Author: russellcoombes

CU Phosco Lighting has unveiled a groundbreaking new product, Connected Urban, which they believe will become the next evolution in smart city infrastructure.

In response to the increasing demand for densification of 4G networks and to support the continued rollout of 5G, Connected Urban has been designed to enhance connectivity on our streets, delivering both macro and small cells within a single compact footprint.

Designed to accommodate multi-faceted services, including antennas, CCTV, public address systems, and even smart lighting, Connected Urban, is a range of sleek, modular, and scalable smart poles which go beyond just meeting the connectivity needs of modern cities.

Key features of Connected Urban:

Street level telecommunications infrastructure: Connected Urban provides street-level communications infrastructure in one small footprint, providing reliable connectivity to a wide range of applications, including stadiums, rail, remote areas, such as parks and cities. Offering an alternative to traditional rooftop or tower locations.

Increased capacity and densification: With the capacity for macro and small cells within a single pole, Connected Urban enhances network capacity and densification for improved connectivity.

Modular and scalable design: The smart poles are designed to accommodate a full smart city solution, from lights to antennas to CCTV and public address systems, all in one compact footprint. This flexibility ensures a seamless integration into diverse urban environments.

Revenue opportunities: Connected Urban provides local authorities and private asset owners with a platform to deploy their smart city infrastructure and, crucially, an opportunity to initiate dialogues about revenue possibilities. Achieved through rental arrangements with mobile network operators in sought-after street-level locations.

Aesthetically designed: The poles are aesthetically designed to be sympathetic to the local environment, ensuring a visually appealing integration into city landscapes.

Thermally resilient: Offering great airflow supply and solar protection, Connected Urban is thermally resilient to ambient temperatures, ensuring optimal performance in challenging conditions.

Connected Urban is poised to address the challenges faced by modern cities and densely populated areas struggling with soaring population densities. As a direct replacement for existing street lighting infrastructure, or as a new installation, Connected Urban is a future-proof commercial solution that bridges the connectivity gap.

“Connected Urban is not just a smart pole; it’s a transformative solution for smart cities. We envision a future where connectivity is seamless, reliable, and caters to the diverse needs of urban environments,” said Keith Henry, Product Manager – Connected Urban and GM – CU Phosco Australia “For cities, councils, and private asset owners looking to enhance connectivity, increase capacity, and contribute to the evolution of smart cities, Connected Urban is the solution of choice”.

– Whitecroft’s innovative solution uses existing infrastructure to cut waste

–  Relight system reduces carbon and energy bills 

Commercial lighting manufacturer and supplier, Whitecroft Lighting, has completed a major project to install innovative LED lighting systems in almost 80 stores across the UK for electrical retailer Currys, including branches in Manchester, Birmingham and Dundee

But rather than completely replacing the outdated lights, Whitecroft used its pioneering Relight system to reuse as much of each store’s existing lighting infrastructure as possible.

This reduces the huge amounts of waste normally generated by major electrical refits, an important requirement for Currys as part of its 2040 Roadmap to Net-Zero strategy, which sets out how the company is reducing the carbon it produces.

Whitecroft’s Relight low-energy LED lights have been installed in customer showrooms, office areas and even car parks, enabling Currys to reduce its energy consumption, helping to further cut its carbon emissions and shrink its electricity bills.

Tom Gardener, Senior Facilities Manager for Currys, explains the rationale for the project: “Due to the sharp rise in energy costs in recent years, our business cases for lighting energy efficiency were flying through, particularly as the quickening returns on investment were suddenly very attractive.

“Change was also driven by forthcoming legislation banning certain fluorescent lighting which sharpened our focus on how we can remove and replace some types of lighting from our estate.

“Working with Whitecroft Lighting and learning about its approach to circularity – reusing and recycling materials – has been a very positive experience. We were impressed with the short and longer-term material and labour cost benefits of Relight, but we didn’t fully appreciate the carbon saving value until we worked on the product.

“Our new lighting not only improved our energy efficiency but also our approach to circularity and reusing existing infrastructure. This helped to increase energy efficiency and reduce wasted carbon.”

In total 77 Currys stores, mostly bigger out-of-town branches, were refitted across the UK by Whitecroft in a project that took just six months to complete.

Richard Williams, Commercial Manager at Whitecroft Lighting, says the retailer’s approach to sustainability made Relight the perfect solution for the project. He says: “Currys had a clear approach to embedding circularity in its retail operation and was already a big recycler of consumer electrical goods. However, we saw an opportunity to extend this ethos beyond retail to its lighting by reducing waste in its facilities management.

latest LEDs would reduce operational carbon by around 40% through increasing energy efficiency, the circular approach to reusing materials, such as ceiling suspension materials and cabling, would also lower the embodied carbon, which are the emissions generated from the sourcing, manufacturing, installation and eventual disposal of products and materials.”

This approach to creating a more sustainable approach by reusing and recycling material, often referred to as the Circular Economy, is being embraced more and more by businesses, builders and suppliers as the UK aims to meet stretching Net-Zero targets.

In fact, the success of the Whitecroft Lighting project has helped shape Currys view of circularity. Tom Gardener continues: “Whitecroft’s Relight approach to circularity has certainly influenced facilities management at Currys, and we now expect suppliers to be clearer on type 1 and 2 emissions, and our larger T1 suppliers must report data on their own waste and travel.

“Our facilities managers now increasingly factor sustainability into supplier questioning, as well as the overall performance review of all our suppliers for a project: do they fit with our direction of travel as a business, do they buy into it, or are they just paying lip-service to it?”

 

Tailored specifically for healthcare projects, Hope Asymmetric Linear is a brand-new luminaire from Ansell Lighting.

Designed for patient well-being, it features an angled polycarbonate diffuser which delivers precise asymmetric light distribution down and outwards. This feature allows it to be mounted at the side of the ceiling space, preventing overhead glare and safeguarding patients during transportation by hospital trolleys.

Power selectable, it offers users a great deal of flexibility with a choice of two different outputs suiting varying healthcare settings. It also boasts an impressive efficacy of up to 120 lumens per watt, ensuring optimal illumination with minimal energy consumption.

CCT selectable between 3000K, 4000K and 5000K, the asymmetric luminaire allows for colour temperature to be tailored to the specific requirements of the space. For example, a welcoming ambiance can be created in corridors and waiting rooms by setting CCT to 3000K whilst in clinical spaces such a treatment rooms, cooler tones of 4000K or 5000K can be employed to promote a focussed environment. It also boasts an IP40 rating, ensuring protection against dust and offering durability for long-term use.

Simple to install, the asymmetric linear is a lay-in ceiling fixture and so can be easily mounted into drop or suspended ceilings. It also supports plasterboard installation with the purchase of separate installation clip accessories.

A comprehensive solution for healthcare lighting, the luminaire is also OCTO compatible for seamless integration with smart lighting systems.  A five-year warranty is also provided with all models offering complete peace of mind for users.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “This new Asymmetric Linear is a testament to our commitment to precision, efficiency, and excellence in healthcare lighting. It is an ideal solution for healthcare projects thanks to the flexibility, energy efficiency and precise asymmetric light distribution it delivers.”

Cosmicnode is exhibiting at this year’s Light + Building exhibition in Frankfurt on 3-8 March, joining hundreds of peers, partners and friends in the lighting industry to exchange knowledge, foster connections, and delve into the future of wireless lighting controls.

The Cosmicnode team will be positioned in hall 8, stand E19, where they will showcase the Infinity cloud-based LMS platform, featuring cutting-edge wireless lighting controls.

 

The Infinity Platform provides a broad spectrum of wireless lighting control products and solutions, offering end-users the flexibility to select products from various lighting and sensor manufacturers. These solutions aid businesses in optimizing lighting and building management, reducing costs, and achieving ambitious sustainability goals.

At the exhibition, a key highlight will be Cosmicnode’s latest innovation: the cutting-edge Wireless Emergency Lighting Testing solution. Launched earlier this year, this platform offers customers a range of tangible benefits, including enhanced flexibility, automated testing, and detailed insights into precise locations through its floorplan visualizer.

