Paisley Abbey, a historic gem in Renfrewshire, Scotland, recently underwent a significant lighting renovation spearheaded by LITE Architectural. The project, commissioned by Renfrewshire Council, was not just another routine upgrade but a meticulous revitalisation of the abbey’s exterior illumination that uncovered unique challenges and brought about full turnkey solutions.
Paisley Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, built-in 1163. Sadly, much of the beautiful original building was destroyed by fire in 1307. The church was then restored during the fourteenth Century before a collapse of the central tower in the mid-16th century devastated the transepts and choir and a wall that was built across the east end of the nave. The transepts and choir remained in ruins until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when they were restored to create one of the finest churches in Scotland.
The existing lighting at Paisley Abbey was 14-15 years old, characterised by outdated technology and deteriorating condition. As a listed building, the abbey presented numerous constraints on installation options, requiring sensitive handling to preserve its architectural integrity. Additionally, the project faced planning and consent restrictions typical of heritage sites. The budget was tight, demanding cost-effective yet high-quality solutions for this treasured building.
The modern update had to remain sympathetic to the traditional architecture and setting of the site. Renfrewshire Council appointed LITE to carry out a full turnkey solution for the project, including the planning, supply, installation, and commissioning of the lighting solutions from their extensive portfolio of products.
LITE selected a range of Philips fixtures as the perfect solution for this project. UniFlood MG2 Double Heads, UniFlood C Pro - Medium and Large are all cost-effective and exterior-rated architectural LED flood lights that are specially designed for facade and landscape applications. The robust mechanical design and high-efficiency optical design make these fixtures ideal for illuminating multi-story exterior facades, bridges, landmarks and monuments. Recognising the importance of precision, the team meticulously tested product beam angles to achieve optimal lighting effects while minimising light pollution and ensuring energy efficiency.
A key component of the project was the installation of new ducts and fixtures, designed to blend seamlessly with the abbey's historic fabric. Additionally, new cables for both power and data were laid, ensuring robust and reliable infrastructure to support the advanced lighting system.
The new fittings are all RGBW LED products using specific and highly efficient optic technology. This allowed LITE to reduce the overall quantity of fittings in certain areas, replacing some fixtures with surface-mounted fittings on the grass area and additional fixtures onto the column location to allow remote floodlighting of the main entrance. These fixtures installed within the grounds of the church illuminate the entrance and facade using a variety of beam angles.
All luminaires are controlled by a Pharos LPC Controller, installed into a cabinet complete with a 4G router for easy and remote access via an app. The lighting has been pre-programmed for events that occur every year, such as Christmas, these pre-programmed scenes are set to celebrate a variety of occasions and events at the church.
The new lighting system highlights the architectural splendour of the abbey, enhancing its visibility and appeal while ensuring sustainability through modern, energy-efficient technology. The successful completion of this project is a testament to the importance of innovation and collaboration in heritage conservation. The chosen lighting scheme has been carefully considered to minimise any impact on the building and to provide a sympathetic lighting scheme to highlight the architectural features and history of the church.
Through diligent planning, extensive testing, and a collaborative approach, LITE Architectural and Renfrewshire Council have not only rejuvenated a historic landmark but also set a benchmark for future heritage lighting projects.
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