Blog
Author: Alex Beeston
There are of course certain restrictions when working on lighting for listed buildings. Over the last 20 years, we have worked across a range of lighting design projects in Hampshire and other southern counties, from barn conversions, contemporary houses, right through to listed buildings.
In recognising the typical challenges listed buildings can present from the outset, we are able to offer our clients practical solutions with stunning results.
We needed good task lighting for this cottage kitchen, with as much flexibility as possible. However we couldn’t chase into the ceiling. Our solution was a miniature 2-circuit track system (the track is only 25mm square!) with a mix of spotlights and pendants. The configuration was carefully designed to work with the kitchen layout. As well as effective ambient and task lighting, the trackspots also work perfectly as artwork lighting.
This olde worlde bedroom is part of a Grade II listed property. Part of the brief was to include a low level light in the bedroom, for use if the client needed to get up during the night. This was a challenge, as we couldn’t recess anything into the fabric of the building, but the solution (needless to say) needed to be visually sympathetic. We came up with the idea of building out the step in front of the door, to enable LED strip to be installed at the front. This provided the perfect answer – it blends beautifully with the style of the bedroom.
This stairwell presented a lighting challenge, as we needed to get extra light into the area by using the existing light points. The textured wall (shown at the back of the photo) was listed, so couldn’t be disturbed. We suggested the use of an architectural wall light, with a light output many times that of the original light fitting, which worked very well especially as it has a dual emission. In addition to this, we created a light detail up the side of the stairs, concealing LED strip beside the stringer. This creates a very pleasing yet subtle effect. It’s great at night, too – low level and dramatic, and still sympathetic.
If you are considering lighting for listed buildings in Hampshire or other southern counties, please get in touch with our friendly team who are always happy to see how we can help you.