THINK LIKE A LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGNER
Illuminating the outdoors requires a very different approach to indoor lighting design. For one thing, there is an ever-changing environment to contend with! The natural elements cannot be underestimated, so you’ll require luminaires that can withstand the changing moods of nature.
But there is more to outdoor lighting than simply stocking up on weather-resistant luminaires. Here are a few key considerations to start thinking like a landscape lighting designer.
1. Define the purpose of outdoor lighting for your customer
Creating an outdoor experience
For many, the garden has become a natural extension of the indoor living space. Lighting is essential to make this a seamless transition. It can transform outdoor areas into serene retreats or vibrant entertainment spaces. As the day winds down, lighting has many functions such as highlighting paths, accentuating features, and creating an ambience that invites you to keep the night going for that bit longer.
Ensuring security and safety
Beyond recreational use, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and security of residential and commercial properties. Strategically placed, it acts as a deterrent to potential intruders and improves visibility for crime detection. Besides being a crime-fighting hero, lighting ensures safe passage for residents and visitors by illuminating walkways, entryways, and staircases - ultimately reducing the risk of potential accidents.
Most likely many of your outdoor lighting installations will require a combination of both safety and aesthetics. The good news is there are luminaires available for every purpose.
With all the excitement and activity focused on the back garden, it’s easy to overlook the importance of lighting in the front garden. However, from a security perspective, ensuring adequate visibility here is important. Well-lit front gardens deter potential intruders by eliminating dark spots that could hide unwelcome visitors. Integrating motion-sensor lights can further enhance security, activating when someone approaches.
2. Get to know what types of outdoor lighting are available
Turn to page 14 to discover the many different types of outdoor luminaires that are on the market. Discover the wide range of functions and styles to determine the ideal fit for any lighting installation project you undertake.
You’ll likely find that a combination of several types will best suit your needs by harmonising in terms of light distribution and enhancing each other aesthetically.
Materials for Outdoor Lighting
A key factor that sets outdoor luminaires apart is the material from which they are constructed. Our luminaries come in three types: polycarbonate plastic, stainless steel and die-cast aluminium. Understanding each material’s benefits and distinctive features will help you choose what best suits your requirements.
Polycarbonate plastic
Plastic is both corrosion-resistant and costeffective, making it a popular choice for nearly all environments. This exceptionally durable material is known for its high impact resistance, resistance to UV rays and heat, and chemical inertness, which means it has very low reactivity with other substances. From an aesthetic perspective, plastic can be moulded into any shape making for very versatile lighting options. However, it generally does not have the visually premium effect of metal or glass.
We offer polycarbonate outdoor luminaires in our spike light, wall light, and bollard ranges.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, especially in grades designed for marine environments, such as 316 stainless steel. This material is particularly suitable for areas exposed to salts, chlorides, and other harsh chemicals. Stainless steel also has the benefit of a sleek, modern look that suits a wide range of architectural styles. Its shiny, clean appearance can complement both contemporary and traditional decor. Stainless steel is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option.
We offer stainless steel outdoor luminaires in our spike light, wall light, bollard, and ground light ranges.
Die-cast Aluminium
Die-cast aluminium is not only a stylish choice, but it can also extend the lifespan of your outdoor lighting. This is because aluminium is great at dissipating heat, therefore it will keep light sources working at their optimal operating temperatures. While aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, die-cast aluminium outdoor luminaires often receive additional treatments or coatings, such as powder coating, to enhance their resistance to corrosion and wear. To top it off, aluminium is 100% recyclable with no degradation in quality!
All our die-cast aluminium range is salt spray tested from 100 - 1000 hours for high corrosion resistance and coated in UV-stabilised paint for colour retention and long-lasting durability.
We offer die-cast aluminium outdoor luminaires in our spike light, wall light, and bollard ranges.
3. Consider control systems and energy efficiency
Microwave, passive infrared, and photocell technologies each bring unique benefits to outdoor lighting, enhancing functionality, energy efficiency, and security. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits for each:
Microwave (MW) Sensors
Microwave sensors detect movement by emitting microwave pulses and measuring the reflection of these pulses off moving objects. They’re highly sensitive, which is perfect for security purposes. These sensors can cover larger areas compared to PIR sensors, making them suitable for expansive outdoor spaces such as parking lots. But considering these sensors may be triggered quite often, they might not be the right option for every residential garden.
Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors
PIR sensors detect the infrared energy emitted by living beings, automatically turning lights on when a presence is detected and off when an area is unoccupied. This significantly reduces energy consumption. By illuminating areas upon detecting motion, they deter trespassers and enhance the safety of outdoor spaces like walkways, entrances, and backyards.
Photocells (Photoelectric Sensors)
Photocells adjust outdoor lighting based on natural light levels, turning lights on at dusk and off at dawn. This automation ensures that lighting is only used when necessary, which significantly reduces energy bills over time. While this does mean the lights will always be on during certain hours, this is a great security feature for deterring intruders.
Wondering where the best places are to install sensor lighting for security purposes? Key areas include exterior doorways, ground-level windows, side gates, and driveways. For rural properties surrounded by nature, installing sensor lights at further entry points can provide more peace of mind.
4. Layer lighting for a professional touch
Professional lighting often utilises a layered approach, combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and interest. Ambient lighting is your main light source or “general lighting” as it is also called, while task lighting is functional, and accent lighting directs attention to specific spaces and features.
Example: Imagine a back garden patio area where your customer plans to hold summer parties. Begin with soft wall lights to provide ambient lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Add task lighting by placing ground lights along the walkways leading to the patio and under the bench seating for visibility and safety. Finally, use spike lights to accentuate the dramatic textures of the garden’s stone wall or to highlight a water feature, adding visual interest to the space.
The challenge here is not to overdo it! Check out our outdoor lumen chart to see approximations of how much light output you will require for different features. Consider how you can layer your lighting to achieve a balanced and dynamic outdoor space.
5. Explore different lighting techniques
By skilfully manipulating light sources, you can alter perceptions, emphasise textures, and highlight architectural features, thereby transforming any space from mundane to magical. Here are several simple but effective lighting techniques that we think will be valuable additions to your toolkit:
Uplighting - Lighting from Below
Uplighting involves placing light sources low to the ground and angling them upward to illuminate the underside of objects or architectural features. This technique creates dramatic shadows and highlights textures, adding depth and dimension to the space.
Downlighting - Lighting from Above
Downlighting places lights above the object or space, casting light downward to mimic the natural direction of sunlight. It’s ideal for enhancing visibility, creating a well-lit environment, and emphasising specific areas or objects with a clear, focused light.
Silhouetting - Backlighting
Silhouetting positions the light source directly behind the object, casting the object in shadow while illuminating the background. This creates a striking contrast, outlining the object in a mysterious or dramatic way and accentuating its silhouette against a brighter backdrop.
Moonlighting - Creating A Natural Moonlit Effect
Moonlighting simulates the soft, diffused light of the moon by placing lights in high positions, often among tree branches, to cast gentle, shadowy light downwards. This technique creates a serene, natural ambiance, perfect for evoking the tranquility of a moonlit night.
Identify the star features of your landscape - whether it’s a centuries-old oak, a sculptural water feature, or a cosy seating area - and use these lighting techniques to bring them together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
UNDERSTANDING INGRESS PROTECTION RATINGS
While you browse our outdoor luminaires, make sure to keep an eye out for ingress protection (IP) rating symbols such as this:
Consult our IP rating guide below. First
All our luminaires are engineered with varying levels of IP ratings dependent on their function. For example, our ground lights boast the highest level of protection because not only are these lights oriented skyward, making them directly exposed to the elements, but their ground-level placement means they are frequently subjected to foot traffic.
Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental contact with the hand)
2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm (e.g. accidental contact with finger)
3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires) 4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. fine tools and wires)
5
against vertical water drops (e.g. condensation)
Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 15° from vertical
Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 60° from vertical
Protection against water spray from all directions
Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions
Protection against jets of water of similar force to heavy seas
Protection against immersion between 15–100cm
Protection against submersion
TYPES OF OUTDOOR LIGHTS
Spikes
Spike lights are lights mounted on a spike which is pushed into the ground. This makes them very versatile as they can be easily moved (as long as there is soft terrain available!) to illuminate different features. Spike lights are typically used for accent lighting such as highlighting plants, trees, statues, and architectural features. Many spike lights are designed with adjustable heads to control the direction of the light, making them perfect for focusing attention on specific elements.
