Juniper MULTIVERSE Runs Ribbons Around Normal Track Lighting


On one hand, the Juniper MULTIVERSE System shares many of the hallmark traits of form and function associated with traditional track lighting. But to compare the Connecticut-based company’s architectural technology to its outdated and often maligned predecessor would be doing the low-voltage power distribution system a disservice, as Juniper’s modular and magnetic system lays out possibilities reaching beyond mere illumination, all with a much more aesthetically pleasing package.

Speaking via video chat from the company’s central Connecticut headquarters and showroom housed within a historic mill – Juniper founder Shant Madjarian remotely outlined the MULTIVERSE System’s key components and features, piece by piece to allow for a better grasp of the what, why, and how. Complemented by a sample pack containing several MULTIVERSE track segments and connectors delivered ahead of our chat, Madjarian delved into the inspiration and impetus in designing their innovative approach to a well established lighting solution.

Overhead of an open box filled with Juniper’s MULTIVERSE System track lighting components, including ribbon tracks, connectors, a pair of ribbon mounted spotlight modules, all inset into cutouts matching each component shape.

A sample pack of Juniper’s MULTIVERSE System track lighting components, including a pair of ribbon mounted spotlight modules. Ribbon segments secure onto screw mounted clips across nearly any interior surface, with lighting components securing into place magnetically. Photo: Gregory Han

Madjarian cites a concept using tape enhanced with low profile circuitry to deliver power as the inspiration behind the development of MULTIVERSE. The barely-there design was later refined by Madjarian and the Juniper team into a modular system of ribbons measuring a mere 7mm in height with immediate obvious applicability within residential and commercial spaces.

“Looking at [MULTIVERSE] you would not know it’s lighting,” says Madjarian about Juniper’s power delivery system, an impression further emphasized by the company’s catalog of pre-finished colors and materials that inspire possibilities rather than serving mere practicalities.

Three Juniper MULTIVERSE spot lights in white installed along a length of white ribbon track partially painted in blue illustrating how the system can be painted to blend into a wall environment.

Ribbons are available in numerous color and material finishes, but can also be painted once installed onto surfaces to further blend into walls.

Bold blue vertical MULTIVERSE ribbon installation set along wall near desk and chair with length of ambient lighting module providing additional vertical light and spotlight pointing from above toward small arrangement of flowers in vase on the desk.

One intriguing option made possible by the modular and low profile design is the option to run ribbons vertically to add task and ambient ribbon lighting near workspaces. A new linear ambient ribbon element shown above tracks the same 1/4″ thickness for a seamless presence across walls.

Piecing together like architectural playthings, the MULTIVERSE ribbons are designed to be easily and quickly connected at lengths up to 150 linear feet. Powered from a single driver, connected lights are dimmable and can also be operated separately or in harmony using one of two included circuits.

A selection of Juniper MULTIVERSE System components, including ribbons connectors and small brass and red spotlights.

The MULTIVERSE System’s ribbons range from 2-feet,  4-feet, and 6-feet length. Regardless of their length, each piece conceals Juniper’s proprietary 24V high-efficiency dual circuitry. Madjarian emphasizes how the design offers clients the option to discreetly recede the lighting system into an interior space or utilize them more expressively to bring attention to their presence as a bold graphic element.

Off-white room with small angled staircase framed by a bending length of Juniper MULTIVERSE ribbon tracks in black, with long ambient light module to the left following down one side of the wall and a small spotlight on the ceiling.

Traditionally track lighting’s linear path was limited to an em-dash’s length. The MULTIVERSE system’s catalog of curving and connecting components opens the possibility to create a graphical element winding across varying topography, corners, and changing planes for interesting effect.

One hand holding MULTIVERSE ribbon from side to show 1/4 inch thickness, another hand squeezing it from each side from the front to show the ribbon width

The MULTIVERSE System’s tracks measure only 1/4-inch thick, a ribbon-like profile that houses 24V high -efficiency dual circuitry. Components connect using a magnetic system allowing up to 15 miniature spot modules that are in turn easily adjusted along the track length and also their angled aim.

Red suspension ribbon track with one spot light attachment hanging from ceiling. Light is pointing toward the bottom right at an angle.

An optional suspension ribbon track brings illumination closer to nearby surfaces or aimed away as an ambient light source.

Four cylinder pendant lamps hanging over a modern kitchen island through an arched doorway. Kitchen is painted a clay red with herringbone wood flooring.

The MULTIVERSE System isn’t limited to wall mounted tracks, but also offers the option to use luminaire adaptors for hanging pendants, stems, and a selection of Juniper’s THIN System fixtures. Juniper recently released new cylinders with reeded glass fittings and 500, 1,000, and 1,500 lumens outputs.

Magnetic adaptors are a key component the Juniper system’s adaptability, subtracting the necessity to run internal wiring when adding additional compatible spots. Which brings up perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Juniper MULTIVERSE System’s future: “We’re investigating partnering with select manufacturers to develop add-on components for the MULTIVERSE,” explains Madjarian. “For example, small audio speakers, security monitoring devices, and other technologies that can be liberated from wall outlets and added where most needed, wanted.”

While Juniper has yet to announce such partnerships, they believe a year from now the MULTIVERSE System will live up to its moniker and expand in scope well beyond lighting and into an entire smart home platform.

Bright rich yellow LED spotlight installed onto wall using round cover plate, with part of a MULTIVERSE ribbon in the same color to the right.

Designed as a complementing component, monopoint fixtures can be mounted with or without 5” cover plates to deliver light in support of the ribbon system.

Two pink architectural track heads pointing in opposite directions installed onto ceiling with pink fabric pleated curtain in similar color in background.

MULTIVERSE architectural track heads feature 1,000-lumen and 1,500-lumen outputs and start at $250 each.

“Juniper is a tech-driven lighting company, and although we like vintage track lighting,” says Madjarian. “We set out to design track lighting that clients want to install rather than need to install.” The Juniper MULTIVERSE System is currently aimed at the trade segment and still requires professional electrician installation, but the company hints of the development of direct-to-consumer products down the line, including the development of a Juniper app intended to integrate MULTIVERSE’s linear luminosity to operate in seamless coordination with other modular additions riding the line of the company’s low-voltage LED power distribution system.

For more information about the MULTIVERSE System visit juniper-design.com or if you happen to be in New York City, appointments can be made at the brand’s SoHo showroom at 1 Crosby Street.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.



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