Exterior Lighting

 

Darkness is good; it can be beautiful and it should be enjoyed. With that in mind great care must be exercised with exterior lighting. Pathways, steps, uneven ground and doorways all benefit from illumination which, in turn, affords a sense of security and comfort.

 

The use of a patio, terrace or outdoor dining area can be greatly enhanced by thoughtful illumination which extends the use of your exterior into the warm Summer night.

 

The position and choice of light fittings is possibly most critical in exterior applications, glare is damaging and counterproductive to comfort and enjoyment.

 

Exterior light fittings must endure the 12 month climate so their construction material is vital to their use and reliability. ‘In ground’ or ‘in deck’ uplighters have very specific applications for illuminating specific trees or plants and in rare circumstances building facades. We avoid the dreaded ‘in deck’ or ‘in path’ LED uplights  - a plague emanating from DIY retailers. We humans only have one pair of eyelids, designed to protect us from the sun above!

 

Far too often one sees houses and gardens illuminated almost to the extreme of the Christmas tableau. Apart from showing off, this approach only wastes energy. And don’t forget that plants will grow.