As modern interiors become more sophisticated so does the need for intelligent lighting control, whether in the form of basic wall switches and rotary dimmers, app controlled smart devices or complete lighting control systems.
What is a Smart Home?
This term is loosely used by retailers to sell virtually any domestic device that can be operated from an app. These devices such as Philips hue which control bulbs with integrated receivers are great for small flats or individual rooms but they become unnecessarily expensive and complicated when you try to integrate them throughout the home. They also have the disadvantage that they rely totally on the WiFi network to operate. There are also many types of app controlled dimmers available and these can be fun to operate but again they become tedious and unreliable when you try to link them to a whole house.
In my opinion, its better to stick with switches and rotary dimmers or go the whole hog and opt for a lighting control system such as Rako or Lutron.
Lighting Control Systems
A complete lighting control system operates in several ways. To start with it has a wall mounted keypad which is usually located by the door and often another at the far end for large areas. It also has the ability to be operated by phone or tablet as well as the option to program timed events for individual rooms as well as the whole house.
Crucially, a proper lighting control system doesn't just rely on the WiFi network for control. Even if the WiFi fails the lights can still be controlled from the keypads in exactly the same way as on the app. For systems with wireless keypads these usually operate on a separate radio network which again makes them independent of the WiFi network.
Homeowners who appreciate lighting want instant control of mood and function without having to fiddle with numerous rotary dimmers and switches. This can be partially achieved using small smart modules that work via an app but for total, seamless whole house control a lighting control system such as Rako or Lutron is the ideal solution. There are others of course but these are the two we've found to ne the most reliable over many years. Of the two, Rako is the obvious choice in the UK because its manufactured in Kent and works out the most cost-effective in terms of unit price and ease of installation.
Sometimes this is integrated within a home automation system such as Crestron or Control 4 but often a good lighting control system will be all you need as its capable of controlling blinds & curtains, water features, fans, Sonos, and many other devices as well as, obviously, the lights.
Lighting Scenes
A lighting control system will normally be programmed to offer a selection of scenes, each of which is available at the touch of a button on the keypad which is also duplicated on the app. They would normally incorporate a scene where all light fittings in the room are on full or whatever maximum brightness you decide to set for each type of fitting (wall lights, pendants, table lamps, cove lighting, etc). Other scenes would then probably be a dimmer version and then others could just be table lamps. By creating scenes with different combinations of light fittings at different dimmer levels (brightness) you then achieve suitable scenes for activities such as work, relaxing, TV viewing, night light, etc. all at the touch of a button. Each button can also be custom etched if required to reflect the designated activity for each scene.
Some scenes can also incorporate other rooms or the garden so that a whole area can be brought up together. the options are endless and programmed to suit your individual lifestyle. They can also be activated by PIR motion control sensors as with the example below where the hallway in this warehouse apartment is activated as you enter to bring the concealed RGB lights up in sequence.
Circadian Rhythm
An ideal use of the inherent technology within a lighting control system is to program the lighting to work with the systems own astronomical clock which tracks the changes in light throughout the seasons in sync with the Circadium Rhythm, in effect our body clock, which is naturally responds to the change in light as the day progresses. So, ideally, we should all ensure that we are able to synchronise our rhythm by regular contact with daylight at various times of the day & night. This is fine if our work involves being outside but for most of us its more complicated.
Research has proven that poor lighting affects your health & mood and most responsible employers and architects are now designing work environments that take this into account; but it doesnt stop there. Many of us now work from home, at least for part of the week, so its equally important to ensure that our workspace in the home also takes into account the circadian rhythm.
Ideally, our workstation should have a window close by to benefit from natural light but its also important to spend some time outside, preferably in sunlight, to to maximise the effect and synchronise our circadian rhythm. Unfortunately, our work schedules don’t always allow such luxuries as morning walks but studies have proven that artificial light of the correct colour can also stimulate our circadian rhythm in the same way as natural light. This is good news because if it gets out of sync we can experience fatigue and depression.
A well considered lighting design aims to maintain a balance between inside & out with the lighting programmed to a suitable colour & intensity to trigger the circadian rhythm to function in the natural manner.
Basically, we naturally react to daylight (which has a relatively cool colour temperature) as a trigger to get up and get moving, so at night, when its time to relax, the colour temperature of the light should become warmer, dimming down to a warm glow at bedtime to help synchronise your circadian rhythm.
Benefits
Once you experience the benefits of proper lighting control you'll definitely wonder how you ever coped with just switches and rotary dimmers! The experience is sheer understated luxury. But if the luxury aspect makes you feel gulty you can offset this with the eco benefits of being able to dim your lights to a suitable level to save energy and to quickly select the areas that need light. You can also turn off the rest of the house without even leaving the room you're in and have some areas only activated when the system detects movement.
But dont just take my word for it. Check out this US video which explains the advantages of a proper lighting control system. As the host is from the US its all about Lutron but all the points apply equally to the British equivalent, Rako.
As always, please feel free to send your questions & comments to studio@lightingbydesign.co.uk
