In 1984, José Luis Latrás created the Oscaluz brand in a small 150 m2 shop in Valencia, where he manufactured classic lamps and sold electrical goods. A philosophy of excellence and product differentiation, which he always felt was key, eventually transformed the small Valencian business into the company known today as Arkoslight.
Since its launch, it has been able to innovate and adapt to market needs through initiatives such as its '24K gold plating', its initial commitment to halogen light sources and large-scale 'portholes', the immediate incorporation of LEDs and a corporate shift towards 360º design thinking. This process has made Arkoslight one of the leading firms in the lighting sector.
The implementation of "design thinking”
With the appearance of LED as a light source at the beginning of this century, the company made the biggest strategic change in its history: the definitive change of the trading name to Arkoslight and a global commitment to becoming a company was the leitmotif and the raison d'être behind its values and philosophy.
At that time, Rubén Saldaña took over product management. He knew how to take advantage of the LED disruption and all the product lines were renewed, following the company's new strategic line based on taking design beyond the mere product. The implementation of "design thinking" at the heart of the company was what gave it a differential value in the lighting market.
Minimalist design and commitment to the environment
The Hogar de la Luz is the place that embodies the essence of Arkoslight and expresses its principles through modern, elegant and minimalist architecture. Designer, Francesc Rifé, and architect, Víctor García did not hesitate to provide this space with a sober and timeless aesthetic where artificial and natural light are balanced.
An avant-garde, sustainable and innovative philosophy that is evident both in the company's headquarters and in its products. The company has opted for essential minimalism, and this approach is also reflected in all organizational areas and in the product life cycle: design, production, assembly, packaging and recycling.
It all originated from the idea: "less is more". This is the principle behind each of Arkoslight's designs. Design by stripping down to the essentials: miniaturization of components, synthesis and geometry in form, and functionality of use.
International award-winning products
Arkoslight offers its patrons and customers a wide range of products with something to suit every need. Many of these lighting solutions have won prestigious international awards such as the Red Dot Design Award, the IF Product Design Award, the European Product Design Award and the Archiproducts Design Award.
Among the latest award-winning products you will find:
The 'Up' lamp and its light, projected vertically, which brings a natural glow into the room.
‘Top Fancy Shape', the only luminaire on the market that allows you to configure a complete lighting installation from a single point in interiors where recessing is not possible.
‘Yoru' designed by Rubén Saldaña: A portable, rechargeable, cordless and ideal lamp for terraces because of its resistance due to its solid aluminum base.
‘Minimal Track': a low-voltage (24V) surface or suspension track system where the miniaturization of the profile, luminaires and components reaches a new level. It is intended for spaces where miniaturized lighting is required, shop windows, areas with low ceilings, or to keep things inconspicuous where the track can be clearly seen.
'Black Foster': downlight that always looks the same, whether switched on or off. The light source is almost invisible, glare is eliminated, and visual comfort is maximized.
‘Art', designed by Rubén Saldaña & Luis Latrás. This is a suspension luminaire, rational and minimalist, which allows great freedom in terms of design. Individually it looks restrained, but combined with other elements in different ways it reveals itself to be a sculptural piece.
Finally, you have 'Alaska', a jewel of suspended light. A magical sphere of solid glass that has an inexplicable magnetic appeal. In terms of interior design it brings an iconic feel, warm and seductive. Its optical glass globe encloses a teardrop of light and the whole thing is a work of craftsmanship, polished by hand to create a unique piece.
Internationalization and projects
Arkoslight's internationalization began thanks to the prestige it gained in the market. This allowed it to start signing agreements with important German distributors, and this boosted the Valencian company's turnover and production volume. In this way, it established itself in the international market with a penetration based mainly on electrical goods distributors points of sale and lighting specialists.
In recent years, the company's turnover has grown by +137%, based on exports, which has led it to position itself today as the eighth largest Spanish lighting exporter and to market its products in more than 80 countries. In 2021, Arkoslight's international sales volume was 73%.
The Valencian company has participated in numerous international projects, not only supplying the products on demand but also designing the lighting for spaces in line with their needs.
Recent projects include the showroom at Sub Zero & Wolf in Sydney (Australia) where you can find the projector for Fit 48V applications; the Laufen Boutique in Moscow (Russia) designed by the Francesc Rifé Studio and lit using the Fit recessed projector and the Shot Light luminaire; the ASH London store, also designed by the Francesc Rifé Studio and featuring the Shot Light luminaire; and finally the "Casa Cook" hotel in Rhodes (Greece) where the Top and Shot Light M luminaires and the Swap M recessed spots are installed stands out.
