We are thrilled to announce that our project for the Taronga Zoo’s Nocturnal House has been shortlisted for the prestigious (d)arc lighting design awards this year!

Taronga Zoo’s Nocturnal House offers a unique chance to encounter some of Australia’s most elusive nocturnal creatures. Lighting plays an important role in the overall function of the area as the lighting is not only required to preserve animal welfare, but it also contributes to an engaging experience to guests, enhancing the aboriginal storytelling.

By simulating reverse day and night cycles, seasons and photoperiods that are thought to impact animal biocycles, our lighting design team has created an immersive experience and dramatic nighttime environment.

Significant time was spent one-to-one with the zookeepers, fine-tuning the aiming, lensing, and intensity of the spotlights, considering the visual field of the animals to minimise the impact on foraging, nesting, and breeding activities. As a result, a world-first tailored reverse circadian function was created in the Bluetooth control programming, to support animal welfare and cater for operational needs of the facility. The daylight simulation is programmed to finish for a consistent ‘wake-up’ time for the animals each day, allowing zookeepers to operate safely in the morning before guests arrive.

The Nocturnal House at Taronga Zoo is where the unique night-time fauna meets aboriginal story telling – As guests transition into the leafy forests and dappled light of dawn, leaf projections on the floor continue the narrative. The journey is completed by the flowing water and dawning light of the platypus pools and riverbanks.

All lighting designers are invited to vote, more information on this project and the (d)arc awards can be found here.

In 1973, the planning, design, and documentation phase of the architectural project for the New British library began. The British Library was the largest public building constructed in the U.K. during the twentieth century and took 23 year to complete. Steensen Varming took on the responsibility of providing engineering services for the 200.000 square metre building complex. This architectural masterpiece was meticulously crafted to consolidate the various components of the British Library, providing a centralized space capable of accommodating approximately 3500 readers, 2500 staff members, and a considerable number of visitors.

The primary objective behind this project was to create an environment which was specifically designed to safeguard and preserve the invaluable collection of 150 million items, housed in the largest building in England.

As The British Library celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year, we take pride in our involvement and reflect on the immense impact this establishment has had over the past 250 years. It has evolved to be one of the most renowned libraries in the world, attracting an astonishing 1.6 million visitors annually while keeping a goal of becoming the most open, creative and innovative institution of its kind in the world.

By the 1970s Steensen Varming had expanded beyond European borders as the Sydney Opera House brought the company to Australia, where we left a lasting impact on this iconic landmark. Collaborating closely with Danish architect Jørn Utzon, Steensen Varming pushed boundaries of engineering excellence and sustainability while staying committed to aesthetic integrity.

By utilizing Sydney harbour’s plentiful water to provide cool air, we enabled the iconic silhouette to remain unit–free – a ground-breaking initiative on a world scale and at the largest system of its kind, making the Opera House a shining example of sustainable design.

Steensen Varming has since kept a close relationship with the Sydney Opera House and over the years been involved in various refurbishments and design projects, including the Lighting Masterplan which was endorsed by Utzon before his death, and most recently the Concert Hall refurbishment.

This year we celebrate Steensen Varming’s 90^th anniversary and 50 years of practice in Australia. Aligning with the 50^th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, this serves as a remarkable milestone that highlights our shared history of innovation and collaboration, cementing our dedication to the Opera House’s continued success and preservation.

As we enter the second half of our 90th anniversary year, we continue to share our gratitude and celebrate this significant milestone with our valued friends and collaborators.  In just three days, we shall embark on a series of intimate celebrations, taking place in the various cities of our studio locations.

The first being in Copenhagen – celebrating with Steensen Varming’s close connections and previous employees, setting the tone for the series of events that will follow. Each offering unique opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and inspiration.

While maintaining discretion regarding the specifics of these events, they truly embody the values that have guided us throughout our 90-year journey: integrity, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, values that continue to guide us as we look forward.

We hold great appreciation for the relationships we have built over the years and we believe these private gatherings will serve as a testament to fostering meaningful connections within our industry.

