Client
Private Client

 

Contractors
Maplewood Services
0044 161 877 3426

 

Lighting Consultant
Benjamin Pearce-Higgins
benpearce-higgins.com
020 8144 9107

 

Product Used
20 x VMD 400/12
200 Mike Stoane  ADL CP MR16 Lockable down light with cover plate

Cotswold Manor
Photography Ben Pearce-Higgins

Brief
New architect designed lighting in this refurbished house failed to take account of the requirements of the client, who had no means of evaluating the scheme which he was being sold. The result was a gloomy, under lit interior, poorly sited fittings, paintings in darkness, and the retention of unsuitable and ineffective chandeliers, which had been purchased from the previous owner. The client recognised that the lighting scheme as a whole was inadequate and wanted a total upgrade.

 

Challenges
Whether to upgrade the existing installation or start again was the question. Every fitting needed re-siting, and the switching arrangement was un-workable as well as being unsuited to the new ligting concept. A complete redesign therefore was the most attractive option, especially as there were two well finished loft spaces, which allowed all transformers for the new installation to be remotely positioned, and all switching and dimming to be wired in low voltage cable. The challenge was to completely re-wire the house in the time available.  VoltMaster by Multiload Technology Ltd.  was the perfect solution to the 12 volt power supply required for this lighting. It answered all the chief difficulties faced by a designer in this situation:

  • excellent stabilised dimming,
  • stabilised voltage at the lamp, for bright and consistent light levels
  • greatly extended lamp life (reduced maintenance),
  • remote siting of transformers allowing long secondary runs due to the special voltage sensing system which guarantees correct voltage at the lamp under all conditions.
  • excellent light ouput, allowing the use of high performance 35 watt lamps for energy saving.
  • well tried reliability and peace of mind.
  • totally silent operation from remotely sited transformers and dimmers

 

Product Details

  • The essential feature of this house was the collection of paintings and sculptures, plus an important display cabinet, a fine kitchen and conservatory breakfast room.
  • The general lighting in most areas was obtained almost entirely from the illumination of the art collection by 12 volt 35 watt dichroic halogen lamps mounted in well shielded recessed adjustable fittings from Mike Stoane.
  •  Generally all the lanterns and chandeliers were removed, except over the main staircase.          
  • The main dining table was directly lit with down lights fed by electronic transformers (as all the lights in this room), and interestingly all had to be fitted with 50 watt lamps to equal VoltMaster light levels using 35 watt lamps, since Volt Master wiring was unobtainable.
  • The dining room display cabinet with local VoltMaster was also lit from the top with 12 volt 35 watt dichroic lamps, providing a brilliant effect (after low grade side illumination).
  • Kitchen lighting was fed from the loft space, lit with 12 volt 35 watt dichroics situated to light all the work surfaces, with local 12 volt lights under the cupboards, to blend with the ceiling lighting. Visibility in the kitchen had been a major issue.
  • Perimeter down lights were added to the conservatory to raise the ambient level.
  • In all, seven rooms on the ground floor, plus one long corridor, and six rooms on the first floor (including bedrooms and bathrooms) plus staircase and two corridors were illuminated by low voltage lighting, all except the dining room being fed from the loft spaces.
  • Special optical projectors (12 volt 100 watt halogen) were employed to illuminate three major works of art
  • The front door exterior was lit with two Sugg period copper lanterns, specially adapted with low voltage spots to light plants below as well as inside the lantern itself.
  • In all two hundred and twenty two lighting points were installed throughout the house, including all types of fitting. This required twenty VoltMaster 400va dimming transformers installed in two loft spaces and one cabinet.
  • When all low voltage lights run full on, the power consumption for the whole house is just over 30 amps.

 

Result
The client was extremely pleased with the new lighting, although major disruption to the house was required to install new lengthy wiring runs. Finally little redecoration was required, except where ceilings had to be made good from the previous installation, and a small amount of wall chases which could be touched in. Interestingly the electrical installation had little impact on the mains services in the house as, apart from new feeds to the lofts, all wiring to light fittings and switches was in low voltage cable.

 

If you would like further details of this installation please contact the writer at: ben@benpearce-higgins.com

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