Canada Water Boardwalk

The new Canada Water boardwalk in London demanded a lighting strategy that combined strong visual identity with ecological sensitivity. Working with architect Asif Khan and developer British Land, lighting designers Speirs Major created a scheme that delivers a safe, welcoming after-dark experience while protecting the dock’s restored wetlands and bat corridor. Lumino’s V20S OPTIC linear lighting system plays a central role in realising this balance.

Canada Water Boardwalk

Hundreds of V20S OPTIC fittings are concealed within the balustrades of the boardwalk, ensuring the timber structure designed and built by Xylotek, remains the focus. Warm white light softly washes the distinctive red-stained timber, highlighting its undulating form and materiality. The optical linear lens produces a controlled, graduated wash across the deck, guard rails, and exterior fins. Light levels are tuned to ensure pedestrian safety without excess brightness or spill, allowing visitors to enjoy both the walkway and the surrounding wetlands. Integrated bench lighting adds low-key accents for moments of pause.

As the docks area is a designated bat corridor, our lighting needs to adapt to seasonal ecological patterns. In winter, when bats hibernate, the boardwalk lighting activates at 3000K to support commuters, gradually dimming and warming to 1800K as night falls. In summer, when bats are active, the lighting comes on later at minimal brightness in a very warm tone. This adaptability was made possible through Lumino’s ColorTUNE technology, which allows smooth, programmable shifts in colour temperature. The result is a light tailored for both people and nature.

Canada Water Boardwalk

The Canada Water project demonstrates the advanced features that make the V20S OPTIC an ideal choice for complex public realm environments:

  • Compact 20×20 mm profile – seamless integration into slim architectural details.
  • Custom lengths – precise fabrication from 105 mm to 2005 mm for continuous, gap-free illumination.
  • ColorTUNE tunable-white LEDs – wide 1800K–4000K range to meet both human comfort and ecological needs.
  • IP67 rating – full water and dust protection, essential for installations over docks and wetlands.
  • Micro-louvre glare control – eliminates reflections on the water and shields direct view of LEDs.
  • Optical linear lens – delivers an even, controlled wash of light across timber and structural surfaces.
Canada Water Boardwalk

Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project and to support this, the V20S luminaires are included in Lumino’s loop™ repair scheme. The lights are EcoDesign compliant, and can be maintained and upgraded over decades, extending potential lifespan beyond 25 years. This circular approach reduces waste and supports the project’s environmental ambitions.

The Canada Water Boardwalk shows how innovative lighting technology and sensitive design can transform the public realm. Lumino’s V20S OPTIC provides lighting that is aesthetically refined, technically advanced, and ecologically responsible. Pedestrians now enjoy a warm, safe, and welcoming night-time environment, while local wildlife continues to thrive. Lumino is proud to have contributed to this landmark project, demonstrating how carefully considered lighting can support both people and ecology in equal measure.

  • Location: Canada Water, London UK
  • Owner: British Land
  • Architect: Asif Khan
  • Lighting Design: Spiers Major
  • Credits: All Images © Luke Hayes

Certification