Franz Sill

We have been developing high performance halide and LED projector systems that fufil demanding requirements in a sustainable way for more than 50 years. The foundations for this are our world class optics, thermal engineering and the fusion of innovative technology with timeless design – and the highest in quality standards. These encompass an environmentally-friendly choice of materials, the unique efficiency of our luminaires and a wide-ranging potential for individual adaption.

To see what our products can do, look at major buildings across the world for example; The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, St Pancras Station in London, the European Courts of Justice in Strasbourg, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and Building 101 in Tapai. To see how our team will help you, look at the Reviews section of this website.

• Sill UK (Click to view)

  • Sill UK

    

    Sill UK is the subsidiary of Franz Sill GmbH in the UK. We are responsible for supporting you, our UK based customer wherever you work around the world and thus we have additional management duties for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

    Our objective is to give you great customer service and intelligent and well trained design support in a friendly way. We don’t so much sell light fittings as help you light your buildings. The formula works as our small 7 person UK team has been deeply involved with such prestigeous jobs as: the Royal Albert Hall, Swiss Re, St Pancras Station, Portsmouth Spinnaker Mast, Jubillee Line Extension, Selfridges Birmingham, Heathrow Terminals 4 and 5, Wembley, Media City Manchester (new home to BBC in the North), Paddington Station and a raft of major swimming pools.

    We don’t just support Sill Berlin products, we also design some of them, such as the innovative Aeriel LED projector conceived by Pritchard Themis. We build our own high performance LED luminaires and are also proud to be agents for Pracht Lichttechnik (the tough environment, linear fluorescent people) in the UK.

• Sill Worldwide (Click to view)

  • Sill Worldwide

    You’ll see Sill at work everywhere from the America to Abu Dhabi, Berlin to Bahrain, India to Ireland, Finland to France and from China to the Czech Republic. We’ll support you every step of the way. We have agents across the globe, please click here for contact details.

• Specials (Click to view)

  • Specials

    Our factory building in Berlin is referred to as the Lichttechnische Spezialfabrik, which roughly translates as the Special Lighting Technology Factory. Our teams in Berlin and London have huge experience in designing, engineering and then manufacturing special and bespoke products from the most simple to the most challenging. It was Sill who engineered the LED projectors on the Nelson Mandela Bridge in South Africa. It was Sill who overcame the environmental challenges of salt laden 65m per second winds to relight the 254m high Storebaelt Bridge between Denmark and Sweden and it was Sill who designed the mirror system so discretely integrated into the religeous architecture of the Grand Mosque in Medina.

    More recently the UK team overcame huge challenges on a London railway station, sourcing a fire proof GRP material and engineering its use into 1.1m diameter mirrors. Other schemes have seen the engineering of large scale remote driver cabinets, feeding multiple LED fittings from 70m away, or the design and delivery of bespoke multi-function columns.

    We’d be delighted to work on your project.

• History (Click to view)

  • History

    On the 4th November 2004 Franz Sill celebrated 50 years since first starting in lighting. Through that time the company has lit many major buildings across the world, such as the Medina Mosque in Saudi Arabia with its 9000 fittings and innovative use of mirror system, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, The Berlin World Cup Stadium where the final of the World Cup was played, the Storebaelt Bridge between Sweden and Denmark, the Royal Albert Hall, Swiss Re, St Pancras and Heathrow terminals 4 and 5.

    Its legacy is in the buildings it lit, but it is for innovation, optics and quality that the company is famous. Sill produced the Europe’s first tungsten halogen projector in 1963 and the following year went on to produce the first die-cast aluminium fittings for Mercury, High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide lamps. Indeed it has been known ever since as the leader in discharge lamp optics.

    We now know Sill as a big project company, lighting Airports, Shopping Centres, Office Atria, Building Facades and Sports parks, but Sill pioneered the use of metal halide in retail lighting In 1984 Sill launched the 700 series, this innovation was later adopted worldwide.

    Reliability, testing and the quality of its photometrics have always been at the heart of the company, so it was natural to find that it already had an in-house goniophotometer before 1974.

    Now with 85 employees at its base in the famous old Pelikan Haus in Berlin, it has partners in 35 countries and has long worked in the Middle East, Asia, Australia and America as well as Europe. This international orientation has helped the company stay positive, a situation aided by its ability to design test and produce specials of the highest quality.

• Philosophy (Click to view)

  • Philosophy

    I  Quality
    Quality from start to finish made in Germany – the ultimate stamp of quality.

