Upon embarking on a complete refurbishment of a 1970s property that overlooks the spectacular views of the Northampton countryside, homeowners Jim and Karen Mallinder sought expert advice from lighting specialists Collingwood Lighting and Halers Lighting.
A selection of high performing products was then specified to achieve the creative brief, whilst delivering on energy efficient and easy-to-maintain fittings.
Renovations began on the property in April 2010 to modernise both the external and internal structure to achieve a minimalist and contemporary style, yet complement the idyllic location of Spratton, Northampton, which surveys the countryside.
"I designed the layout of the house to capture the panoramic views from every possible angle. In particular we wanted to keep it very open plan but with areas that can be shut off and cosy," explains Karen Mallinder.
"The brief for the space was minimalist and simple, but with artistic and imaginative elements running through it. To incorporate this I looked to specialist lighting companies that could provide inspired feature areas, combined with energy efficient lighting and easy maintenance."
A selection of high quality LEDs from Collingwood Lighting were specified for various sections within the property, providing the desired creative, minimalist illumination. For areas such as highlighting the oak cantilevered stairs, the contemporary and decorative octagonal LED mini-light ML02 was installed to add subtle cool white light. Driven by just one high power Luxeon LED, the maintenance free flexibility, combined with exceptionally long life and stainless steel construction, results in a high performing and aesthetic unit.
A low purpose built bed-head wall which was erected to provide a decorative element as well as provide a storage shelf, benefited from the STARSTRIP, an innovative strip light suitable for replacing Skeleton 221/284's T8 and T5 lamps to create that extra wow factor. Meanwhile, either side of the bed head wall Collingwood's stylish MF02 twin LED mini floodlights were fitted for reading. The functional wall light is ideal for illuminating focal items, whilst the marine grade stainless steel and Luxeon LED power, make for a high performing, fashionable addition.
A spectacular tiled wall provides the backdrop to a free standing bath overlooking the beautiful views, with Collingwood's GL019 bestowing an understated glow to highlight but not detract from the landscape.
Finally, the Halers H2 lights provided the minimalist, unobtrusive, energy saving and seven year guarantee lighting that worked for the main living areas. The exceptionally high-powered LED luminaire, comprises high performance qualities that mean it's 90 per cent more efficient than the traditional halogen lamp option, while delivering the same light output properties.
Some of the Halers H2 fittings installed were on a dimmable switch, a new pioneering and functional mains dimming driver product from Halers Lighting, that offers a range of variable light settings that is unparalleled in the market. Designed to work with both leading and trailing edge dimmers, the mains dimmable Halers H2 delivers unrivalled choice when it comes to creating ambient moods, enabling users to control the level of light output at the turn of a dial.
The specialist lighting was installed by SC Electrical Contracting. "We were involved in this exciting project as the main electrical contractor. The Collingwood and Halers products enhance the high-end minimalist look that has been achieved throughout. The Halers H2 has an integral driver making them easy to install in both new and retrofit installations, whilst Collingwood are a well known market leader and their specialist products deliver unrivalled quality and performance throughout the installation," commented a spokesperson.
Karen Mallinder said: "We are extremely pleased with the overall high quality lighting and creative effects we have achieved from using both Collingwood and Halers Lighting, not to mention the expert advice and support we received throughout the refurbishment."
