Flush light lines · POM & SBS · project-specific fabrication
Recessed LED step lighting for timber steps, parquet, podiums and architectural edges.
Linear LED luminaires for flush installation in prepared grooves in timber steps, parquet floors and platforms. Choose frameless POM, SBS with an aluminium surround, or a bespoke luminaire for an existing recess. We coordinate the dimensions, light distribution and 24 V connection detail for auditoriums, theatres and other public indoor spaces.
A section drawing, sketch or brief description is enough for an initial technical assessment.
What the system delivers
A finished linear luminaire for flush architectural integration.
The luminaire sits inside a prepared milled groove or rebate and finishes flush with the surrounding material. The light line therefore becomes an integral part of the step, podium or parquet floor rather than an added surface-mounted profile.
- Complete luminaire body: integrated LED technology, diffuser and defined cable exit
- Restrained aesthetics: flush light lines in timber steps, parquet flooring or podiums
- Manufactured to measure: custom lengths, mitred corners and assessed radii
- System integration: matched 24 V DC power supplies, DMX/DALI dimming and backup power
Define step edges clearly in dark auditoria while keeping the timber or parquet surface flush when unlit.
Mark level changes along stages and platforms with straight runs, mitred corners or project-specific radii.
Adapt cross-sections and cable exits to existing floor build-ups, restricted recess depths and listed interiors.
Which recessed luminaire fits your detail?
POM, SBS or a project-specific luminaire.
The desired visual appearance and surrounding material determine the starting point. Available groove depth, mechanical load, geometry and electrical interfaces are then coordinated before fabrication.
POM · flush light line without a visible metal frame
Engineered for timber steps, parquet floors, stages and podiums where the light line should sit directly in the milled groove without an additional aluminium surround.
- Machined POM body with integrated LEDs, custom-built to your exact step lengths
- Standard POM-15-12: approximately 15 mm width × 12 mm installation depth
- Standard LED: 24 V DC · 4.8 W/m · 3000 K · CRI > 90 · IP20 for dry indoor areas
- Straight runs, mitred corners, curved sections and custom cross-sections on request
SBS · recessed light line with a structural aluminium edge
Designed for steps, platforms and retractable or fixed grandstands where a flush light line requires a defined metallic surround and mechanical edge protection.
- Aluminium profile housing with translucent cover, manufactured to project lengths
- Planning cross-section: 26 × 19 mm; fixing and recess detail subject to project approval
- 24 V DC · maximum 6 W/m planning value; DMX, DALI and backup-power integration assessed per project
- Proven in high-traffic grandstand and auditorium steps (e.g. Theaterhaus Stuttgart)
Existing grooves, special dimensions or heritage refurbishment?
When replacing obsolete luminaires in existing steps (such as in the Stadthalle Heidelberg refurbishment), we can adapt the luminaire width, depth, luminous surface and mounting bracket to fit the existing recess without rebuilding the stairs.
Project-specific configuration
Four parameters define the finished light line.
The visible light line remains clean and understated. The engineering sits behind it: groove geometry, optical output, cable exits and 24 V control integration are matched to your joinery and electrical plan.
- 01 · Section lengths
- Individual step widths, continuous platform runs or segmented lines – manufactured to measure and labelled by stair aisle or zone.
- 02 · Groove & geometry
- Width, recess depth, surround and luminous surface; straight sections, mitred corners or curved runs after technical review.
- 03 · Optical effect
- Colour temperature (e.g. 2700 K, 3000 K, 4000 K or RGB), diffuser transmittance and smooth low-end dimming for dark auditoria.
- 04 · Cable exit & control
- Rear, side or end cable exits, 24 V DC power supplies, DMX/DALI dimming and integration into central or self-contained battery backup.
Groove dimensions, floor build-up, fixing method and later maintenance access are coordinated before production. The agreed installation detail forms the binding basis for manufacture.
Completed projects
Three recessed solutions for three different architectural details.
POM in a university auditorium, SBS in a heavily used grandstand and 157 bespoke recessed luminaires in a listed concert hall.
Humboldt University Berlin
Flush POM light lines integrated into the main auditorium steps, side stage access and upper balcony – later expanded to DALI building control while retaining all installed luminaires.
View project →
Theaterhaus Stuttgart
Around 220 m of linear SBS recessed luminaires with aluminium surrounds integrated into the grandstand access steps for durable, flush orientation.
Stadthalle Heidelberg
157 custom-built recessed luminaires in six lengths, engineered to fit the existing timber step cutouts and paired with ten 24 V DC backup-power control units.
Read the Heidelberg case study →Installation & technical planning
What needs to be coordinated before joinery or floor installation.
Flush recessed lighting is easiest to integrate when groove width, recess depth and cable exit positions are defined before the timber steps, parquet or podium surfaces are finished.
Existing or listed structures can also accommodate recessed luminaires: available recess depth, permissible intervention and future service access determine the appropriate construction.