As well as holding drop-ins for visitors who wish to learn more about Cosmicnode’s Infinity LMS Platform, and emergency lighting testing platform, customers can also book a one-to-one demo to see the products in action.

Sharan Avati from Cosmicnode, said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at one of the biggest and most exciting events in the lighting industry. Come and experience how our Infinity platform transforms buildings into intelligent spaces, seamlessly managing lighting, air quality, asset tracking, and system integration. This is the future of intelligent buildings. We, at Cosmicnode, are leading the way with wireless mesh networks that unlock unparalleled data and real-time insights, empowering our customers to achieve their sustainability goals. We look forward to welcoming guests to our stand across the week.”

CU Phosco Lighting has unveiled a groundbreaking new product, Connected Urban, which they believe will become the next evolution in smart city infrastructure.

In response to the increasing demand for densification of 4G networks and to support the continued rollout of 5G, Connected Urban has been designed to enhance connectivity on our streets, delivering both macro and small cells within a single compact footprint.

Designed to accommodate multi-faceted services, including antennas, CCTV, public address systems, and even smart lighting, Connected Urban, is a range of sleek, modular, and scalable smart poles which go beyond just meeting the connectivity needs of modern cities.

Key features of Connected Urban:

Street level telecommunications infrastructure: Connected Urban provides street-level communications infrastructure in one small footprint, providing reliable connectivity to a wide range of applications, including stadiums, rail, remote areas, such as parks and cities. Offering an alternative to traditional rooftop or tower locations.

Increased capacity and densification: With the capacity for macro and small cells within a single pole, Connected Urban enhances network capacity and densification for improved connectivity.

Modular and scalable design: The smart poles are designed to accommodate a full smart city solution, from lights to antennas to CCTV and public address systems, all in one compact footprint. This flexibility ensures a seamless integration into diverse urban environments.

Revenue opportunities: Connected Urban provides local authorities and private asset owners with a platform to deploy their smart city infrastructure and, crucially, an opportunity to initiate dialogues about revenue possibilities. Achieved through rental arrangements with mobile network operators in sought-after street-level locations.

Aesthetically designed: The poles are aesthetically designed to be sympathetic to the local environment, ensuring a visually appealing integration into city landscapes.

Thermally resilient: Offering great airflow supply and solar protection, Connected Urban is thermally resilient to ambient temperatures, ensuring optimal performance in challenging conditions.

Connected Urban is poised to address the challenges faced by modern cities and densely populated areas struggling with soaring population densities. As a direct replacement for existing street lighting infrastructure, or as a new installation, Connected Urban is a future-proof commercial solution that bridges the connectivity gap.

“Connected Urban is not just a smart pole; it’s a transformative solution for smart cities. We envision a future where connectivity is seamless, reliable, and caters to the diverse needs of urban environments,” said Keith Henry, Product Manager – Connected Urban and GM – CU Phosco Australia “For cities, councils, and private asset owners looking to enhance connectivity, increase capacity, and contribute to the evolution of smart cities, Connected Urban is the solution of choice”.

Selencky Parsons Architects recently unveiled their latest project, Bexhill Road, showcasing remarkable design concepts alongside impactful lighting solutions from Industville.

Join us as we ask some questions to Sam Selencky, Director, Selencky Parsons Architects and Mara Rypacek Miller Managing Director, Industville Ltd.

Q: Can you tell us more about the Bexhill Road project?

A: Bexhill Road is an interesting architectural design, with its focal point being the captivating coral pod – a transformation of a derelict space into a striking architectural marvel. This pod not only defines spaces, but also introduces a playful coral hue, showcasing how ambitious design can seamlessly marry practicality to create spaces that captivate and function seamlessly.

Q: The coral pod is interesting, why did you design that part specifically?

A: Our design philosophy emphasizes introducing subtle surprises within a space. The coral pod, with its vibrant aesthetics, became the visual anchor, adding a burst of colour without overshadowing the core design. It’s a celebration of the unexpected within the carefully curated space of Bexhill Road.

Q: Were there any successes/challenges?

A: Success in design often navigates a rocky road. In the case of Bexhill Road, initial setbacks, such as the contractor folding midway, presented challenges. However, creative problem-solving, including adapting materials like Forcrete for the pod, underscored our dedication to delivering innovative solutions in the face of adversity.

