“We missed the sun,but also desired the gentle, comforting glow of soft light.
We wanted to achieve this with a sustainable focus”
Remember the warmth of the sun.
It’s not just a feeling, it’s an experience.
It’s like coming home.
Light, in all its forms, welcomes us differently across the globe, shaped by geography and culture.
The Australian sun blazes with intensity, while Northern Europe basks in a gentler, cosier glow.
“Wool perfectly embodies the warm and comforting quality we were searching for. The fibres have a soft ecru colour, and the glow of the material is genuinely natural as a result.”
At the heart of Big Glow lies its pioneering use of Australian wool. Inherently luxurious, beautifully soft and enduringly relevant. Through intensive research and development and utilising technical knowledge from Woolmark, Rakumba has harnessed a material that combines non-woven wool with plant-derived compostable fibre formulated as bioplastic. This innovative blend combines a sense of luxury, sound absorption, and beautiful light diffusion.
The entire production process of the wool, from wool-growing to final assembly, occurs within Victoria, Australia. This commitment to local production supports Australian industry, provides traceability and reduces the resource footprint of each piece.
The environmental credentials of wool – a natural, renewable, biodegradable and recyclable fibre - combined with natural bioplastic results in a certified compostable material made from renewable resources.
Creating lasting beauty without lasting waste.
No. Like all Rakumba lights, Big Glow is built to last. Its unique wool blend panels retain their physical and performance qualities when installed and maintained as recommended. Biodegradation occurs only under specific, controlled composting conditions, much like an article of wool clothing.
No. Instead, Big Glow features permanent dual LED light sources, with one side facing downward and the other side directed internally. Light diffusing through Big Glow’s textile panels creates the impression of an internal light source.
Yes, this is the recommended installation method. The internal ambient glow and the downward task lighting are individually controllable (this requires two drivers and the installing electrician will need two install two switches/dimmers). For simpler installation, both internal and downward lighting can be controlled together using a single driver and dimmer. A non-dimming driver is also available, but we recommend specifying dimming to achieve the full potential of the light.
Big Glow’s unique wool blend panels need to be cared for in a similar manner to fabric upholstery and other textile furnishings. Do not use cleaning products on Big Glow’s wool blend panels.
Whilst there’s no specific restriction regarding interior spaces where Big Glow can be installed, avoid installing near heat sources, wet areas, or where moisture, smoke, oil or other cooking residue may settle on the fixture, as this will likely affect its appearance or performance over time.
Yes. Big Glow is designed to perform reliably in humid climates, and the components used are corrosion resistant for coastal locations. Big Glow is exclusively for indoor spaces.
Use a soft microfibre cloth to clean metal trims. Use a duster, compressed air, or a lint roller to clean the exterior. Do not use cleaning sprays. Big Glow is loosely sealed to reduce insect accumulation, but if insects do find their way inside, periodically remove the diffuser panel in the top of the pendant and vacuum insects out with long extension.
CRITICAL NOTE: Exercise extreme care - vacuum must be at the minimal setting to prevent damage to the textile panels.
Yes. The large size, rounded form, and naturally soft textile panels absorb and diffuse sound, enhancing acoustics in both small and large spaces. Acoustic performance test figures will soon be available for professional project consideration.
Big Glow’s textile panels are crafted from a blend of two renewable, compostable materials: locally sourced wool and a plant-derived bioplastic fibre. Additionally, Big Glow solves one of the biggest negatives of large format lighting, with a flat-pack assembly method that dramatically reduces the shipping volume and thus reduces embodied transport impact.
Yes, some assembly is needed. To minimise shipping costs and environmental impact, Big Glow is shipped with the panels partially disassembled. For a person with practical skills, assembly typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes to prepare the product for installation. Some dealers may offer pre-assembly services. Please note that after assembly, final installation must always be carried out by a licensed professional electrician in compliance with local regulations.
The square shaped side panels can be replaced in sets of two (note that this does require the pendant to be taken down and reassembled). The bottom or top ‘domes’ are replaceable as full subassemblies (the bottom dome is inclusive of the LED lightsource).
Note that replacement panels may vary in colour and texture due to variations in natural wool batching, manufacturing variations, and sun and environmental exposure of Big Glow after installation.
Big Glow has not undergone any specific moth-proofing treatments. Regular cleaning and inspection is recommended to prevent moth infestation.
Big Glow is optionally available with Dim to Warm technology. As the light is dimmed, it transitions from a mid-warm colour (3000K) to a soft, amber glow (1800K), creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Pricing varies across the range. Please contact us or your local dealer for details.
We have dealers worldwide. Find your nearest one here: rakumba.com.au/dealers
