Specifying the CTO Lighting Range at MODI Store for Architectural Projects in Dubai

 

1. Website / Company Summary

The UK-based MODI Store is a curated retailer offering “an exclusive range of contemporary lighting solutions to designers, architects and discerning customers”. (Modi)
Within their catalogue is the CTO Lighting range, presented under the “CTO Lighting” collection on the MODI Store website. (Modi)
Key points from the collection:

• Items include designer pendants, wall-lights and bespoke fixtures (“hand-crafted to order” in many cases). (Modi)

• Finishes and controls: for example, the Modulo Vertical Pendant is offered in Smoked Kiln + Matt Opal glass, structure finishes Antique Bronze/Bronze/Satin Brass, and lighting control options including Integrated LED, DALI A or DALI B. (Modi)

• The Contour Wall Light has IP44 rating option (for bathrooms) with Clear or Bronze kiln-glass, metal frame in Antique Bronze, and integrated LED 19W (2700K) delivered from UK. (Modi)

• Delivery lead times and shipping: From MODI’s site: “Free Delivery on all UK orders over £250”. (Modi)

2. Product / System Description

Product categories: The CTO Lighting collection covers chandeliers, pendants, wall lights (also floor/table Lamps in the brand). For architectural use these are high-end, bespoke fixtures. For example:

• The Modulo collection (pendant/wall) uses modular forms: “Glowing domes are arranged in a linear pattern … Each smoked kiln-cast glass piece is unique, hand-crafted by artisans” (from MODI product listing). (Modi)

• The Contour wall-light: design emphasis on materiality and texture — “clear kiln glass with gently curved patinated metal frame … elongated form and sculptural surface”. (Modi)

Materials & finishes:

• Hand-blown or kiln-cast glass (smoked kiln glass, clear kiln glass) — high material quality. (Modi)

• Metal finishes: Brass, Bronze, Antique Bronze, Satin Brass, etc.

• Integrated LED lighting source (e.g., 2700 K for pendants, 19 W for wall light) — relevant for specification of lighting levels and colour temperature. (Modi)

• Control options: Standard integrated LED, DALI (digital lighting control) options — which is important for intelligent lighting systems. (Modi)

Key advantages:

• Bespoke and artisan finish — adds luxury aesthetic, suited for high-end residential / hospitality / executive interiors.

• Variety of finish and control options — flexibility in integration into lighting scheme, including DALI.

• High material quality (glass + metal) — durability, premium feel.

• The Collection includes wall lights with IP44 rating (e.g., for bathrooms) making them applicable beyond simple decorative spaces. (Modi)

• Offered by a trade/architect-friendly supplier (MODI) with free delivery (for UK). While the shipping to Dubai needs checking, the model supports international deliveries. (Modi)

Limitations / considerations:

• Lead times: Many items are “hand-crafted to order … lead time: 6-8 weeks” (e.g., Contour). (Modi)

• Cost: These are premium fixtures (prices quoted in thousands of £) — budgeting accordingly is critical.

• Complexity: Bespoke finishes and control options may require coordination with electrical/lighting engineer (DALI, mounting, drop heights, etc).

• Shipment / import: For Dubai projects, need to consider shipping, customs, import duty, and local compatibility (voltages, control protocols).

• Specification of IP rating: While some items have IP44 (for bathrooms), many may not have higher IP ratings for full outdoor or wet-zone use — ensure correct IP rating for the application.

3. Relevant Specification / CSI MasterFormat Reference

For specification purposes in a Dubai architectural project, the correct CSI MasterFormat section would be:

• Division 26 (Electrical) → 26 51 00 “Interior Lighting Fixtures” or 26 56 00 “Exterior Lighting Fixtures”.
  Given that these are decorative interior luminaires, likely 26 51 13 – Pendants (for pendant lights) or 26 51 23 – Wall Mounted Lighting Fixtures (for wall-lights).
  So, a full section might read: 26 51 13 Pendant Lighting Fixtures – CTO Lighting collection via MODI Store.
  Explanation of alignment:

• The spec aligns with the Dubai consultant specifications as it clearly identifies lighting fixtures (type, manufacturer, model, finish, control options).