    II Optics
    We have world class reflector technology, judged both by its uniquely wide range, as well as their high precision and efficiency.

    III Design
    A stylish appearance is more than skin deep. Behind this is the guarantee of functionality over many years.

    IV Innovation
    Innovation is about more than just an idea. Innovation must consider and anticipate the needs of the market and align itself with these, as well as being viable in series production and in long term use.

    V Environment
    If you wish to light up the future, it’s important to consider one thing: sustainability. We do this every step of the way.

    I  Quality
    Quality from start to finish made in Germany – the ultimate stamp of quality.
    The bodyshell of SILL projectors is made of high purity aluminium alloy, the actual grade is known as (EN AC-Al Si12).The difference is the very low percentage (less that 0.1) of copper impurities, the advantage is corrosion resistance and thus ultra long life in even the most demanding environments.
    All components are sourced from renowned manufacturers, all aspects of the SILL-products and its design are of the same high quality.This approach guarantees minimum through-life cost to the end client.
    On site reliability and lamp life is a function of thermal engineering. Lamps, control gear and components all have a set maximum temperature, SILL pays as much attention to this, life guaranteeing aspect of performance as it does to all others. Of course, we have an on-site thermal and ingress protection test laboratory. And naturally we have in-house quality control management and testing according to ISO standards.
    As we move ever more towards LED technology, this background of reliability and thermal engineering underpins our exciting new products.

    II Optics
    We have world class reflector technology, judged both by its uniquely wide range, as well as their high precision and efficiency.

    SILL has world beating reflector technology, a huge range of light distributions from narrow, to asymmetric, wide or even elliptical.We will have a reflector purpose designed for nearly every lighting requirement. In terms of efficiency our computer designed, super-pure aluminium reflectors guarantee the minimum use of light energy.
    We have our own on-site photometric laboratory with rotating mirror photometer. SILL has built a world reputation for the accuracy and range of its photometrics. More than that, SILL guarantee’s the performance of its projectors.
    One of Sill’s latest products, the Aeriel LED projector clearly shows our continuing understanding of optics in this highly flexible fitting.

    III Design
    A stylish appearance is more than skin deep. Behind this is the guarantee of functionality over many years.
    Design is the optimal fusion of form with function. Striking a balance between the two
    is increasingly difficult in today’s world. Architecture require ever more complex lighting concepts, while at the same time economic viability becomes more and more crucial.
    We have unrivalled experience in major projects such as airports, railway stations,shopping malls, exhibition grounds, skyscrapers and landmark buildings all around the world.We employ a highly-qualified team of engineers and designers, who work with the latest software to plan and conduct complex light simulations.The result is a company that can look to fifty years of sustainable experience in the lighting business on the basis of innovative technology, timeless product design and luminaires with an exceptionally long lifespan.

    IV Innovation
    Innovation is about more than just an idea. Innovation must consider and anticipate the needs of the market and align itself with these, as well as being viable in series production and in long term use.
    The growing demand for innovative lighting results in new solutions.We deliver them in every form – and are often the first to do so: for example, SILL, was the first company to launch a metal halide lamp for use in retail stores as well as for exterior lighting.

    The result of many years’ close collaboration with designers are luminaires –
    initially often in the form of special fittings – that continually set new quality standards. Knowledge gained from the design of special fittings (which are manufactured to full production line standards) is then used to inspire future standard ranges. Our market oriented product development has made us the world leader in projector technology – think of it as the three dimensional shape of light. Our innovative drive ensures that it will stay that way – as you can also see from the example of our ground-breaking LED development.

    V Environment
    If you wish to light up the future, it’s important to consider one thing: sustainability. We do this every step of the way.
    There is a lot of light these days – maybe far too much at times. Throughout the entire product lifecycle of our luminaires, we make sure we are providing light for the user and not an extra burden for the environment: Our reflector technology directs light to where it’s needed, thus minimising light scatter.The high quality of our reflectors ensures minimal energy consumption.Their thermal engineering and construction ensures maximum lamp life.The quality of our materials ultimately ensures maximum recyclability.
    But that’s not all: we were the first company in the world to pioneer ‘zero light pollution’ technology a whole 25 years ago. Our German production facility complies with the most stringent European and German environmental standards. Moreover, the electricity in our Berlin factory is bought from a 100% renewable source. And we work with industrywide working groups to guarantee that our employees can enjoy a safe and positive working environment.

• What our customers say (Click to view)

  • Reviews

    These customers have not only said these kind words, but have also been happy for us to print them in the media.

