Founded in AD678, Hexham Abbey is one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England and remains at the heart of the town to this day.
As with all heritage projects, the design process is delicate and must be handled sensitively. Neil Skinner was principle lighting designer on this project between 1999 – 2002. Pragmatic solutions were required to illuminate the Abbey, using both theatrical and architectural lighting techniques. Installation locations and cable routes were an issue that were overcome by designing a new spotlight specifically for the project, in partnership with lighting manufacture Light Projects. The spotlights were created for easy of maintenance, maximum flexibility and architectural discreet mounting. Leading decorative lighting supplier Chelsom provided the project with new and updated chandeliers which enhanced the elegance of the space.
As a place of serenity and worship, creating a welcoming and calm environment is absolute key within the project. Without an appropriate lighting control dimming system, the lighting project would not work. By using a control system, to adjust the light levels and set various scenes for services and events, the various spaces throughout the Abbey are scene set to appropriate light levels. This means that depending on the event occurring or daylight ingress levels, the intensity of the artificial light is adjusted accordingly. By using the lighting control system, vast amounts of energy is saved, along with running and maintenance costs.
Project Lighting Designer Neil Skinner whilst at LDP/Lightmatters
This stylish property features the perfect pairing of modern architecture with the existing house. The lighting design scheme enhances the period features of the house with the addition of sleek decorative lighting in modern extension.
Newcastle Civic Centre is a central landmark at the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, it’s a modern cutting edge construction with the lighting design to match. Flooded with colour changing high output projectors, the concrete façade appears to be immersed in colour. The nearby water reservoir adds to the magic of the night scene with reflections of the lighting projections. The Civic Centre is a true modern classic with a touch of colour to that’s fit for any occasion and can be appreciated from across the city.
Smithfield Square is a community at the heart of Dublin 7. Created as a bustling cultural quarter, Smithfield Square is a vibrant area on Dublin’s northside. Right on the Luas Line, the square boasts high-end apartments as well as commercial property.
As a large historic market square space in Central Dublin, the brief was to provide general illumination and create a landmark. Neil skinner help develop custom designed 25m tall special masts. Included within the mast were ceremonial gas flame burners and high output narrow beam projectors, mounted in a linear arms 5m above the ground which project up to the reflective sails above. These magnificent sails are 3m square and are used to reflect the light softly across the space.
2021 Photography by James Mathews www.everestphotography.ie
This Five Star historic manor hotel, located in the Hampshire countryside, is an elegant country house rich in history and set in 35 acres of gardens. The owners were carrying out a major refurbishment of the entire site, and required a detailed external lighting project to support their application for planning permission.
There were many ecological elements to consider. SKR Lighting Design worked closely with ecologist consultancy Tyler Grange, who presented a bat report; and with landscape architects Bramhill Design, lead architects Krause, and project managersRPA, to put together a sensitive exterior lighting design scheme. The final plans take measures to avoid disturbance to wildlife and biodiversity, aquatic life and commuting and foraging bats.
This was a major piece of work for the owners, and the planning application had to be right for them, for the local area, and for the local wildlife. Our expertise in lighting ensured that the planning application was approved, and the new lighting schemes will enhance and elevate these ambitious renovations, without impacting negatively on the local environment in any way.
Completed in 2004, Neil Skinner designed the concept for this scheme in conjunction with NAPPER Architects from Newcastle. As lighting designers, it is our duty to enhance the appearance of our projects and there are not many better examples of this than Alnwick Gardens Tree House.
This magical treehouse building and restaurant needed a warm atmospheric scheme for the interior and exterior.
The interior design is an organic and flowing environment, in which was a design challenge to integrate not only functional illumination but also decorative lighting features. As with all of our design work; function illumination is accounted for first, the users of the space need to be able to navigate and feel comfortable in their surroundings. Discreet spotlights were carefully located, adjustability of the spotlights was also important, as this allowed the light to be focussed in the desired way. As so much of the material used is natural and has very rich tones, the quality of light needed to be of the best quality, with a high colour rendering light source. This ensured that the appearance of the wooden interior was to its truest form and further enhanced the natural environment.
Mini-festoon lighting was used to bring the project to life. The festoons were integrated within the furniture and interior elements, such as the natural tree branches. By using this simple, yet original, lighting technique, the interior of the project became a magical fairy tale-like setting. Sparking the imagination of visitors and guests, the decorative lighting added the essential atmospheric dynamic to the project.
The exterior lighting adopted theatrical lighting effects to add a sense of drama, while being cosy, warm and welcoming. The structure of the treehouse is dramatically uplit, which draws the public eye to this significant and unique project, generating excitement and intrigue. The surrounding woodland is also partially illuminated, enforcing the entire concept of the project belonging to the natural surroundings.