, diffuse glow throughout the gallery. This eliminated shadows and glare, ensuring that exhibits remain clearly visible without visual distractions.

Acoustic Control in Public Spaces

Museums and galleries require more than just visual clarity—they also need acoustic comfort. The stretch membrane ceiling at the Brunei History Centre doubles as an acoustic ceiling, helping to absorb sound and reduce noise. By integrating with acoustic ceiling panels and light diffuser ceiling configurations, the system supports a calm and comfortable environment for visitors and researchers.

Seamless Integration with Existing Architecture

The Ligkt™ ceiling membrane was carefully installed using a clean perimeter track system, allowing for smooth application across the ceiling plane. The result is a pristine, unbroken surface that complements the minimalistic and modern interior, while supporting light membrane features and diffuser lights with ease.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation Through Lighting

The Brunei History Centre stands as a guardian of cultural heritage, yet its renovation reflects a forward-looking approach to design. By introducing Ligkt™ stretch membrane ceilings, the project successfully bridges traditional values with modern architectural innovation. The clean, luminous surface created by the translucent membrane supports quiet reflection while showcasing the exhibits with clarity and respect.

This lighting strategy doesn’t distract but instead contributes to a sense of stillness and focus—important qualities in a research-driven, historical space. The use of membrane lighting and diffuser lights ensures that artifacts are illuminated evenly, without glare or hotspots, preserving visual comfort and supporting long viewing periods. In many ways, this project demonstrates how modern lighting systems like stretched membrane ceilings can be sensitively integrated into heritage-focused environments, allowing the past to be experienced through a more contemporary lens—without losing its depth or meaning.

Technical Strengths That Supported the Project Vision

The project’s success relied not only on visual output but also on practical performance—from fire safety to energy efficiency.

Long-Term Durability and Ease of Maintenance

Ligkt™ stretch membrane ceilings are known for their resistance to sagging, staining, and discoloration. In high-traffic public buildings like the Brunei History Centre, these traits contribute to long-term functionality and lower maintenance requirements—an important benefit for a government institution.

Visual Clarity Without Glare

Using a combination of membrane ceiling and led light diffuser elements, the design creates an atmosphere where visibility is optimized without overpowering brightness. Visitors can comfortably view exhibitions while the space retains a sense of visual calm.

How Stretch Membranes Enhance Sustainable Lighting in Architecture

Stretch ceiling membranes support both energy-conscious lighting and environmentally responsible building practices. Their performance and visual characteristics make them ideal for modern design applications.

  • Energy-Efficient Illumination: Light diffusion through translucent membranes reduces the number of fixtures needed while ensuring even light distribution.

  • Lower Operational Costs: Fewer lighting installations mean reduced energy consumption and long-term savings for commercial or public spaces.

  • Sustainable Material Use: The ceiling membrane is made from low-VOC materials and aligns with green building standards.

  • Support for Responsible Design: Integrating sustainable membrane cladding promotes the building’s role as a future-forward and environmentally conscious space.

How Lighting Elevates the Gallery Experience

Lighting plays a vital role in how museum visitors experience a space. At the Brunei History Centre, the use of backlit translucent membranes has helped create a welcoming, open environment where history can be explored in detail. The circular lighting forms blend seamlessly into the Ligkt™ ceiling, making the light source appear as part of the architecture rather than a separate component. Combined with acoustic ceiling lighting and membrane ceiling integration, the result is a space that feels effortless yet purposeful.

By removing visual noise and reducing sound distractions, the design encourages visitors to focus on the content displayed throughout the gallery. The project reflects how ceiling architecture, when thoughtfully implemented, can go beyond structural needs and actively contribute to the atmosphere of a space. Ligkt™’s stretch membrane ceiling continues to demonstrate its potential in cultural and institutional environments, where performance, simplicity, and clarity are essential.

References

  1. Richter, K., & Lang, W. (2018). Daylight performance of a translucent textile membrane roof with multi-layer insulation. Buildings, 8(9), 118.
  2. Carvalho, A. P., Gonçalves, H. J. S., & Garcia, L. M. M. (2013). Acoustics of modern and old museums. Proceedings of NOISE-CON 2013, Denver, Colorado.
  3. Dirisu, J., Etuk, S. E., Agbasi, O. E., Oyegoke, D. A., & Ekong, S. A. (2025). Groundnut-shell and sugarcane-bagasse modified plaster‑of‑Paris ceiling panels: sustainable ceiling panels with acoustic and thermal insulation properties. Discover Materials, 5, 19.
  4. Gürlich, D., Reber, A., Biesinger, A., & Eicker, U. (2018). Daylight performance of a translucent textile membrane roof with thermal insulation. Buildings, 8(9), 118.

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