Q: For this project, obviously the lighting stands out quite a bit. What was your process into choosing that fitting?

A: The search for a lighting feature that seamlessly complements the double-height dining space without overshadowing the design cube led us to Industville lights. Their industrial aesthetic struck the perfect balance between subtlety and richness, providing a multi-layered lighting feature that enhances the ambiance without detracting from the overall design.

Q: Is lighting something that you consider quite a lot for all your projects, or some more than others?

A: Lighting holds a pivotal role in all our projects. It contributes to texture, highlights key features, and creates focal points. It is an integral element in our design palette, influencing the atmosphere and functionality of each space.

Q: How do you work sustainability into your designs/projects?

A: Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our designs, varying based on project specifics and client preferences. Fundamental aspects such as insulation, triple glazing, and the incorporation of air source heat pumps exemplify our commitment to environmentally conscious design choices.

Q: Does the budget have a significant impact on the design style and how big or small you can go?

A: Budget constraints present challenges, but transparency and realistic cost estimates guide our design process. We believe good design transcends expense, often requiring creative solutions to maximise the potential of a project without compromising its integrity.

1. What are your top three tips for achieving the perfect lighting design. 
2. Consider Functionality: First and foremost, lighting should serve its purpose. Whether it’s task lighting for a study area, mood lighting for a living room, or accent lighting to highlight artwork, always consider the function of each space and plan your lighting accordingly.
3. Layer Your Lighting: Do not rely on a single light source for any room. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced, flexible lighting scheme.  Layering different types of lighting adds depth and character to your space, allowing you to alter the ambience depending on the time of day, mood, or activity.
4. Experiment with Control: Take advantage of dimmers, smart light bulbs, and lighting apps to gain greater control over your lighting. This allows you to adjust brightness levels, colour temperatures, and even colours, helping create the perfect atmosphere for any situation. Experimentation is key when it comes to achieving the perfect lighting design.

Firenze, Italy, February 2024 – For the first time, KSCAPE will bring RAIL to Light + Building 2024 – a pioneering technology that confidently merges innovative lighting and professional audio into one unique, elegant and easy to control product.

Showcased on Booth 3.1 F22, RAIL seamlessly harmonises attractive, tunable light with professional quality sound into a single, sleek 1.2m linear aluminium frame. RAIL is the world’s first architectural lighting system to feature completely integrated professional audio and can be deployed in video conferencing rooms, museums, training facilities and residential projects where high-quality sound and illumination are essential. Using RAIL can significantly reduce labour and wiring costs but also provide a more sustainable result.

Visitors to the Booth can see how RAIL offers tunable white that enables designers to significantly improve interior environments with lighting that can be automated to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, attentiveness and productivity. Light can be programmed to follow the natural circadian patterns of daylight with dynamic LEDs that can illuminate from 2700K to 5000K; softly rising in the morning, gradually brightening to a midday peak, then dipping down to a warm glow in the evening.

“RAIL is a transformational lighting solution that completely satisfies the senses,” explains Tom Ríby, Global Marketing Manager at KSCAPE. “Light and sound act in perfect harmony within just the one device. This innovation liberates the designer to think differently about internal spaces, create new moods and experiences and extends the range of possibilities and applications for a perfectly integrated, aesthetically attractive solution.”

RAIL lighting can be controlled through a 24V switch, on-board DALI or Casambi’s wireless bluetooth technology. It can also be connected seamlessly into the internal smart building automation system, such as, Q-SYS, Crestron, Lutron, Control 4, KNX, Savant or Kramer via a remote gateway. KSCAPE can provide the ultimate ‘plug n play’ light and audio solution when combining RAIL with the K-array Kommander-KA04 amplifier with 4x 150W channels at 4Ω, the KA14 or the KA28 capable of providing high quality sound via cloud technology.