Explore our range on page 20.
Wall Lights
Wall lights, as the name suggests, are mounted on walls and although they may sound quite simple, they have various useful purposes. Safety is high on the list, as wall lights are ideal for providing high light distribution to illuminate pathways and entrances, not to mention enhancing security by lighting up dark areas that could hide intruders. A popular outdoor light, they tend to come in an array of finishes to match every aesthetic. Depending on the desired effect, they can cast light downwards, upwards, or in both directions.
Explore our range on page 22.
Ground Lights
Ground lights, also known as in-ground lights or recessed ground lights, are installed flush with the ground surface. This contemporary lighting solution creates a charming ambience, lighting up various outdoor features, while also ensuring people’s safety by acting as a guiding path of light. What’s more, they are exceptionally unobtrusive, taking up little space beyond a small hollow in the ground.
Explore our range on page 25.
Bollards
Bollards are not only for traffic control! These robust vertical columns serve a dual purpose by providing functional and aesthetic outdoor lighting. Generally positioned at waist level, these posts are designed to light up walkways, driveways, and property perimeters or communal spaces. They offer uniformly spread illumination for clear visibility and safety, all while minimising glare. Available in an array of styles, from modern to classic, bollards can function as both practical and decorative lighting sources.
Explore our range on page 26.
CHOOSE YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS
IT’S A FAMILY THING
Illuminate the night with this sleek stainless-steel set.
CANEFINCH Spike
• 90° tilt for directional lighting
• Tempered glass front
CANEFINCH Wall Light
• Complete with built-in PIR
• 2-way screw connector block
TRALEE Wall Light
• 304 stainless steel for exceptional corrosion resistance
• Silicone seals
Available in brushed chrome, black and dark grey finishes.
Suitable for use with halogen GU10 lamps.
TRALEE
Corrosion-resistant & GU10 lamp compatible for ultimate customisability.
Die-cast Spikes
CANEFINCH
The CANEFINCH appeals to modern design sensibilities while being easy to install. Choose from multiple finishes in black, brushed chrome, and dark grey. Match with wall-mounted lights to create a holistic outdoor lighting design. Suitable to use with halogen GU10 lamp.
Create a matching set with CANEFINCH and TRALEE wall-mounted lights.
TURNFINCH
HAWFINCH
Constructed with a die-cast aluminium housing and fortified by a highly corrosion-resistant powder-coating, this spike light is built to last. It confidently surveys its outdoor arena with a panoramic adjustable head angle of 300°.
This spike light is gifted with head-turning powers – more specifically, it has an adjustable head angle of 180°! Designed to dazzle, the TURNFINCH comes complete with a high-quality Philips LED for total reliability.
Polycarbonate Spikes
CLUBFINCH
Our tough CLUBFINCH has an adjustable head angle of 180° and offers an anti-glare shield for supreme outdoor lighting. To top it off, it is IK06 rated and suitable for switching by PIR, microwave sensor, or photocell.
LANCEFINCH
The durable LANCEFINCH is fully equipped for the outdoors with an IK06 rating. Designed with polycarbonate housing for superior corrosion resistance, this luminaire is suitable for domestic and commercial outdoor decorative lighting.
Wall lights
A diverse range of directional lighting options.
CANEFINCH
Featuring a sleek, modern design, the CANFINCH wall light comes in an array of finishes, including black, brushed chrome, and dark grey. Pair with the CANEFINCH spike light for a unified and stylish outdoor lighting arrangement.
MINIERA
This die-cast cylindrical wall light offers 3000K illumination for a warm white light effect. MINIERA is available in two sizes, 85mm or 110mm length, with the option of up/down functionality in the extended model.
Polycarbonate
MAXEWELL
It may be tough with an IP65 rating, but MAXEWELL is more than happy to accommodate your preference with an adjustable up/down beam angle. This decorative fitting is available in both dark grey and black to match your customer’s preference.
