Lighting design for exteriors
Whether for decorative purposes, safety and security, or floodlighting, we can design schemes to address every requirement
STATE-OF-THE-ART CONTROLS AND REDUCED COSTS
Bluntisham Baptist Church
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.
Technical highlights
State-of-the-art controls offer flexibility and cost savings
Motion sensors provide extra economy
Lights carefully selected to be unobtrusive when not in use during daylight hours
Close liaison with all the interested parties ensured the project was executed efficiently
Guiding lighting principle - less is more
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.
Controls and energy
The 17 exterior lights consume only 142 watts. More than half of this relates to path lighting, which is controlled by motion sensors (pir) that only switch on when needed, thereby providing extra economy.
Unit 3, T U House
Thorpe Underwood
Northampton
NN6 9PA
Telephone: (01536) 713642
Office Hours:
Mon to Fri 08.30 to 18.00
- Terms of Business
- Privacy & Cookie Policy
Email: bc@lampholder.co.uk
© 2020