London design brand Hulger has launched Plumen, a product it describes as “the world’s first designer low-energy light bulb”. Update: this project is included in Dezeen Book of Ideas, which is on sale now for £12.
The sculptural light bulbs use 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and last eight times longer.
The Plumen 001 was designed in collaboration with Sam Wilkinson.
See our story about the Plumen prototypes from November 2007.
Here’s some information from Hulger:
THE WORLD’S FIRST DESIGNER LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULB
Plumen is the antithesis of low energy light bulbs as we know them. Rather than hide the unappealing traditional compact fluorescent light behind boring utility, Plumen 001 is a bulb you’ll want on show.
The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence.
“It’s strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination.”
- Nicolas Roope, Hulger co-founder and creative director
The Plumen 001 is built with beauty at its heart, glowing with the aesthetic of a sculptural object. The forms the glass tubes take are irregular yet harmonious, as the two organic shapes mirror each other to create symmetry.
The name Plumen comes from ‘plume’ – the bird’s decorative feather, designed to attract attention to its’ prowess and beauty. We believe our designs do the same for the neglected low energy light bulb.
The first Plumen concept design joined the very prestigious permanent collection at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York, while the second was featured at the Victoria and Albert museum in London.
The Plumen 001 design was developed in collaboration with designer Sam Wilkinson.
Key Facts:
- Lifetime of 8 years
- 11 Watt (equivalent to a 60W incandescent bulb)
- 680 Lumen
- Screw Cap (E27)
- Colour Temperature 2700k (warm white light)
- Not yet available in the USA and some South American countries.
About Hulger:
Hulger is a London based boutique electronics brand, famed for their unusual telephone designs for mobile phones, computers and iPads. The company was established in 2005 by Michael-George Hemus and Nicolas Roope.
Hulger products have been sold across the world and have enjoyed significant global media interest.
PRODUCT: PLUMEN 001 – DESIGNER LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULB
COMPANY: HULGER
LAUNCH DATE: 9TH SEPTEMBER 2010
RETAIL PRICE: £20
AVAILABLE AT: PLUMEN.COM
DezeenTV: Plumen 001 by Huller
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Can’s see the movie? Click here.
Is it in the process of being UL rated ?
Is it dimmable ?
Are there ies (eulumdat) curves or photometric models available ?
These are beautiful, especially when hung by themselves without a shade. They don't always work with the shade, as a detailed shade and a "detailed" bulb might not work together.
Either way, I'd love some of these and would happily hang them by themselves…
last photo, simple shade with detailed bulb looks best imho
Really great to see this concept put into production. I have a feeling they are going to be massively successful
what a beautiful concept and bi-asymetrical resolution, yet it appears just that much more vulnerable than the old incandescent bulb and generic compact fluoro, and still with mercury and disposability issues?
I agree that they're beautiful, but I'm more interested in the light quality than the design of the bulb, since I wouldn't stare directly at it when lit – so I have some concerns about it extending past the lamp shade
Fantastic idea. Probably not dimmable, but compact fluoros are here to stay– might as well make them interesting. I can see the day when 15-20 shapes are readily available to complement the fixture and shade.
i hope somebody studies how to minimize the bulb starter, for example in the thread itself
Fantastic! Definitely fills a design need.
Mmmm… Pretzels…
That is one sexy bulb.
wonderful, why did this take so long!
shades and lamps will be totally out… superb design and great efficiency. congrats
This is not exactly a revolution. Essentially your standard energy saving bulb with a fancy twist at the end. And a black holster? Not really as energy efficient as possible as the black will not reflect light as efficiently as white.
Very nice idea, well done.
I bought 3 bulbs and when I screw them in, only a very small part of the tube lights up. Are these defective or does it take them hours to light up?
Lida Lowrey
Hi Lida. Most certainly defective. Please take them / send them back for replacement. Thanks, Nicolas
I bought 3 bulbs and when I screw them in they only light up partially. It looks like only one of the twisted tubes works. Is this a defect or does it take forever for them to light up?
Lida Lowrey
Awesome bulb. I am currently using them in my newstyle coffeeshop. Looks great! :) Plumen is the way to go for energy saving bulbs.
Please let me know where can I buy these in India .I need them in a large quantity for my coffee shop .