Recent installations of RAIL in corporate workplaces are a testament to the effectiveness of the technology. These include the offices of leading K-ARRAY USA headquarters, Pavion, Armstrong Ceilings HQ in Pennsylvania, the Cleveland Museum, The Ranch in Montauk NY, Softbank in California, TAD (Technology Architecture Design) in New York, and the corporate offices of JLL Singapore, part of the most significant Platinum WELL-certified buildings globally, Capita Spring

Constructed using premium quality materials and equipment that can be recycled or reused right after the show, the KSCAPE Booth at Light + Building allows visitors to experience RAIL in an environment where every note and hue intertwine to create a textured symphony.

KSCAPE is a brand of K-array, the renowned manufacturer of innovative pro audio solutions with global headquarters in Florence, Italy. Founded in 1990, the company invests its 33 years of knowledge, passion and resources in the revolutionary design and manufacture of highly efficient, ultra-compact, innovative, audio-based solutions that produce unparalleled performance to meet the challenges faced by consultants, designers, integrators and sound engineers today.

Studio Lumen, a revolutionary force in the realm of lighting design, proudly announces the inauguration of its newest office in India. The new office is a strategic expansion that represents Studio Lumen’s unwavering commitment to meeting the escalating demand for cutting-edge lighting solutions in the region, underscoring the company’s pledge to deliver unrivalled lighting design creativity and expertise.

The opening of Studio Lumen’s Indian office is not just a geographic expansion but a celebration of the rich heritage woven into the fabric of the team. Leveraging the diverse talents of some of its original team members, the company seeks to infuse projects with cultural nuances, creating a unique amalgamation of art and functionality.

Two key team members, seasoned from their experiences in Dubai, have chosen to return to their roots in India, bringing with them a wealth of international design expertise. Their relocation signifies a homecoming that will undoubtedly enhance the global perspective Studio Lumen brings to each project.

Siddharth Mathur, Founder and Director stated, “We are thrilled to further illuminate the design landscape in India and integrate our global experiences with the rich tapestry of Indian culture. The new office is not just a physical space; it is a canvas where heritage meets innovation.”

The Indian office is an expansion in response to project demand in and around the area and allows the company to base the team now much closer to clients in the region. With 6-7 newly recruited team members this dynamic blend of seasoned professionals and fresh talent ensures a collaborative and inclusive environment, fostering an exchange of ideas that transcends borders.

The opening of the Indian office is part of a broader overall vision for Studio Lumen, akin to a constellation of stars lighting up the design world. With recent expansions in Dubai and the establishment of the new office in India, Studio Lumen is poised to illuminate projects on a global scale.

As Studio Lumen embarks on this journey in India, they are not merely expanding their footprint; they are creating a nexus of design brilliance that draws inspiration from Indian heritage, inviting clients and partners to join them on this luminous journey, where they promise to continue pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary lighting experiences.

An exciting programme featuring leading experts in lighting and sustainability has been unveiled for the inaugural Net Zero Lighting Conference 24.

Organised by a unique partnership of The LIA and Recolight, the pivotal event is designed to help lighting manufacturers on their Net Zero journey. It takes place on Thursday 2nd May at 15Hatfields, London.

The conference places emphasis on the practical steps that lighting manufacturers can take to reduce the carbon emissions of all parts of their operations to contribute to the low carbon economy.

“This event is coming at a critical time for the industry,” said the event chair, Ray Molony. “The lighting community stands ready and willing to play its part in addressing the climate crisis and we hope this gathering of experts and sharing of information will be a major springboard on our collective journey.”

The programme addresses seven vital areas:

1. Strategy: Tim Bowes and Oliver Wallace of Whitecroft share their roadmap for achieving Net Zero by 2045. Taran Rai from Epson will present the approach taken by a leading IT company to attain Net Zero. Nigel Harvey CEO of Recolight will share the organisation’s measures to minimise its carbon footprint, its successes – and the challenges it has faced.
2. Metrics and Measurement: Bob Bohannon Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA will give a summary of the differing metrics, (including B Corp, LEED, EcoVadis, SBTi, Earthly, Cradle-to-Cradle and TM65.2) Anton Borovy, Certification Manager for The LIA, will explain how low carbon operations can drive great TM65.2 scores.
3. Materials: Speakers include a representative from Wieland Nemco who will discuss how the incorporation of recycled metals into lighting products can reduce embodied carbon.
4. Energy: This topic includes Angus Rose, of Ineco Energy, who will guide delegates through their successful implementation of a solar project on a lighting factory.
5. Packaging: Two case studies, a packaging materials supplier and a lighting manufacturer, will explore the world of sustainable packaging, and the steps taken to reduce plastic use and incorporate sustainable materials.
6. Transport: Andreas Adam, of Ledvance, will deliver a case study highlighting their pioneering sustainable transportation of both its luminaires to customers and its intake of raw materials.
7. Best Practice: The Manufacturer’s Perspective will be presented by Irene Mazzei of Stoane Lighting, a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing. Rebecca Hatch of WSP will explore the lighting specifier’s perspective in consideration of Net Zero credentials.

