Maidstone Museum was opened in 1858 and contains over 600,000 artifacts and specimens, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the south east of England outside of London. The museum was awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund providing for new art galleries, better visitor facilities, and improved storage for the collections. The extension, which opened recently, was envisioned as an elegant link between the old and the new. Lighting plays an important role in creating simple, modern spaces which are carefully designed to complement, rather than compete with, the heritage of the existing building.

We selected the Whitegoods Linear fittings because they are beautifully engineered and they offer a visual simplicity that works very well as a counterpoise to the craftsmanship of the existing listed building.”
Gianluca Rendina, Associate, HBA

Balancing the natural light within the space, continuous linear recessed luminaires are mounted directly opposite the clerestory north lights. As daylight fades the luminaires fade in to provide enough ambient light to the gallery space. The light in effect still comes from the same position, mimicking the natural light effect.