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Illuminating Southwest Pathways

Lots of potential here. Nice plant material and an elegant hardscape which creates a rich canvas of nocturnal exterior low level environmental illumination possibilities. Here we start the design-speak (DS) lesson which, if done properly, will allow you to raise your design fees 20% or more!

 

Path Lights

Again, let's start with the pedestrian foot traffic concerns (DS for pathways). Here we could illuminate the pathways from the eaves but since this is an intimate space the light level created by a TS might be too much. Instead let's explore the terrestrial mounted luminaire options (DS for Path Lights).

Let's start with the AL because it has the ability to blend into the surrounding shrubbery while providing a beautiful beam spread that will cover the entire walkway. This approach gives an elegant yet high light level which does not destroy the intimate feeling of this space.

The micro solid copper SP would also be a great choice for this area because of the narrow planters. The 10 watt lamp will be adequate for such a small space and will provide a soft elegant glow on the hardscape.

 

The plan would look like this:

 

 

Up Lights

Now let's address the fine specimen Kentia palms. The RS-20 with GlareShields would be my pick for the three palms on the left side. The GlareShields will provide extra glare protection for the spots which is necessary because of their close proximity to the walk. We could also specify the semi-subterranean LG which is more reliable than any type of sub-surface well light because it doesn't end up getting destroyed by excessive moisture like most well lights.

Near the front door could use up to three RS - two RS-20's in front for the exterior view and one RS-35 or MU-50 behind for the house window view. It's important to consider all the possible views of the lighting design. There are usually 3 primary views - from the street, from within the property and from inside the house looking out. Combined with the dozens of secondary views it becomes clear why a job site walk through with note taking and photo documentation are imperative for comprehensive lighting design.

 

The plan would look like this: