Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Spa Resort Lighting - A Commercial Project
Lets begin with the question that is so relevant in any lighting design and holds true for large projects as well ... why light?
Tips on designing and installing a project of such magnitude:
- Be very aware of the hours that the facility will be in use. When is it that this lighting will be needed and for what reasons?
- Keep in mind the various ages and groups that will be using and benefiting from the lighting. What are their needs?
- The lighting can and will control the traffic flow, not only for the guests but also for the employees. How will it be most appropriately directed?
- Safety issues are of utmost importance when designing the lighting. On a residential project one has to be concerned with the family members and guests. On a larger commercial project the safety concern is magnified, as we are now dealing with hundreds of guests everyday, and from a business perspective the liability factors are of great concern.
- Communication with the management and the decision makers on the use of each individual area is very important. One needs to find out if dramatic effect is needed to draw the general public to a particular area while discouraging them from another; to control the flow of traffic through steps and transition areas and keep the guests in safe and secure areas within their perimeters.
- On large projects an important factor is power consumption, thus the use of low voltage landscape lighting is of great value. As a designer and installer, one has to become fast friends with the in-house electrician(s). Not only will they have to supply you with the power in proper locations, but they will also be the ones changing lamps and maintaining the lighting the majority of the time.
- When it comes to large scale projects do not be overwhelmed. Organize yourself as you do your residential lighting projects, and keep in mind the unique factors of the over-sized task.
- Divide the landscape to be designed into separate areas of use. This division will help you concentrate on one section at a time, which will make all the planning arrangements easier and less overwhelming. Make sure you don't lose sight of the larger comprehensive picture of the design scheme.
- By dividing a large area into smaller spaces, you will be able to price them separately, allowing the decision maker(s) to prioritize the different areas and proceed according to the budget. They might want to break a large bill into separate phases.
- As each phase of the project is finished, you may want to invoice it out so that you can stay on top of the accounts payable.
Raymond Josephian
Nightscaping Sales
Nightscaping Sales
Oakville, ONT Canada
416.520.1500 cell
rjosephi@nightscaping.com
Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Contractor of the Week, Leon Hordyk
While working for his brother Barry with Shademaster Landscaping, Leon Hordyk was introduced to NightscapingŪ by Raymond Josephian, who at that time worked for Shemin Nursery. Moonshadow Lighting was established in 1999 by Leon and has grown ever since. Having started with small residential yards at the beginning, the company is now doing large custom projects with hundreds of fixtures.
Living in the Burlington, Ontario area all of his life, Leon focuses his attention on projects within an hour drive of his home, but is willing to drive further pending the circumstance. Moonshadow Lighting along with Shademaster Landscaping specializes in high-end residential properties, and has completed a few high profile commercial projects.
The true craftsmanship and artistry that Leon displays in every project is evident in both the photos displayed on this newsletter, as well as his website at www.shademaster.net. It is evident in Leon's work that he puts much time and thought into each lighting design, which makes his work truly custom.
Living in the Burlington, Ontario area all of his life, Leon focuses his attention on projects within an hour drive of his home, but is willing to drive further pending the circumstance. Moonshadow Lighting along with Shademaster Landscaping specializes in high-end residential properties, and has completed a few high profile commercial projects.
The true craftsmanship and artistry that Leon displays in every project is evident in both the photos displayed on this newsletter, as well as his website at www.shademaster.net. It is evident in Leon's work that he puts much time and thought into each lighting design, which makes his work truly custom.
From Leon's Website:
"For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life - the light and the air which vary continually."
- Claude Monet
Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Take Advantage of Transparent Foliage
There are two lighting effects in the above photo which address the situation perfectly. First, the plant material is backlit with the light illuminating through the transparent foliage, and second, the light is casting patterns of leaves on the ground. The area appears to be a secondary or tertiary space, therefore the amount of light is appropriate for the situation.
Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Varying Light Intensity
In the above photo, the statue in the water was appropriately chosen as a focal point, and therefore it's light intensity is the strongest relative to the surrounding space. The tree in the background and the reeds in the foreground have a softer light on them as to not compete with the focal point. Multiple focal points leave the eye dizzy.
Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Use Focal Points Sparingly
As displayed in the above photo, a focal point isn't always necessary. Without one, the eye is able to softly and easily scan the surrounding area, taking in the subtle details. The eye will not immediately and continuously be attracted to one particular spot in the landscape. The trees are softly lit, with the light intensity gentle on the eye.
Have you noticed when a TV is on in the room its hard to take your eyes off of it, even if you aren't consciously staring at it. The same falls true for brightly lit focal points. Without intentionally doing so, your eye will continually be drawn to the brightest light. Keep this in mind when choosing lamp wattages and focal point locations.
Lighting design and installation by Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, photography by John Higo
Why Light...
I was recently driving down the only big street in a small town when my eye was caught by a business whose storefront was flooded with landscape lighting. My initial reaction was, "Whoa...the lumens per square area on that building are way too intense. Whoever did the lighting design needs to tone it down about 10 notches." As I continued to drive, the lesson that Bill Locklin has taught me a thousand times over came to mind. Why Light?
I thought about the intension of the lighting and what the business owner was trying to achieve. To him or her, the light was a way to advertise after hours and draw attention to the storefront. Since the building was set back on the street, and there weren't many street lights, the store would have otherwise been dark.
Was the lighting effective in drawing attention? Not only did I crank my head to get a good view as I drove by, but now I always stare at the storefront when I pass by. They got my attention.
Although the lighting intensity they used wouldn't be appropriate for an intimate sitting area, it was very appropriate and effective after evaluating...Why Light?
Rebekah Paullus
1705 E. Colton Avenue, Redlands CA 92374
ph:909-794-2121 toll free:800-544-4840 fax:909-794-7292 email:info@nightscaping.com