As modern interiors become more sophisticated so does the need for intelligent lighting control. Hower, its important to understand the difference between the vast array of so-called 'smart' devices. The term 'smart' 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. Most of them also have the disadvantage that they rely totally on the WiFi network to operate. There are 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, if your budget doesn't extend to a proper, reliable lighting control system such as Rako or Lutron, its best to design your lighting around switches and wall mounted dimmers. But if your budget permits its a no-brainer; use a real lighting control system!
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 wireless systems 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 be the most reliable over many years. 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 offer a different combination of fittings including table & floor lamps and different light levels. By creating these scenes you then achieve the best lighting for all activities such as work, relaxing, TV viewing, night light, etc. all at the touch of a button. 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 naturally responds to the change in light as the day progresses. 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 doesn't 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 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 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 guilty 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.
