Landscape Lighting Design
Design Basics
Before deciding what and how to light, we must first ask "why light?" Our design decisions are dependent on proposed uses for landscape lighting...for safety, security, property value, or enhancement of the beauty of the garden and structures. Most likely, the answer will be a combination of two or more of these uses. A specific technique can be employed to satisfy more than one requirement...for example, uplighting a prominent tree near the house entrance will provide safety, security and aesthetic enhancement.
Landscape lighting design is very similar to the design of the landscape itself: we must determine focal points, use areas, traffic patterns, outdoor "rooms," style, mood, etc. We need to consider how the proposed lighting will enhance the form, color and texture of the soft and hard landscape elements. Lighting should serve to unify both interior and exterior design themes, conceal what may be unattractive and shape the view of the landscape at night.
The design process should begin with a site map, drawn to scale, showing all landscape features and areas that need lighting. Fixtures and lamps are chosen for each area based on the desired effects ...path lights for safe passage along walks and stairs, wash fixtures for silhouette effects against a wall, etc.
One common mistake is to overlight; low levels of light create subtle beauty, and are often also sufficient for safety and security. Use brighter lighting effects for focal points, and consider the effects that different light intensities will have on the overall design.
Electrical System
After deciding on the size and placement of lighting fixtures, the electrical system is designed. The heart of the system is the transformer, which converts the household 120 volts into safe, efficient 12 volts, and delivers this voltage to several circuits. Using appropriately sized cables and approved connectors, fixtures are connected to the transformer.
Group fixtures in zones determined by the distance to the transformer. The number of fixtures on each circuit will be limited by the wattage of individual lamps, distance to the transformer and associated voltage drop in the circuit.
Voltage drop calculations are critical; excess voltage results in hot lamps with greatly shortened life - insufficient voltage results in weak, ineffective lighting. The design challenge is to match cable size, total lamp wattage and circuit length to produce voltage within the range of 10.5 to 12 volts. A new generation of transformers uses a multi-tap configuration to provide voltages in excess of 12 volts for those zones at a sufficient distance from the transformer. (The excess voltage is reduced by the length of run to the first fixture). This allows greater design freedom and efficiency
A common practice among lighting designers and installers is to allow for plenty of movement of the fixture locations. By leaving extra cable at each fixture, changes can be made to the system after installation, and after several years of plant growth.
Why Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Security. High voltage floodlights leave dark shadows and unseen areas around a property. A better choice is strategically placed low voltage lights that provide low levels of even illumination.
Safety. Low Voltage lighting is the ideal choice for illuminating walkways and entrance ways. This ensures that residents and visitors can safely navigate around the property.
Usability. Illuminating the private areas of a property allow the evening enjoyment of decks, sitting areas, and recreational spaces.
Beauty. Low voltage lighting accentuates the shapes and textures of a landscape and its structures. Lighting designers not only paint pictures with light, they create dramatic scenes that give the viewer a dynamic experience of the property.
Economy. Low voltage lighting consumes about 1/3 the electricity compared to high voltage systems and is far less expensive to install.
Advantages of Outdoor Landscape Lighting; Enjoy Your Yard Anytime
Landscape lighting makes outdoor spaces inviting long after the sun has gone down. The beauty of flowers and landscape plantings can be enjoyed in the dark hours after a busy at work. Outdoor lighting makes nighttime activities and outdoor entertaining fun and enjoyable.
Upgrade Your Property: A landscape lighting system is an investment in your property that will enhance it and improve your home's curb appeal. All of Seashore Lighting's quality gas and electric landscape lighting fixtures are constructed to provide years of reliable service. Our quality fixtures are all made of corrosion resistant materials.
Dakotah Services
& Irrigation Inc.
( 605 ) 351-1181 or (605) 310-2200