In luxury and high-end homes, it’s often the smallest details, such as flawless workmanship and considered design elements, that take the finished product to the next level. In recognition of this, Clipsal has recently released an inspiring new collection of light switches and power points specifically designed to exceed the expectations of your most discerning clients.

‘Solis’ means sun, and Clipsal put the same energy and dedication into creating this collection as architects, designers and builders put into creating outstanding homes.

‘Solis meets a market need for a beautiful, functional product that could sit easily in high-end projects, while satisfying the technical requirements of electricians and delighting homeowners,’ says Tim Turrini-Rochford, Schneider Electric’s VP Design Asia Pacific.

The design story

The Solis design project was led by internationally renowned designer Jim Hannon-Tan, whose extensive portfolio includes Tom Dixon, Marcel Wanders, Magis, Muji, Flos, and Alessi.

Jim and the Asia Pacific Design Lab team, based in Adelaide, were given a broad brief. ‘It was very much in terms of needing to be timeless, having to work in a variety of applications, and removing extraneous decoration,’ explains Tim. ‘We might have a product that will sit in a wall for 20 or 30 years, so we have to tap into themes that are consistent across decades.’

The design and engineering team consulted with architects, interior designers, electricians and homeowners to ensure that the finished product delivered excellence at every level – from installation and aesthetic values through to end-user functionality.

‘What we do fundamentally has a function first, and that function is the most important thing,’ Tim says. ‘The design is more about elevating that or expressing that function in a really interesting, novel or high-quality way.

Modernist classic

Visually, Solis is unlike any other light switch on the market. Its playful asymmetry references the ‘golden rectangle’, and the elongated, geometric form of the plate contrasts with the organic circular button.

Clipsal Solis is available in two ranges: Solis Series and Solis T Series. Jim Hannon-Tan says that the inspiration for the materials used across both series was informed by extensive research into mid-century modernism.

Solis T Series, which blends the old-school feel of robust toggles and brushed metal with modernist square edges and thin, flush covers, is available in two brushed metal finishes-Platinum Aluminium and Ebony Aluminium. The range also includes a world-leading white ceramic.

‘We’ve used an industrial ceramic borrowed from high-tech industries,’ Tim says. ‘It’s an incredibly tough, super hardwearing material that resists dirt, fingerprints, and scratches. It also has a luxurious satiny texture.’

The refined design of the Solis Series is brought to life in a simpler form, featuring two smooth matte finishes that showcase versatile, monochromatic simplicity. Available in black or white, the push-button and switch design sits flush in an elegant, ultra-slim cover.

The smart selection

Beyond its refined aesthetic, the Solis Collection is backed by Schneider Electric’s world-leading engineering, facilitating simple installation, customisable lighting solutions and seamless integration with home automation systems.

‘It’s not just a light switch; it brings in all of the technology from Clipsal in the back end and integrates with Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home for scalable smart home automation,’ Tim says. Specifiers can also choose additional features, such as dimmers, USB Type-C fast chargers, and smart power points for even more smart functionality.

As the winner of the 2024 Good Design Award, the Solis Collection sets an exciting new benchmark in interior style for Australian homes. ‘Finally, architects and interior designers are getting an electrical product that is as considered as their projects,’ Tim says.

‘Solis might be a small part of their overall design, but it brings the same level of quality and attention to detail.’

To learn more, visit Clipsal’s Solis Collection.

This article was compiled with contributions from Clipsal by Schneider Electric.

First published on 29 July 2025.