    “The service we received from Sill was exemplary”
    Paul Nulty, about Heathrow T5

    "Sill has provided a particularly imaginative lighting solution, which offers great flexibility. Heritage Services managers are delighted with the results."
    Iain Johnston, about Bath Spa

    "Bob Bohannon of Sill Lighting was very helpful in calculating the capacity of the projectors and how many were needed to create an even wash against the building, so we were confident the lighting scheme would be effective.” 
    Peter Pritchard, about Cork City Hall

    "We were also impressed with the back-up technical material supplied by Sill which really helped the scheme to get initial approval from the council.”
    Michael Edward, about Charterhouse School

    “Sill Lighting was specified for its high quality optics and excellent service and support. Sill not only provided high quality luminaires for the project but also offered expertise in developing the columns and bracket arms to support the projectors. The final result, achieved through Sill’s expert lighting calculations, means that the evenly lit structure exhibits the desired floating effect.”
    Paul Nulty, about Manchester Gateway

    “Bob is an extremely experienced and talented lighting designer who was crucial to the success of the St. Pancras train shed lighting design. He worked with me during the tender and provided the model for CORBERs presentation and gave 100% support throughout the project. He is also aware of the needs of English Heritage. I would have no hesitation in trusting his design judgement and by enlisting his proper involvement it will make your life so much easier.”
    Peter Lawrence, about St Pancras Station

    "Hopefully its not too long before we get to work together again!"
    J R Krauza, about Atlantis the Palm, Dubai

    “Bob has been a remarkably patient and capable support for my projects, at various times over the past few years, bridging between the companies I've worked for and his home office. He, with his small UK team, represents the best of the Sill brand in terms of support, knowledge and advocacy. As a highly ethical environmentalist, Bob has supported many projects with a view to their efficiency and practicality with a view to the long term rather than immediately maximizing sales.”
    Thomas Patterson

    “We have worked alongside Sill on many different projects ranging from commercial builds to high end residential. We have been more than happy on all projects that Sill have been specified for, not only in terms of product performance and specification but also for their completed project support and commissioning.”
    Chris Secombe, about Heathrow T4

    “Sill Lighting’s high-end fittings ticked all the boxes when it came to the requirements of the scheme.”
    Damien Bathie-Neale, about Harlow LeisureZone

    “Sill’s high power metal halide projectors were best to meet the project requirements in terms of manufacturing quality, optical efficacy and operating temperature of up to 140F with special control gear.  After previously working with Sill Lighting on significant projects since the Rad-und Schwimmhalle in Berlin, I will always consider the company for future projects.”
    Florence Lam, about California Academy of Sciences

• The Team (Click to view)

  • The Team

    Bob Bohannon, MSc, MSLL – General Manager
    Bob combines a depth of technical and corporate skills, ably supported by the great team he has at Sill UK. Increasingly, deeply involved in LED product development, Bob also is key solutions provider in Sill’s lighting design and consultancy (Bartlett MSc as well as serving on the Executive of the Society of Light and Lighting), especially on major projects such as St Pancras, Heathrow T5, Royal Albert Hall etc. He combines day-to-day and strategic management (e.g. Blue Ocean Strategy ) plus marketing and market development including extensive international experience. A strong believer in Environmental and Corporate responsibility.

    Griff Lewis, MSLL - Technical Manager
    Hugely experienced head of our Technical Department, with strength in depth in Photometry, CAD, Specials design, engineering and manufacture.

    Steve Hine
    Steve’s role in the company is so wide that we gave up with the job description. If you want a sample, a site mock-up, to solve a site problem (SOS = Steve On Site), have a technical query, etc, etc, ring Steve.  He’s knowledgeable, ever friendly and resourceful.

    Steve Moore
    A real Sill person, having worked with the company since the early 90s. Steve gives high quality customer support to customers in Central, East and North London, as well as covering the area up to Birmingham and out to East Anglia. Steve’s special focus is on architectural lighting, be it an external façade or an internal atrium.

    Tony Cooper
    Tony supports customers in South and West London, Southern and South West England as well having a special focus on Rail Projects.

    Julie Blaine
    Sales order processing and accounting. One of our great, knowledgeable and friendly team members who you want to talk to if you want a quote, have a delivery query or want to place an order.

• Environment (Click to view)

  • Environment

    

    If you wish to light up the future, it’s important to consider one thing: sustainability. We do this every step of the way.

