Illuminating the beauty of Aussie wool
The versatility of Australian wool is demonstrated in a new, contemporary lighting design that has been created with support from Woolmark and launched on the international stage by Australia’s oldest luxury lighting brand Rakumba.
The innovative lighting design, called Big Glow, was created by Melbourne-based Rakumba in collaboration with Studio Truly Truly, a design studio founded by Australian husband and wife team Joel and Kate Booy who have lived in The Netherlands for more than a decade.
At the heart of Big Glow lies its pioneering use of Australian wool. Utilising technical knowledge from Woolmark, Rakumba has created a product that combines non-woven Australian wool with plant-derived compostable fibre to offer a fresh, eco-conscious approach to lighting. First-cross lambswool of 22–28 micron is being used.
The entire production process of the product, from wool-growing to final assembly, occurs within Victoria. This commitment to local production supports Australian farmers and industry, provides traceability, and reduces the environmental footprint of each piece.
The design of Big Glow was inspired by the contrast between the blazing sunlight that Joel and Kate Booy grew up with in Australia and the soft glow of interiors in Europe where they now live.
“We missed the sun, but also desired the gentle, comforting glow of soft light. We wanted to achieve this with a sustainable focus,” Joel said. “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.”
Woolmark support shines a light on wool
The development of Big Glow has been supported by Woolmark to highlight the potential of Australian wool in lighting design.
“Big Glow exemplifies how natural fibres such as wool can be integrated into modern interiors. This project is a shining example of promoting wool’s potential and natural benefits beyond traditional apparel textiles,” said AWI CEO John Roberts.
Rakumba’s Managing Director Michael Murray was raised on a wool-growing property in Victoria’s Western District so he fully appreciates and supported the use of wool in the Big Glow design. As a tribute to his roots, the century-old woolshed at ‘Wongan’ where Michael grew up is the backdrop for Big Glow’s striking marketing imagery (see above).
“Big Glow is not just a product; it’s a showcase of Australian creativity and a celebration of our heritage. I’m particularly proud that we’re showcasing the versatility and beauty of Australian wool in such an innovative way,” Michael said.
“Woolmark’s support for this landmark product development, which is set to become a future design icon, has been exceptional and is highly valued. Being able to tap in to the wealth of knowledge and expertise at Woolmark significantly helped bring Big Glow to life, and gave our product development and management teams confidence during the rigorous R&D effort that has delivered what we consider to be one of Rakumba's most significant product developments in our 57 year history.”
Performance as well as style
Big Glow isn’t just a beautiful design piece; it’s a high-performance lighting solution.
“With independently controlled interior glow and directional down illumination, Big Glow significantly ups the ante of the standard glowing sphere,” explained Head of Design at Rakumba, Dan Treacy.
“It’s functional, luminous presence fills spaces with an atmosphere of warmth while providing practical task lighting. The wool-based materiality offers natural acoustic benefits, absorbing sound and filling spaces with an atmosphere of warmth.”
Studio Truly Truly’s Kate Booy envisages Big Glow being used across both residential and contract interiors.
“A feature pendant over the dining table in a beautiful apartment, or a luminaire bringing a warm glow to a bedroom. We also see Big Glow as perfect for commercial interiors from hospitality through to education, public spaces and office areas requiring a softly-glowing yet high performing sustainable lighting solution with acoustic benefits.”
Big Glow made its global debut in April at Milan Design Week, the world’s largest trade show for interior furnishing and design. It is available in a range of sizes.
More information: www.rakumba.com.au/big-glow
This article appeared in the Winter 2025 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine that was published in June 2025. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