The day ends with a panel discussion addressing “Commercial Imperative or Environmental Responsibility?”

Commenting on the programme, LIA CEO, Ayça Donaghy said “I am delighted that so many leading experts in this field are willing to share their knowledge and prowess with us all. It is already clear that the event will be filled with essential information to help lighting companies as they collectively work towards Net Zero.”

And Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, added “Achieving net zero is without doubt challenging, with input and change needed right across an organization. The broad range of presentations will address many of the challenges, giving delegates the tools they need to decarbonise their operations.”

– UK manufacturer is the first supplier to be approved for the UK nuclear industry

– 40,000 Energy efficient LEDs will save enough power each day to run 3,000 homes

UK commercial lighting manufacturer, Whitecroft Lighting, has secured a landmark contract to supply 40,000 low-energy LED lights to the nation’s newest nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.

Whitecroft Lighting is the first supplier to have its LED lighting system approved for use in the UK nuclear industry.

The culmination of six years of research, collaboration and customised testing, the Greater Manchester-based company has designed and manufactured a unique LED lighting system.

Although high-quality, energy efficient LED lighting has become the new standard across most industries in the UK, the nuclear industry still mainly uses traditional fluorescent lighting.

LED technology needed to be approved for the UK nuclear industry. Working with EDF, Whitecroft had to test the lighting and supporting electronics to ensure it could operate in areas containing radiation and higher-than-normal heat levels.

Tony Male, Whitecroft Lighting’s Regional Sales Manager, Wales and West says: “This is a landmark moment for Whitecroft UK lighting.

“No credible testing or research existed for LED lighting in these challenging environments, so Whitecroft led an accelerated testing regime that simulated years of constant exposure to radiation at varying levels in each zone.

“Whitecroft embraced this as an opportunity to be part of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, break new ground for lighting, and set new standards for the UK nuclear energy industry for years to come.”

As part of the construction of Hinkley Point C, EDF was keen to find a UK lighting manufacturer that could make an LED work in this environment, with Whitecroft developing the ideal solution, supported by the Hinkley Point Supply Chain.

Following extensive work undertaken by Whitecroft’s specialist research and development team, LEDs can now be specified for Hinkley Point C and future nuclear projects.

Around 40,000 LED luminaires will eventually be installed across 90% of the Hinkley Point C estate, in a broad range of buildings and facilities, including some specialist environments such as the power generation halls.

Tony Male continues: “The unique nuclear-approved LED luminaires manufactured for the project will be around 40% more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent lighting, and the 40,000 LED luminaires supplied will save around 11,200 KWh each day, or the equivalent of the power needed to run around 3,000 average family sized homes.””

An important legacy for Whitecroft Lighting’s investment in research and development for the Hinkley Point C project is that future nuclear energy developments across the UK will also be able to share in the benefits of high-quality and energy efficient lighting.

Tony adds: “Some obvious potential candidates include Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will be a close copy of Hinkley Point C, and so will benefit from many of the same components.

“There will also hopefully be opportunities to collaborate with the much-talked-about ‘mini’ or ‘modular’ nuclear power stations currently being proposed as the next step in transitioning away from fossil fuel-dependent energy generation.”

Whitecroft Lighting is part of the Fagerhult Group, has 343 employees and turns over £55m. The company undertakes all R&D, product design and manufacturing in its UK HQ and neighbouring 10,000 sqm manufacturing facility.