being a total comfort solution:
lighting, ventilation, climate
ceilings, acoustics. Adding a
digital layer to this provides
an extra dimension in terms
of user experience and energy
management.
Developing AI technologies
is not our core business, but
applying them is. It allows us to
evolve from a product provider
into a solution provider.
We are closely monitoring
the possibilities offered by 3D
printing. If not to speed up the
development process, to achieve
customisation.”
You are known for your rather
timeless designs. Can you
combine this with such futuristic
features?
Werner Van Rethy: “It’s
actually quite simple. The
most sustainable aspect of
kreon is primarily known for its
architectural lighting solutions,
but kreon is also a manufacturer
of ‘smart’ ceilings, why this
expansion?
Werner Van Rethy: “kreon was
founded in the 1980s on the
belief that lighting is a creative
extension of architecture.
That is still part of our DNA. In
the early 2000s, we took our
ceiling solutions a step further.
For a project in Singapore,
we collaborated with a
manufacturer of metal ceiling
systems. We were always faced
with the challenge of integrating
our lighting into the ceilings.
The idea then came to look at
the situation as a whole and
develop our own ceiling around
the lighting.
In addition to increasing quality
and uniformity, it means there
is a single point of contact on
site for everything concerning
the ceiling, instead of lots of
different partners. It’s our way of
unburdening builders, architects
and engineering firms even
more. It began with a ceiling
with lighting, then we added
ventilation and more and more
technology.”
This concept proved to have
international appeal, so can we
assume it was caught on?
Werner Van Rethy: “I am
convinced that there will always
be a market for quality and the
concept of integrated solutions.
technological developments
play a role too. For us, adding
a digital layer to our ceilings is
self-evident. It enables extensive
automation. That wasn’t
technically possible before.”
As a company, how do you deal
with new technology such as
artificial intelligence and 3D
printing?
Werner Van Rethy: “We embrace
technological evolutions. The
(r)evolution from conventional
lighting to LED lighting had
a huge impact on the lighting
industry. This technology gave
lighting a digital character.
The addition of sensors,
Bluetooth, beacons and so
on, make lighting and, by
extension, our ceilings, capable
of so much more. Our ceiling
system provides an aesthetic
value in the room as well as
efficiency thanks to the open
blade structure. That’s vitally
important to us. Just as we have
learned in recent years, due to
the tightness in the construction
industry and the challenges with
supplies and delivery times, that
speed of delivery is essential.
That’s the reason for our ceiling
rafts, a standard package we
offer on the market, in modular
form. Fast delivery and easy
installation. Previously, our
ceilings were always project-
based. Now we are turning them
into a product.”
How do new products and ideas
for ceilings come about?
Werner Van Rethy: “It depends
on several factors. In the
first instance, creativity is
ingrained in our kreon DNA,
which is invariably based on
the architectural character. We
want to continue to ensure that
our ceilings remain a creative
extension of the architecture.
Secondly, we constantly
listen to the needs of the
market. We evolve alongside
it. Consider, for example, the
shift towards energy neutrality
and the increasing importance
of comfort. In the past, the
preference was to have as
many people as possible in
the smallest possible space,
because it was cost-effective.
The focus on well-being in the
workplace ensures that a total
package like the one we offer
is in high demand. And finally,
our designs is precisely their
timeless character. It means our
products are designed to last
more than 20 years. We can
easily adapt these sustainable
products to new technologies,
which once again extends
their lifespan. The timeless
character of our products and
services is an asset, which is
why we embrace technological
evolutions to make them future-
proof, which has suddenly
become the epitome of
sustainability.”
Thanks to our integrated ceiling
concept, architects can really
get creative with the ceiling.
And it is much more efficient to
discuss this with one partner,
rather than multiple parties.
This was all achieved under the
brand name vektron. In 2009, we
changed the name from vektron
to kreon ceiling solutions
to appeal to international
customers as well.
kreon ceiling solutions made it
easier and less ambiguous.”
Now, more than 10 years later,
you’re changing the name
again.
Werner Van Rethy: “Indeed,
kreon ceiling solutions, in our
opinion, no longer reflected our
current offer. So, in late 2022, we
changed it again and opted for
vektron comfort ceilings. After
all, it’s comfort we provide to
the end user, whether through
lighting, ventilation, or acoustic
comfort, not forgetting our
climate ceilings.”
What are the ambitions for
vektron comfort ceilings?
Werner Van Rethy: “We never
stop innovating. We continue
to expand our capabilities.
This year, we are launching
a new ceiling concept called
‘ili’. It allows us to provide
a solution in buildings with
concrete core activation, in
addition to our climate ceilings.
This ceiling improves energy
“ We never stop innovating.
We continue to expand
our capabilities.”
Werner Van Rethy
40
kreonicle
41
interview
