The iconic St Mary’s Church in Standon, Hertfordshire in England, whose original structure dates back to Saxon times, recently got a lighting makeover. The beautiful structure has received many significant changes over a period of time. The added requirement of space, for conducting various functions meant improvements in the existing lighting provisions. Due to the building’s historical significance, it was integral that many aesthetic considerations were undertaken. The process of re-lighting the church as well as highlighting the historical internal features of the church demanded many aspects to be taken into account.
GDS has a long history of working within the heritage sector, having supplied and consulted over many projects of this type. Moreover, transforming the lighting design of sites that are, in some cases, many hundreds of years old, requires a deep understanding of the principle, technology and application. The team from GDS lighting visited the Church to understand and equip the place with apt lighting. The project team had a great experience to deliver an enthralling visual effect along with the energy and cost savings outcomes associated with LED.
GDS’ team was highly efficient in advising and overseeing the work during the installation and the system was commissioned by applications engineer John Blamey. The ancient floor could not support heavy machinery, so ceiling access was obtained by the implementation of scaffolding. Various important areas of the church were lit with appropriate fittings from across the GDS ArcSystem range.
Two important tombs were lit with GDS MR16 lamps, with the same units being chosen as uplighters for the ceiling, in the area around the altar. A combination of Pro One-Cell and Pro Four-Cell units was used in the nave, with ArcLamp fixtures employed in the entrance portico. Pro Two-Cell fixtures completed the picture in the aisle. The resulting installation highlighted the lovely architecture of the building whilst offering a warm, bright, practical lighting solution for worship and events.
