Back in 1998 we installed the Cathedral lighting at Christ Church. In 2019 we we were brought back in to upgrade and update the ageing system, which was no longer suitable for the environment. The solution was a complex phased lighting refurbishment.

Phase I works involved isolating and removing the North Aisle capital lights and the North Transept Clerestory lights before installing new LED lighting along with emergency lighting. We installed bespoke enclosed LED tape around the capitals of the North Aisle, high powered LED spots on the Clerestory of the North Transept, converted the Stall lighting in the Latin Chapel and installed high powered spot lights in the Watching Loft.

We carried out wiring using MICC cables and FP200 cabling, predominantly installed around the containment route on the Clerestory where a special harness and equipment was required for mobility. All the new lighting is scene functionable, with every circuit Bluetooth controlled via the Cathedral operator’s tablet.

Phase II works involved isolating and removing the lights in the South Aisle, the Choir Stalls, the Nave and the underside of the Organ Loft, then installing modern lighting to replace them. We incorporated the new lighting into the existing emergency lighting system using change over and hold off relays, and the same type of LED tape was installed around the capitals of the South Aisle.

We installed high powered spot lights on the Clerestory level of the Nave and recessed spot lights to the underside of the Organ loft. And we upgraded all the Nave Choir stall lighting from hot, inefficient halogen lamps to cool, high powered LED chips, with incorporated Bluetooth dimmer modules as an integral part of the circuitry.

Installing new Mains Infrastructure – Completed 2017

We were appointed by Christ Church to supply and install a new submain and distribution system to the kitchen’s existing electric system.

The kitchen range was due for an upgrade from gas to electric, which was going to affect the power consumption of the electrical system thanks to an insufficient existing supply. The work therefore involved installing 2no 240mm2 4core LSFSWA cables from the South Substation, through the grounds of Christ Church via excavations and through the fabric of the building, all the way to the Chef’s office.

The new cable was terminated into a new Panel board, upgrading the whole of the distribution. To avoid disrupting the kitchen, we carried the work out one circuit at a time to ensure the room always had power. We also installed new submain circuit cables to various pieces of equipment.

Testing electrical installations – Completed 2018

We were appointed by Christ Church to carry out electrical installation condition reports, essential periodic testing. The work involved close liaison with the Clerk-of-the-works department to programme and arrange varous areas for sequencing.

The building’s sheer size means testing takes just over a year to complete, and we have to work closely alongside every department at Christ Church to ensure there’s minimal disruption.

The kitchen is particularly busy, as is the catering department, and the testing work was about as tight and complex as it gets. We only had a three hour daily slot in which to do the tests, but our lead test engineer programmed in all the works with the C.O.W and Head Chef to a satisfactory level.

Main corridors – Lighting Refurbishment Project – Completed 2018

We were delighted to design and install a new LED Lighting system with automated controls to the main corridors in the prestigious Sherrington building.

The contemporary suspended luminaires in the corridors were supplied by Zumtobel lighting, controlled via a smart lighting control system supplied by Ex-or. And we also installed Zumtobel Online Resclite luminaires to provide highly effective emergency lighting to every corridor. As a result the overall look is much cleaner and brighter, as well as being a great deal more energy efficient.

Laboratory Electrical Refurbishment Project – Completed 2018

Our electrical work on the brand new laboratory space in the University of Oxford Physiology Department’s science area went smoothly, installing new distribution boards, power circuits, LED lighting, fire alarm, data and access controls.

The Schneider distribution boards we specified gave the laboratory its own dedicated power and lighting supplies. The new LED lighting came from Zumtobel, designed to provide total control of lit areas via a smart lighting control system supplied by Ex-or. The system even automatically adjusts the light output based on the amount natural daylight available.

Our power installation uses Marco dado trunkings cleverly fixed to walls and benches, and the data and access control systems were installed by our trusted subcontractor Lineartron. The Laboratory is now a clean, bright, welcoming space, ideal for its new users.

Lighting Refurbishment Project – Completed 2018

We were asked to design and install a new LED Lighting system within the Physiology department’s library, installing new LED lighting and controls so the room could be used for meetings and lectures as well as reading and studying.

We used suspended luminaires supplied by Zumtobel lighting, complete with up lights on the book cases from ACDC lighting, all controlled via a superb smart lighting control system from Casambi.

The architectural nature of the library meant we had to re-use the existing wiring system, and couldn’t actually change the positions of the old lights. So we used Casambi controls to programme individual lights for various scene settings, via Bluetooth technology. Now the library has been transformed into the ideal meeting room for all sorts of circumstances, featuring a highly flexible lighting system that’s also wonderfully simple to use.

Relighting of east and west staircases – completed 2018

The existing lighting illuminating the Physiology department’s staircase was very poor, making the space look dull and drab. It was our job to remove the existing luminaires and controls, then provide and install new lighting and controls to improve the illumination of the east and west stairs. It was also important to light the artworks on the walls.

We used Fagerhult Limburg pendant luminaires to hang from the staircase ceilings, designed to deliver a brilliant spiral effect made of globe LED lights and spanning all the floor levels. And we brought Simes up and down wall LED lights and Zumtobel Supersystem II LED spot light modules into play to create an even brighter, more inviting space.

The Smart control system we used came from EX-OR, designed to give absence and light level control to both staircases. And Zumtobel Online Resclite luminaries provided top class emergency lighting to both staircases.

Lighting Refurbishment Project – Completed 2017

We were commissioned to complete the LED Lighting replacement project in Oxford University’s beautiful Rothermere American Institute library. The project included the replacement of every luminaire in the building, and was beautifully designed by Steve Fleming from Foreman Roberts consultants.

The luminaires in many areas were supplied by Zumtobel lighting and controlled via a smart lighting control system supplied by Ex-Or. The unique architectural nature of the building – which is exposed concrete with a dramatic atrium featuring floor to ceiling windows – meant we had to get creative with the design, dreaming up effective bespoke solutions to re-wire 15,000m of cabling and install more than 500 new luminaires.

Since we finished the works the library has seen a dramatic drop in energy use, while improving the user experience and making a more suitable atmosphere for the students.