Lighting design for exteriors

The challenge

Dating back to 1787 this historic, Grade II listed building stands in a prominent position in the Cambridgeshire village of Bluntisham. The church is set back from the main street; it includes a community room and office in an annexe at the rear and, like many village churches, it is used for a variety of activities as well as regular worship. 

There are usually several objectives for an exterior lighting scheme and this was no exception. The safety and security of visitors was one, and included lighting a number of paths and entrances. Another was to reduce energy costs and to update the control systems. And, of course, because it is a listed building, particular attention had to be paid to concealing new cabling and working to guidelines from the Baptist Union Listed Buildings Committee.

Our solution

As well as addressing problems with the existing lighting, the Bluntisham Church Committee was keen to anticipate future requirements, so the exterior lighting scheme needed to be welcoming yet economical. Accordingly, Lampholder’s design incorporated tried-and-tested lighting solutions with state-of-the-art controls.

Now the paths and entrances are illuminated by adjustable spotlights fixed at eaves level. This ensures safe and well-lit access for visitors, whether they are approaching from the car park across the graveyard, on foot from the village street, or round the perimeter of the building.

We gave careful consideration to the exterior light sources and specified all in warm white (3000K) to enhance the warm tones of the brickwork, which is red with yellow ochre decorative cornerstones above the windows. Whereas before the church could hardly be seen after dark, now it stands as an attractive landmark in the village.

What our clients said

“When it comes to lighting building exteriors this project is an excellent example of ‘less is more’. The exterior architecture of our building has been greatly enhanced by Lampholder’s design and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Listed buildings

Our close collaboration with our client, the architect, the electrical contractor, and the Baptist Union Listed Buildings Committee before work started ensured this project could be executed quickly and efficiently to the satisfaction of all parties.