Construction types, dimensions and electrical data
| POM | Standard POM-15-12: approximately 15 mm width × 12 mm installation depth. Standard LED module: 24 V DC, 4.8 W/m, 3000 K, CRI > 90, IP20 for dry indoor areas. Frameless machined polymer body; custom cross-sections and assessed radii on request. |
|---|---|
| SBS | Planning cross-section 26 × 19 mm; 24 V DC, maximum 6 W/m planning value. Recessed aluminium profile surround. Groove, fixing and mechanical load require project-specific approval; actual LED configuration is agreed before manufacture. |
| Custom builds | Cross-section, luminous area, mounting brackets and cable exit tailored to existing step cutouts or special architectural details. |
| Power supply | 24 V DC system standard; power supplies, feed points and cable cross-sections are sized for the total load and allowable voltage drop. |
| Dimming & control | Matched PWM dimmers with DMX, DALI or local control. Low-level dimming and any fallback state on signal loss are coordinated with the controller and LED configuration. |
| Geometry | Custom linear lengths, mitred corners, curved podium/stage edges and segmented runs. |
The 15 × 12 mm dimensions apply to the POM-15-12 standard version. The approved project installation detail remains binding for milling tolerances and cable exit positions.
Timber, parquet and existing structures – including listed buildings
Material thickness, substructure support and fixing method must match the luminaire geometry and expected footfall or rolling loads. In refurbishment projects, we adapt the luminaire to existing cutouts or restricted milling depths.
Cable routing and later access for inspection or LED replacement are planned before installation so that interventions in historic or high-value surfaces remain minimal and reversible.
Coordinating dimming, DMX/DALI and backup power
Luminaires, 24 V power supplies and dimmers are engineered as a single system. We coordinate cable lengths, circuit grouping, low-end dimming behaviour and interface handovers to your stage-lighting or building-management system.
Integration with central 24 V battery systems or self-contained battery backup cabinets is assessed per project. Where the step lighting forms part of a statutory emergency or escape-route lighting scheme, circuit separation, runtime and compliance remain subject to the responsible electrical and life-safety engineers in accordance with national regulations.
From your drawing to the finished luminaire
Show us the construction detail. We engineer the matching luminaire.
- 01 Describe the detail Send a section drawing, sketch or photo, approximate lengths and quantities, and the project location. State the units used for dimensions.
- 02 Define geometry & optics We coordinate groove dimensions, cable exit, colour temperature, 24 V power supplies and DMX/DALI dimming.
- 03 Quotation & approval You receive a clear technical specification and project quotation as the binding basis for production release.
- 04 Manufacture & delivery We manufacture the luminaires to measure for your joinery/electrical contractor – or install them on site as agreed.
For projects outside Germany, include the destination country and your installation partner in the enquiry. The quotation confirms the supply, connection documentation, delivery arrangements and any installation or commissioning support. More about installation & commissioning →
FAQ
Common questions about recessed LED light lines.
What is a linear recessed luminaire for steps?
It is a custom-length LED luminaire installed flush into a prepared milled groove or rebate in a step, podium or parquet floor. The luminaire body houses the LED module and diffuser so that the light line finishes level with the surrounding surface.
How do I choose between POM, SBS and a custom solution?
POM is chosen when you want a frameless, minimal light line directly in timber or parquet (standard POM-15-12: 15 mm wide × 12 mm deep). SBS is used when a flush aluminium profile surround is preferred for steps or grandstands. If existing cutouts or special structural loads require different dimensions, we manufacture a project-specific version. You do not need to decide before contacting us.
Is POM always 15 × 12 mm?
No. POM-15-12 is the standard cross-section, approximately 15 mm wide × 12 mm deep. Its standard LED module is 24 V DC, 4.8 W/m, 3000 K and CRI > 90, with IP20 protection for dry indoor areas. Other widths, depths and versions are assessed against your construction detail. The approved installation drawing is binding before production.
Can recessed luminaires be integrated into existing or historic stairs?
Yes, provided the step material and structure allow a suitable groove or existing cutouts can be used. In refurbishment projects we coordinate groove dimensions, cable exits and reversible fixing details early. For listed buildings, statutory heritage approval remains with the client and responsible authorities.
Can curved steps, radii and stage edges be produced?
Yes. Curved podiums, rounded stage front edges and mitred corners can be manufactured using adapted POM or custom constructions. Feasibility is assessed based on the radius, floor build-up and desired optical effect.
Are the recessed luminaires walkable?
Flush-mounted POM and SBS luminaires are designed for installation in walkable timber, parquet and stair surfaces when supported by a full, stable substrate and installed in accordance with the agreed detail. Special point or rolling loads (such as heavy stage wagons) are assessed separately.
Can DMX, DALI and backup power be integrated?
POM and SBS use a 24 V DC system. Suitable PWM dimmers can provide DMX, DALI or local control, with low-level dimming coordinated for the selected LED configuration. Integration with central or self-contained battery backup is assessed per project. Any emergency-lighting function requires a separate project-specific design and compliance assessment.
Can we purchase the recessed luminaires for installation by our own contractor?
Yes. We supply custom-made luminaires and agreed power-supply and control components for installation by your electrical or joinery contractor. Include the project country, approximate quantities and preferred programme in your enquiry so we can confirm delivery, documentation and the required support.
Project enquiry
Which recessed light line fits your stair or podium detail?
Show us where the light line should be integrated and what optical effect you want to achieve. We will review the construction detail with you and prepare a tailored recommendation and quotation.
You do not need to have finalised POM, SBS or groove dimensions before contacting us.