We are excited to share stories, exchange insights and further strengthen our relationships during these special occasions and eagerly anticipate the camaraderie and inspiration these events will bring.

Healthcare has always been an important focus of our work, today and in the past.

While our international expansion in the mid-60s was growing more rapidly than ever before, Steensen Varming always stayed well connected to the Danish roots.  In 1965, construction of Herlev Hospital in Copenhagen commenced, a project that came to span over a decade. Steensen Varming played a pivotal role providing planning and briefing advice during the early stages with expertise extending to design documentation, contract administration and site supervision ensuring flawless execution of mechanical, hydraulic, fire protection, communication and control systems.

Herlev Hospital is more than a testament to innovative engineering solutions and functional design. It stands tall as the largest building in Denmark to date and holds the distinction of being the largest site-specific artwork in the country, earning the nickname “Polychrome Hospital”. This vibrant concept was brought to life by the artist Poul Gernes, who meticulously coloured every surface, handle, and door frame across 150.000 square meters. In this carefully curated space, constructive colour properties and strategic placement combine to foster an atmosphere of positivity, encouraging a sense of wellbeing and aiding in patients’ recovery.

Herlev Hospital is a true symbol of innovation and artistic expression, a testament to the collaboration between Steensen Varming and the talented individuals who brought this vision to life. We take great pride in our contributions to this architectural masterpiece, knowing that our expertise has helped shape a healthcare facility that goes beyond functional design.

The International Day of Light is an annual, global initiative celebrating light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development. It is a reminder of the power of light and the role it plays in our lives and environment.

In our work we celebrate both light and darkness, and how lighting can transform the appearance of the natural and built environment without negatively affecting it.

One of our recent projects, the Eromanga Natural History Museum, in collaboration with Architectus, is a testament to this; the project was recognized with an IES (Qld) Lighting Design Award of Excellence and 4th place in the International Darc Awards.

Join us in celebrating the Day of Light!

In 1964, Steensen Varming joined friend and renowned architect Arne Jacobsen in designing the St Catherine’s College in Oxford, England, providing mechanical and electrical engineering services while ensuring our designs aligned with Jacobsen’s vision for the building.

One of our most significant contributions to the project was the design of an innovative heating system that used hot water piped through concrete floors to provide radiant heating throughout the building. This approach represented a significant departure from traditional heating systems and enabled greater energy efficiency while providing more even heating throughout the college.

In addition to our work on the heating system, Steensen Varming also provided lighting design and electrical and services for the college, including the design of power distribution systems, and telecommunications infrastructure.

St Catherine’s College is a stunning example of modern architecture and has since its construction become a popular destination for architecture enthusiasts and visitors to Oxford alike.

Our work on St Catherine’s College is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in construction projects. Our team is proud to have played a crucial role in bringing Jacobsen’s vision to life and having contributed to the creation of a building that is both beautiful and functional.

A few years ago we were able to resume our relationship and work on the design and delivery of the new residential buildings and graduate centre with Purcell which responds to Jacobsen’s original masterplan.

Encouraged by architects such as Sir Basil Spence, in 1957 Steensen Varming’s international expansion continued with the establishment of a London practice. This marked the beginning of a new era of growth and expansion with the first project undertaken by the London practice being the redevelopment of the old St. Thomas’ Hospital, a project on a major scale.

Located near the banks of the River Thames, St. Thomas’ Hospital was first opened in 1871 with 588 beds and the famous Florence Nightingale Nurses’ training school. However, much of the hospital was destroyed during World War II, and in 1957 the development of a new hospital on the site of the original one began.

Steensen Varming was responsible for the design, documentation, contract administration, and supervision of all engineering services related to the St. Thomas’ Hospital redevelopment. Throughout the project, Steensen Varming incorporated sustainable design features such as energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting, measures which helped reduce the hospital’s energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint.

Today, St. Thomas’ Hospital is one of London’s most important healthcare providers and has grown to include 840 beds and is celebrated for its specialized services, world-class staff, innovation, and modern facilities.