Thanks to modern technology, designers embody the most daring ideas in the field of lighting. Facade lighting allows not only to emphasize the features of a building structure, but also to hide all the flaws.
Facade lighting tasks for buildings
Facade lighting is a tool that creates an urban image and also draws people's attention to shop windows, shopping malls and other public places. Architectural lighting of facades emphasizes the status and representativeness of organizations, brands, companies.
Real estate people are convinced that building lighting is one big asset. First of all, it is a profitable marketing move that increases the starting value of real estate.
Backlighting for homes, offices and other buildings also ensures safe movement in the dark. If you invite a talented designer, he will be able to beat the usual and unremarkable exterior in such a way that the light will hide all the flaws and emphasize all the advantages. For example, niches, columns and different architectural forms are always highlighted.
Lighting requirements outside the house
Before installing the equipment, the designers assess the features of the construction object - the geometry of the elements, in what style it is designed. It is also important to take into account the location of the country cottage, since the lighting should fit well into the lighting of adjacent buildings.
The correct choice and number of lighting fixtures is also important. When buying lamps, you need to consider the following characteristics:
- total power;
- shade;
- a type;
- Colorful temperature.
The material used in the construction of the building plays an important role in the design of the facade. Glass surfaces, as well as metal and gloss, reduce the brightness of the glow and can create glare. To avoid such unpleasant phenomena, it is required to correctly place lighting devices.
There is an important requirement for the lighting of buildings - the installation must be carried out in such a way that each lamp is available for repair and, if necessary, replacement.
Norms and rules for lighting structures
In Russia, there are regulatory documents governing the requirements for the installation and selection of lighting devices. All devices must be designed for outdoor installation, and also have KCC - light intensity curves. The light scattering angle ranges from 10-60 degrees.They are arranged in such a way that it is possible to implement the designer's idea, as well as to exclude the possibility of the appearance of glare spots, which can cause discomfort to others.
Basic rules that are important to follow when planning architectural lighting:
- Taking into account the importance of the building, the average brightness of the facades ranges from 3-10 cd / m2.
- The columns are illuminated with special narrow beams of the floodlight scattering.
- Sculptures are distinguished using special metal halide lamps; they have a color rendering index of more than 80 units.
- The cornices are distinguished by linear lamps, which form a long luminous line.
The design is carried out using special computer programs. They reduce and simplify the work of designers, architects and electricians, and minimize the likelihood of miscalculation. After the preparation of all the documentation, the project is sent to the regulatory authorities, after which they proceed to implementation.
Types of architectural lighting of building facades
There are many methods for organizing outdoor lighting. Each of them has its own purpose, as well as advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a method, the color and material of the cladding are taken into account.
Local lighting
Local illumination is used exclusively to enhance the aesthetic features of any part of the structure. It is possible to make accents, for example, on the balcony, windows, cornices, etc. This method is widespread on houses made of wood, as well as on structures with porcelain stoneware cladding.
Local lighting is versatile and economical. The implementation of the project is achieved by installing wall lamps of moderate brightness in the required places of the facade. As a rule, LED lamps are used, which serve as an alternative to fluorescent lamps.
Flood lighting
This method is considered the easiest to implement. It is used to highlight certain objects or stand-alone memorial structures of small size. The essence of the method is to mount spotlights on poles or on the ground, which emit directional light. It is recommended to refrain from pouring in places where people live or work.
Contour lighting
The essence of the method consists in organizing lighting only along the contour of the building walls. This is an original and relatively new way to design architectural lighting. It is realized with the help of LED backlights in the form of rulers and ribbons; flexible neons are also actively used. The large number of luminous segments allows you to illuminate corners and other inconspicuous façade details.
Background fill
With the help of the background fill, it is possible to emphasize the shapes of the structure, but at the same time hide the details. A luminous background is created that darkens the silhouette of the building. The background fill of theaters, palaces and other majestic large structures looks spectacular.
Light facades
Light illumination is used for solid glazed buildings. The most common method for decorating the facades of shopping and entertainment centers, office buildings, etc. The light sources are installed inside the building and directed towards the glass. This approach allows for dynamic or stationary lighting design.
To implement the project of dynamic lighting, special color-dynamic systems are installed, due to which the facade is highlighted in several colors. Over time, the shades and their intensity change. For installation, point light sources, spotlights, tapes and diodes are used.
Types of lamps used
Almost all types of lighting fixtures are involved in architectural lighting. But special requirements are imposed on them:
- The body is made of sheet steel, coated with an anti-corrosion layer of aluminum or stainless steel.
- Ability to work in all weather and temperature conditions.
- Convenience and ease of maintenance.
- Complete tightness of the case, there should be no additional joint seams on it.
- High degree of moisture and dust protection. Indicator not less than IP65.
- Fire hazard and electrical safety.
- High resistance to mechanical stress.
The following types of light sources are produced for facades:
- accent;
- ground;
- point;
- linear.
For such lighting devices, LED, metal halide and fluorescent lamps are used. The former are considered the most preferable. Their advantage lies in their low power and high brightness, as well as a long service life. Diodes work smoothly at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees. The main forms that diodes have are cords and rulers.
Lighting system design
The lighting project of a building structure includes several stages, during the implementation of which it will be possible to clearly formulate all the necessary functional and financial needs. The following functional points are considered:
- A lighting model, on the display of which all calculations and parameters of the required illumination will be displayed in real time.
- Drawing up a plan for the installation of lighting elements.
- Selection of several types of lighting fixtures that will allow you to implement the idea.
- Preparation of technical documentation, on the basis of which the installers will carry out construction work.
The project allows you to solve the following tasks:
- Strict sequence of installation of each lighting fixture.
- Accurate calculation of the number of purchased lighting fixtures.
- Accounting for information about the consumed amount of energy resources.
The information received will make it possible to decide whether the customer likes the option of building lighting or not.
To implement the project, they turn to professional designers, architects and installers. The desire to save money often leads to the opposite effect.
