B.E.G. has helped deliver an integrated lighting control strategy to a college at one of the finest universities in the world.
St. John's College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, which is ranked fourth in the Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, was founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII. The college’s alumni include winners of ten Nobel Prizes, seven prime ministers, 12 archbishops, two princes and even three Saints.
The ancient college, which has some parts dating back to 1200’s, required a lighting control solution as part of the refurbishment of the New Court building. The controls would be used to reduce operating costs, whilst also having to meet the needs of its architectural sensitivities and minimise light pollution.
Cambridge-based Baulogic Limited, which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of building control solutions, in conjunction with B.E.G carried out a detailed site survey. Taking into consideration the building’s unusual design, the company selected the B.E.G wall mounted Indoor 180 KNX detector.
Mark Gedrych, director at Baulogic Limited, said: “Most of the lobby spaces on either side of the central spiral staircase have tall cathedral ceilings, with archways between each area, neither of which we were allowed to touch.
“That’s why we selected the B.E.G. wall-mounted KNX 180 detectors for these areas, mounted at 2.4m off the floor, and chose frames that were colour-matched to the paint colour which had been selected by interior designers Eve Waldren Design.
“The overall effect is very pleasing because the detectors blend nicely into the renovated 1830’s neo-Gothic spaces whilst still providing excellent coverage to catch Fellows and guests as they exit their rooms surrounding the lobby spaces on all sides.”
In a few areas, B.E.G. were able to employ the ceiling mounted detector PD4 KNX SM, which gives coverage of up to 24m diameter. When fine tuning the detection areas, the strategic decision was made to fit some detectors with lens shields. This prevented lights being triggered when people are just walking past, as opposed to entering an area.
Shields are intelligently designed to slip over an existing lens, so they do not change the overall appearance of a detector. The shields can be modified to give clearly defined detection areas. The shields are seen as a great addition because the lights come on only when needed, thus saving energy when not required.
Stephen Payne, systems sales manager at B.E.G. said: “At B.E.G. we are delighted to have worked with Baulogic Limited in one of the most successful and prestigious universities in the world.
“There were some interesting challenges as this celebrated college building had certain unique features, such as the archways. Between B.E.G. and Baulogic Limited, we came up with a tailored solution that provided a fantastic lighting solution for St John’s College which will reduce its running costs and limit its light pollution.”