• It ensures inclusion in the electrical schedule and integration with lighting control (DALI) and lighting design criteria (colour temperature, luminous flux, control zones).

• It helps coordinate electrical mounting, supports, and regulatory compliance (e.g., local lighting energy efficiency requirements).

4. Regulatory / Local Context for Dubai

For Dubai/ UAE architectural projects, some key regulatory and local standards to consider when specifying such fixtures:

• The Dubai Municipality Building Code (based on UAE Energy Code) requires lighting systems to meet energy-efficiency criteria (luminaire efficacy, lighting control). Your specification of DALI control and LED sources aligns with these requirements.

• The Dubai Central Laboratories Department (DCLD) certification may be required for electrical equipment imported into Dubai — ensure the fixtures have appropriate certification or are listed for import.

• For hospitality/residential projects, the Dubai Tourism (or other authority) may include lighting design guidance for lux levels, CRI (Colour Rendering Index) for certain spaces (e.g., F&B, retail). The spec should include lumen output and CRI data (request from manufacturer).

• For wet zones (bathrooms, outdoor terraces) ensure correct IP rating — specify IP 44 for semi-wet zones, higher IP (IP65 etc) if required for full outdoor use. The Contour wall light has IP44 version. (Modi)

• Fire safety: Ensure the luminaire installation complies with the local fire/safety code in Dubai (mounting clearances, driver accessibility, smoke/heat zones).

• Warranty and maintenance: Since Dubai projects often face high humidity, dust and high heat, confirm that the fixture is suitable for these conditions (though many luxury UK-made fixtures may not be fully rated for harsh exterior zones in UAE). Oversight by MEP consultant recommended.

• Integration with building automation: DALI control offered by CTO is suitable for integration into building management systems (BMS) often required in Dubai luxury developments.

5. Benefits for Architects / Consultants in Dubai

• Design impact: The CTO range offers visually strong, bespoke lighting fixtures that can become architectural features or focal points in lobbies, high-end residences, villas, boutique hotels.

• Material & finish quality: For luxury interiors in Dubai, high-end materials (brass, bronze, kiln-glass) support premium brand positioning and client expectations.

• Flexibility in control and finish: Consultants can specify lighting control zones (via DALI), finishes to match interior palette, and custom drop heights (e.g., the Modulo pendant lets you adjust drop rod on site). (Modi)

• Compliance & specification readiness: By including these fixtures in the electrical / lighting specification (CSI 26 section) and coordinating with design teams (lighting designer, MEP, interior consultant), you streamline specifying and procuring high-end fixtures.

• Differentiation: Using a UK luxury brand gives the project a distinct value proposition and may support marketing or branding of the development.

• Consultation support: The retailer (MODI) offers trade support / consultation, which can assist Dubai-based consultants with product choices, finish samples, and shipping logistics. (Modi)

6. Summary & Recommendation

In summary, specifying the CTO Lighting range via MODI Store is highly suitable for high-end architectural interiors in Dubai — provided the consultant addresses technical, regulatory, and procurement considerations:

• Confirm lead times, shipping to UAE, import duties and compatibility (voltage, control systems).

• Ensure technical data (lumen output, CRI, control interface, IP rating) is obtained and included in drawing schedules.

• Coordinate with MEP / lighting designer for mounting, drop heights, structural support and control zones.

• Incorporate the fixtures into the CSI specification (e.g., 26 51 13 for pendants, 26 51 23 for wall-lights).

• Verify that the chosen finishes and glass types suit the interior environment (humidity, dust, heat) in Dubai, and that any outdoor/exterior zones use appropriately rated fixtures.

• For smaller projects (luxury villas, boutique hotels) these fixtures can become statement elements; for larger commercial projects ensure budget and procurement lead times are aligned.

7. Suggested Visual for Blog Post

I suggest using a high-resolution image of the Modulo pendant in a luxury interior (preferably with smoked kiln glass + bronze finish), which visually illustrates the craftsmanship and architectural presence.
Here is a link you can use or embed: https://modistore.co.uk/products/modulo-vertical-pendant (scroll to the images section).

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References for further reading

• CTO Lighting brand history and materials. (Space Lighting)

• MODI Store CTO Lighting product listing (Mod­ulo). (Modi)

• MODI Store general lighting store description. (Modi)