Sustainable in new splendour

The recent modernisation efforts encompassed upgrading the lighting in the auditorium, previously equipped with high-voltage halogen lamps. The switch to LED technology was clearly identified as a means to significantly decrease energy consumption. However, energy efficiency was not the sole reason for the planners' and opera house management's decision to choose ERCO lighting solutions. The exemplary service, ranging from assistance with sampling to managing technical modifications and ensuring dependable delivery timelines, was as commendable as the superior lighting quality of the products. The selection of Atrium LED double-focus downlights, with their narrow-beam lens optics, was ideal for tall spaces like auditoriums, demonstrating their suitability for such environments.

"We adjust the downlights' brightness from 100% to as low as 0.1% using DMX control. I am unaware of any other manufacturer that offers such precise and smooth dimming capabilities."
Alexander Olias du Bosque, Building Services Engineering team from Kiel

Optimal dimmability – essential in theatrical settings

In buildings like the State Opera, hall lighting is technically linked to stage lighting, allowing seamless integration into the performance's dramaturgy. The demand for smooth and consistent dimming performance is substantial, with the turning on and off of lights needing to be virtually unnoticeable.

“ERCO individual” crafted a tailor-made solution for Hamburg, modifying around 150 double-focus downlights with DMX drivers that facilitate dimming from 0.1% to 100% and allow for the programming of custom dimming curves. These adjustments also meet the flicker-free standard, which is crucial for clear, distortion-free digital photography and videography.

"Our auditorium now radiates its inherent elegance and beauty, while significantly reducing energy costs."
Bernd Gallasch, Head of Hamburg State Opera Lighting/Video Department

Lighting quality ideal for heritage-listed buildings

The Atrium double-focus downlights demonstrated exceptional quality in various aspects during the sampling process in the auditorium. In compliance with the preservation requirements, their warm white LED colour temperature of 2700K matches that of the previously used halogen lamps. These downlights blend seamlessly with the light from the auditorium's restored historical wall fixtures and, thanks to their outstanding colour rendering, enhance the deep red velvet of the seating with an intense glow.

Due to Atrium's highly efficient lens optics, even the 18W LED module variant surpasses the required room illuminance of 200lx. Opera goers enjoy the excellent glare control and the consequent superior visual comfort provided by the double-focus downlights.

"The ERCO team in Hamburg aided us in identifying a sustainable lighting solution for the State Opera House, suitable for a heritage-listed building."
Alexander Olias du Bosque, Building Services Engineering team from Kiel

Significant decrease in energy and maintenance costs

Since the luminaires were scheduled for installation in the auditorium's lighting ceiling during the opera's six-week seasonal hiatus, the planners required a reliable delivery schedule. ERCO, with its proximate and adaptable manufacturing capabilities in Germany, easily met this demand: The individual DMX addresses were pre-programmed into the drivers at the factory, adhering to the opera technicians' specifications, which greatly expedited the on-site installation process.

In use, the new lighting meets all high expectations. Energy consumption has dropped by over 80 per cent due to the reduced power per lighting point. This decrease also results in a lower heat output, creating a more comfortable work environment in the lighting ceiling. The once frequent need for lamp replacements is now obsolete. This change is attributed to the longevity and dependability of the new luminaires: ERCO exclusively incorporates high-performance LEDs with the "L90/B10" rating in its downlights, indicating that after 50,000 hours of operation, at least 90% of the LEDs maintain 90% of their initial luminous flux.