This private home was set within a relatively dark zone in Berkshire, and the owners wanted to apply for planning permission to extend the property . Their application needed to demonstrate that no excess light would spill to the property boundaries, and that existing bat and bird housings would be undisturbed – but the lighting proposed would also need to be adequate for the owners as well.
We were approached by the owners to support them with their application, and ensure that the lighting elements of the proposal would balance all these needs.
We undertook a virtual survey of the current house, and used 3D lighting level calculations to assess the impact of the existing internal lighting, and the new proposed external lighting. We identified the locations of the bird and bat boxes, which confirmed that commuting and foraging bats were present within the project boundaries.
With this information in hand, we created new lighting design proposals to limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on the neighbouring nature conservation. We created lighting calculations to present an isolux contour map, and gave careful consideration to the lighting equipment and methods to be used as measures to avoid unnecessary light pollution, and to keep any light spillage to 1lux both vertically and horizontally.
Our lighting plan was sensitive to the needs of the area, but practical and attractive for the owners – and planning permission was granted.
A five-house development within rural Buckinghamshire required an extensive external lighting report for the planning permission. The development is located within a relatively dark sky rural zone, which means that absolute minimal lighting impact was essential, especially for the suspected migratory bats in the area.
SKR were appointed by Lucy Homes and immediately undertook a desktop virtual lighting survey of the area, with assessment of how the land is currently used, and the surrounding buildings. SKR discussed the requirements for the development project with architects Paul Southouse Architects, ecologists Ethos Environmental Planning and landscape architects Artemis.
We provided a sensitive lighting design to give a simple, cost-effective lighting plan for each dwelling, as well as a solution for the communal drive. It specifies precise and efficient lighting equipment, designed for minimal impact on the dark rural zone setting. The lighting scheme is energy efficient, sustainable, and cost effective – and it will be easy for homeowners to maintain into the future.
This beautiful property is located in an E2 environmental zone, in a relatively dark sky areas of the countryside, south of Cambridgeshire. The owners wanted to add an elegant new kitchen extension, but their first planning application was rejected, because of concerns that the light pollution from the new addition would be too intrusive on the neighbouring church and churchyard, to the detriment of the area.
Their architect, Neil Dusheiko, approached us at SKR to assist and advise on the plans for lighting the interior and exterior of the extension, to ensure that the plans would demonstrate how sensitive the new build would be to its setting – and even complementary. We also worked very closely with planning consultant Jacquie Andrews from Howard Sharp & Partners.
The final lighting report for the planning application focused on all elements of the new scheme, and more: the original building, the area surrounding the property, and the exterior lighting within the church grounds. We undertook extensive exterior light measurements, a photographic survey, analysis of all current and new interior house lighting, and a 3D light calculation modelling analysis.
Bringing all these elements together, we were able to prove that there would be no significant light pollution, and that the new project would in fact be an improvement to the lighting footprint of the area.
We are proud to report that with our assistance and expert input, the new planning application was passed without objection.
This was the client’s testimonial
“We used Neil Skinner at SKR LIGHTING DESIGN for a lighting survey which we needed for our planning application. We had been refused planning siting light pollution on the Church adjacent as the reason. Neil came on site to gather an extremely thorough amount of evidence which was presented in a clear and professional report which we could submit to planning, which subsequently reversed the rejection from the planning dept without having to go to appeal.
Neil was a pleasure to work with, his attention to detail and timings was exemplary. I would highly recommend Neil Skinner and SKR.”
Located within a high district brightness area of Central London, this was treated as an urban setting, with high levels of night-time activity. A local authority public housing tower block, with outdoor areas, of which the public would be able to access.
We were brought on board by Ecology Consultants and bat experts Ecology-by-Design to work with the construction firm Bennett Construction and their architects Hester Architects, to survey the existing site and provide a lighting report, which would comply and satisfy the ecological requirements.
Working alongside the existing lighting manufacturers and suppliers, we provided the client with lighting guidance and recommendations, that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife and migratory bats. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and control guidance.
The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming, and working environment for the premises for tenants and visitors.
Residential refurbishment of English countryside house. Completed in 2017; a warm and welcoming atmosphere was wanted by the homeowner. SKR sensitively worked with the existing parts of the building and help create new contemporary lighting elements.
The project included:
This new build residential in County Meath, Republic of Ireland, is a contemporary dwelling with SKR Lighting Design working on the exterior, landscape, and interior of the project.
We worked closely with both the architect and client, to produce a lighting scheme that is functional and highlights the special features of the home.
For more of our Living lighting design projects, please click here.
Photography by James Mathews / Everest Photography. 14 Feb 2024.
Interior and exterior lighting design scheme highlighting the wooden and stone features of this beautifully executed barn conversion in Fritwell, Oxfordshire.
This residential property is warm and welcoming with ambient lighting enhancing the atmosphere, accent lighting featuring decorative elements and feature pendant exposing the high ceilings.
Located within rural North Oxfordshire, within a small valley and a nearby protected river, this was treated as a dark sky area. A four-dwelling development, a “lighting design strategy for biodiversity” was required before occupation. The site was previously used as farm buildings.
We were brought on board by the architects Richard Court Design LTD, to work alongside planning consultants JPPC Charted Town Planners, to survey the existing site and plan an exterior lighting strategy. Ecologist Windrush Ecology, had reported that bats could commute and roost within the site and surrounding area. The planned lighting must not disturb the wildlife and biodiversity.
We provided the client with a full lighting strategy that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife, whilst providing safe and functional illumination for the residents and users of the new dwellings. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and control guidance.
The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming environment for the premises – this satisfied the condition for lighting for biodiversity within the original planning consent.
A high-profile residential project, of which was featured on Channel 4’s acclaimed property development show, Grand Designs. Located on the banks of the River Thames, near Henley, House-by-the-Water sits on a long narrow site. We worked with architects Tapp Associates and the clients to accommodate their visions and deliver a lighting design scheme that caters for everyday use and the ability to set various lighting “scenes”.
Starting in the basement, the main room was to be used for Wellness Coaching and various lighting scenes were needed. This gave the client the option to choose what kind of environment they wanted to create, should it be calming and relaxing or should it be invigorating and energetic. Along with the general lighting of the space, we introduced a white and colour changing wall detail that can transform the space into more than just a work room.
The living spaces have plentiful daylight during the day and at night, the general lighting has been positioned and specified to bring focus to particular zones and surfaces through the ground floor. Special linear lighting details have been integrated into architectural and interior elements, drawing attention to attractive features.
On the top floor, a large skylight fascia is uplit with colour changing LED, creating an attractive and fun statement. It can be seen from the ground floor and as you arrive on the first-floor landing. The master bedroom includes a request-by-client starry ceiling above the bath tub. A fibre optic LED system was used to create the effect, which can also be dimmed and gentle light patterns within the stars can be programmed.