CURVERA
An elegant sweeping design, CURVERA inspires streamlined fluidity through your outdoor area. Coated in a deep double-black finish, the polycarbonate housing provides corrosion resistance to ensure refined longevity.
TUBERA
Choose precisely what to spotlight with TUBERA, which offers a soft V-shape light distribution. TUBERA boasts up/down functionality through a sleek cylindrical tube, providing complete command over your outdoor scene. Suitable to use with two GU10 lamps.
ARCERA
ARCERA offers down-only or bidirectional illumination, projecting rays straight up and down for a dramatic mirrored lighting effect. The curved black surface of the polycarbonate housing extends from the wall surface in a smooth arc for a visually striking result.
COURTERA
COURTERA embodies a minimalist contemporary design with a monochrome finish. Boasting an up/down light effect in 3000K, this wall light effectively tames the night. Featuring cable entry at the back and easy loop in, loop out wiring, your installation will be a breeze.
Ground Lights
Perfect for outdoor sheltered areas & indoor kickboards.
Die-cast
KINGLET
What makes this in-ground light worthy of kingship? The KINGLET is in a league of its own, engineered with a 316 marine-grade stainless steel front plate, making it highly resistant to corrosion. KINGLET comes complete with a ground anchoring tube and is suitable for walk-over applications. Compatible with our VEGAS drivers.
Polycarbonate
VITA
Designed for durability, VITA boasts an IP68 rating, a resin-formed body, a 316 marine grade stainless steel trim plus retaining clips and a fully sealed junction box! VITA is also energy-efficient, using SMD LEDs for an impressively low energy consumption of just 0.36W per head.
BOLLARDS
Contractor-led design: pre-flex included, plus space to conceal your junction box!
Die-cast
CAPELUX
Strike a pose with our CAPELUX. This die-cast aluminium bollard is uniquely designed to allow a 90° tilt of the lamp head and a 350° rotation at the post base. Dare to be different! Also available in a slim model.
MONULUX
Introducing our stately square bollard in dark grey die-cast. MONULUX is coated for corrosion resistance and comes complete with an E27 lamp holder. Suitable to use with up to 60W incandescent or 20W CFL lamps. Note: lamp is not included.
BOLLARDS
RAELUX
Eye-catching design sets this bollard apart, characterised by an oval concave recess to create an exquisite cone light effect in one directionperfect for lighting a path or flowerbed. Crafted for durability with extruded aluminium housing and a tempered glass diffuser.
Polycarbonate
GLOBELUX
CUBELUX
Our die-cast CUBELUX is available in two height options of 600mm and 800mm. Equipped with highquality OSRAM LEDs and a resilient impact rating of IK09, this combination promises superior light output and reliability, all backed by our 5 year warranty.
Aesthetically appealing with a rounded top surface and black finish, our GLOBELUX is suited to a myriad of domestic and commercial applications. Complete with E27 lampholder, this bollard is suitable to use with up to 60W incandescent or 20W CFL lamps.
LED STRIP
Our VEGAS and VEGAS COB LED strip have become a popular choice for outdoor lighting designs. Easy to install and visually striking, it’s easy to see why! Ideal for accent lighting, VEGAS is commonly installed beneath railings, along roof eaves, and under steps or elevated pathways for enhanced ambiance and safety.
VEGAS
VEGAS is our original surface-mounted diode (SMD) LED strip! It consists of high-efficiency singular LED chips mounted onto a printed circuit board, resulting in its iconic dotted light effect. We offer multiple colour options, from white-only to over 16 million colours with RGB.
VEGAS COB
Choose VEGAS COB for super-smooth, uninterrupted LED strip light distribution. Offering superior colour rendering, high brightness levels, and enhanced durability, VEGAS COB is available in exclusively white or a vibrant spectrum of colours with RGB. This LED strip is made to be seen, so let it shine around deck and plot perimeters, along walls, fences, and key standout features.
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• your company name and branch
• your desired products and quantity thereof
• your purchase order number
Upon receipt of your order, a member of our internal sales team will input your order. You will receive an email confirmation of your order placement.
Tel: + 353 1 709 9050
UK Freephone: 0800 973 220
Fax: + 353 1 709 9060
UK Freefax: 0800 973 221
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