    There is a lot of light these days – maybe far too much at times. Throughout the entire product lifecycle of our luminaires, we make sure we are providing light for the user and not an extra burden for the environment: Our reflector technology directs light to where it’s needed, thus minimising light scatter, we were the first company in the world to pioneer ‘zero light pollution’ technology a whole 25 years ago The high quality of our reflectors ensures minimal energy consumption. Their thermal engineering and construction ensures maximum lamp life.The quality of our materials ensures a long trouble-free life, maximising the efficacy of the energy embodied in manufacture and ultimately ensuring maximum recyclability.

    But that’s not all: our German production facility complies with the most stringent European and German environmental standards. Our Catalogue is Carbon Neutral and printed on 100% chlorine free bleached paper from sustainable forests. Moreover, the electricity in our Berlin factory and UK facility is bought from 100% renewable sources. We also work with industrywide working groups to guarantee that our employees can enjoy a safe and positive working environment.

• Light Pollution (Click to view)

  • Light Pollution

    SILL luminaires receive dark-sky friendly certification

    SILL is proud to announce that its projectors have been officially certified “dark-sky friendly” by the International Dark-Sky Association. The goal of the International Dark-Sky Association is to combat the adverse effects of light pollution, decrease energy consumption and to reclaim dark, natural night skies for the benefit of both people and the environment. Its most common effect is the increasing glow of the sky above a built up area created by artificial sources of light whose light is scattered into the atmosphere. Air molecules, aerosols and fumes in the atmosphere reflect the light and brighten up the sky background – restricting the view of the stars. Nature also increasingly suffers from the artificially bright nights. Road lighting is one of the key sources for this “light fog” over the cities and contributes up to 50 % of the flare in the sky. The key solution is to use projectors that emit all of their light downwards, below the horizontal – so called flat glass projectors. Concentrating the light where it is needed, not into the sky also saves energy and reduces CO2 emission. All luminaires are subjected to a rigorous photometric testing process before they can be considered IDA-certified. This seal of approval provides objective, third-party certification for luminaires that minimize glare and do not pollute the night sky. “Dark-sky friendly” luminaires from SILL include series 453 (CityLiter), 455 Series (Plan Projector 400) and 465, 466 and 467 (Plane Projector 2000). The certification builds on 25 years of SILL’s pioneering work with ‘flat glass’ asymmetric projectors. SILL projectors provide a valuable contribution to the Environment Protection and the dark sky.
    For more information on IDA certification and the mission of the International Dark-Sky Association, please visit www.darksky.org

    Certification from the Astrophysical Institute of the Canary Islands
    The quality of the sky for astronomical research and observation over the Canary Islands is so exceptional that it has even been protected by a law, known as the ‘Sky Law’. The renowned Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has commended SILL luminaires for their sky-protecting light quality: series 021, 453, 455, 458, 460, 467, 490 and 495. This guards against light scatter, which leads to excessive light reflection from particles in the air and
    obscures the view of the sky. The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) is part of the European Northern Observatory (ENO) and supervises the compliance these severe requirements to safeguard a clear and clean sky. This eightfold certification once again
    underscores SILL’ s excellent approach towards environmental protection through its pioneering reflector technology and the systematic avoidance of light pollution.

• Clients and Links (Click to view)

  • Clients and Links

    For our parent company’s website, Franz Sill GmbH in Berlin, please visit www.sill-lighting.com

    For Pracht Lichttechnik’s website, please visit http://prachtgroup.com

    For more information on the Society of Light and Lighting, the people who wrote the book on lighting (The SLL CIBSE Code for Lighting), please visit www.sll.org.uk

    For more information on IDA certification and the mission of the International Dark-Sky Association, please visit www.darksky.org

    Sill UK has qualified and experienced Lighting Designers, however if you value the extra service and time an independent, professional lighting designer can bring to your project then please visit either www.pld-a.org or www.sll.org.uk

    Sill UK has worked with lighting designers the world over, many have become our friends and much of their work is shown on this website. We cannot mention them all, but if you want to contact them, or learn more about their work then please visit:
    
    www.arup.com/lighting
    www.bdp.com/services/lighting
    www.burohappold.com/buildings/building-environments/lighting
    www.dhadesigns.com
    www.dpalighting.com
    www.gialighting.co.uk
    www.isometrix.co.uk
    www.lightbureau.com
    www.ldpinternational.com
    www.luxpopuli.com
    www.maxfordham.com
    www.mbld.co.uk
    www.pinniger.co.uk
    www.pritchardthemis.com
    www.silcockdawson.co.uk
    www.speirsandmajor.com
    www.studiofractal.co.uk
    www.wspgroup.com

    If you are missing off this list, please let us know and we’ll try to update it as soon as possible.