Sherborne Abbey

Brighter Illumination with half the energy

Twelve years ago, the Abbey undertook a refurbishment using Halogen luminaires, with LED not being as reliable or affordable at the time. With the recent move to LED illumination across the built environment, the Abbey, as part of their wider refurbishment project, sought to replace the halogen with LED technology, for a more energy-efficient scheme. The goal was to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable whilst staying true to their heritage. Spectrum Electrical Group were appointed to manage the lighting project working closely with the Abbey and b2 Architects. ERCO Lighting have a strong history of delivering world class contemplation projects, which alongside their LED technology and future-proof solutions, contributed to the decision to specify them to provide the tools to re-illuminate this historic building for the community. With the intricacy of the architecture, replacing luminaire for luminaire, mitigated any structural challenges, associated with historic buildings such as installing cables through stone walls. The brief was to refurbish the existing lighting scheme and replace the halogen fittings with LED solutions.

‘’Here at the Abbey, we are astounded by the results of the ERCO solutions. Worshippers, have walked in who have been coming here for 20 years, and have now commented on details of the architecture, they hadn’t noticed before. The history of the Abbey has been brought to life’’, Chris Hamon, one of the Vergers’ of Sherborne Abbey. This sustainable and future-proof approach, provided more light per unit and has beautifully enhanced the entire lighting effect for this place of contemplation. Overall the new solutions, have doubled the illuminance within the Abbey, improved uniformity and reduced the energy consumption by 60%.

ERCO’s Lightgap luminaires have been installed within the window reveals to provide inconspicuous grazing, delicately bringing a warmth to the stone features. Using ERCO’s Parscan spotlight, to illuminate features such as the Nave, Lady Chapel and the Altar, a sense of depth and dimension has been achieved, carrying ones gaze through the intricate and historic architecture. The solutions provide ambience, with a warm white 3000K throughout the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for worshippers. This echoes that of museum and gallery lighting, illuminating key features and drawing the community to the space. The luminaires offer not only, form, but function, re-illuminating previous dark areas, with minimal natural light, worshippers can now enjoy visual comfort whilst singing from their hymn books.

ERCO’s Parscan and Stella luminaires, are dimmable to 0.1% with no flicker and can be increased to full illuminance without glare. Using the highest quality LED chips, the lumen maintenance has been significantly reduced, whilst providing optimum illuminance levels. The whole relighting project has fulfilled the brief from energy reduction, to practicality. Part of the refurbishment, sought to integrate emergency lighting, with Parscan 6W, providing safe and directional solutions, this was also provided by ERCO.

Circular economy

As part of the collective vision of the project, no light nor luminaire has been wasted. Upholding the values of the client and the ERCO Greenology© ethos, the previous halogen luminaires have been rehabilitated. Working with the team at Light Project, the old projectors were collected and will be re-used. Some of the previous theatrical spotlights were donated to Rose Bruford Drama School. Steve Thompson, Sales Director, ERCO Lighting UK & Ireland, ‘‘At ERCO, we have a responsible approach to design and this is echoed through the wider project at Sherborne Abbey. It was a pleasure to work with the team at Light Project, to find solutions to re-use and recycle the old luminaires.’’

Illuminating the community

Spectrum Electrical Group, b2 Architects and ERCO have achieved 21st Century illumination within this historic Abbey. From intricate architecture carved into the stone walls, to bringing light to the choir and enhancing the mesmerizing fan-vaulted roof. The Abbey has a new, sustainable lighting solution, oriented to activity, atmosphere and architecture. With integrated responsive technology the Abbey achieves flexibility moving from daily service to evening events, creating an engaging space for the community and worshippers. Through the refurbishment Sherborne Abbey has remained true to its heritage, to create a place of prayer, worship and peace. A space for the community, whatever your faith or belief.