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NightscapingŪ Newsletter |
How Far Are You Willing To Go?
In all my years of dealing with green industry contractors and my own personal clients, I have seen the evolution of the outdoor space around a home. What once used to be a straggly lawn with mud patches where the kids played soccer, baseball and any other game to their hearts content without worry, has been now become an outdoor oasis. Swimming pools with waterfalls and attached Koi ponds, sheer descent negative edge pools, outdoor kitchens, elaborate decking systems incorporating water features, pergolas and who knows what else have become the norm.
What we have now is an outdoor extension of the home. Thinking of how this has happened led me to ask..."what have lighting designers done to step up their game in outdoor lighting techniques and skills?" Are you still uplighting a few trees here and there, running some pathlights up the walk and around the patio? Have you been trying and experimenting with the new technologies? Switching options? Complimentary effects, and seeing what's out there that can add to your portfolio of creating the magical outdoor space?
Twenty years ago when I took my children to Epcot at Disney world in Orlando I experienced the "squirting" water jets in the fountains. Today this same effect is within the reach of the well to do homeowner and I have seen pool and pond contractors incorporating them into their projects. Why not incorporate a pulse lighting system that will illuminate these magical water streams in the darkness?
Fog machines used on movie sets are now available for patio and pool areas to create effects as well at a very reasonable price. Many are being sold to create "spooky" Halloween displays in peoples yards. Imagine the possibilities when combined with integrated lighting effects that could be created around a pool or spa area. Gas fired Torches, Tiki torches, sound packages are all additional very creative elements that can help you become the "master" when people in your area talk about outdoor lighting designers.
I remember a number of years ago a project I saw in Arizona where the pool builder actually built a volcano out of wire mesh and gunite adjacent to a homeowners swimming pool. On a timed sequence the hidden speakers in the yard would have jungle sounds bird calls etc. that started out raucous and then faded as a rumbling sound emerged simulating subterranean noises. The pool water level would drop 6-8 inches and then the volcano would erupt spilling the same pool water down its sides that were all backlit with red lensed underwater fixtures creating the look of molten lava back into the pool that was choked with fog creating the perceived effect molten magma has when hitting cold water. Tremendous fun, crazy conversation piece and maybe not real well received by neighbors, but a testament to what can be accomplished with some imagination.
I am not suggesting that this is where one need to start but maybe something real simple like coaching your clients on the use of well placed candles in their evening landscape. Maybe supply them with some small wooden "boats" holding votive candles that they can float on their pool during a party will add that special touch. [Note: remember to shut off the pool skimmers before floating or they will all end up in the skimmers, and you want the pool light switched off to give the reflecting pool look.]
With the holiday season upon us the use of luminarias is popular in many parts of the country. This Scandinavian tradition requires nothing more than a bunch of small white lunch bags, some sand and a votive candle in each. If your client is having a party for a few dollars you can build your reputation and use as a goodwill gesture and conversation starter. The best advertising money Cannot buy.
Other technologies used to switch circuits can be very useful in your lighting applications. Pressure switches and motion sensors can be used to trigger specific light fixture(s) to create a sudden and very dramatic effect. Imagine having a stepping stone in the garden be the trigger for the lights ahead of it allowing you to have the lights sequentially lead you through a darkened garden. Artwork and sculpture can also be lit this way where a motion sensor triggers dramatic lighting of sculpture causing people to stop and gasp.
These theatrical effects mentioned are a few of the things you can experiment with that will allow you as the lighting contractor to add your touch to these magical spaces in the nighttime hours. The only thing that should limit you is your creativity and imagination.
Contractor of the Week
Barry Swanson
Barry greatly enjoys the creativity and versatility of designing and installing low-voltage landscape lighting. He appreciates the lamp options that come along with low-voltage lighting, as well as Nightscaping'sŪ philosophy of, "See the effect, not the source". Barry finds landscape lighting gratifying since homeowners are often surprised and excited about the effect it can have on their nighttime environment.
NightscapingŪ is proud to be in partnership with Barry and to have served him and his customers for the past 15 years. We are impressed with his workmanship and design creativity, and look forward to keeping him in the family for many years to come.
Barry Swanson
Corliss Landscape & Irrigation
Massachusetts
NightscapingŪ Would Like To Introduce.... The Ideal-Liter
NightscapingŪ is proud to introduce a new fixture which can accentuate the landscape in a creative way. Designers and installer alike are excited about the look, style, and functionality of the Ideal-Liter. Add this fixture to any existing low-voltage system, or design it into your next installation project. Order one today for a project tomorrow and see what the Ideal-Liter can do for your custom lighting designs.
Photo courtesy of Gregg Catanese
This Asian style lantern warmly illuminates the landscape while downlighting large shrubs and plant meterial. Solid copper creates a strong frame for frosted plexiglass which gives off the illusion of rice paper.
Ideal-Liter Product# GD-4204CU-LOx1433
(easy to save and print)
1705 E. Colton Avenue, Redlands CA 92374
ph:909-794-2121 toll free:800-544-4840 fax:909-794-7292 email:info@nightscaping.com