|
|
|
Outdoor Illumination plays key role at 2010 ASLA National Conference
Landscape lighting provides safety, comfort, and visual interest to a night site. Three industry leaders – Janet Lennox Moyer, principle of Jan Moyer Design; Doug Hagen, president/CEO of BK Lighting; and Mark Oxley, president of Outdoor Illumination – will discuss current issues and emerging technologies in design and manufacturing as part of a distinguished panel at this year's ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo to be held September 10-13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, DC. Join the conference and learn from these experts how the skillful and knowledgeable blend of sustainability, durability, and artful yet practical installation is at the heart of designing and specifying that next truly memorable nightscape.
For more details on the panel topic, visit the Friday morning agenda (Fri-A6).
For more details on the conference, visit ASLA's website.
Landscape Architecture Magazine Features Property in Orlean, VA served by Outdoor Illumination
Arentz Landscape Architecture LLC, was featured in the July issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine. We are proud to have worked with Richard Arentz and his team to deliver the outdoor lighting for this stunning property, aptly named Running Cedar, in Orlean, VA.
Read the complete article here, or visit Arentz Landscape Architects LLC to see the complete set of pictures.
Washington DC Design House
Benefiting Children’s National Medical Center
The 2010 DC Design House is located at 3911 Bradley Lane in Chevy Chase.
The Design House is open until May 9, 2010. The grand Georgian-style country house dates back to 1905 with a variety of iterations over the years. There are over 20 distinctive “rooms” by many of the regions premier interior design professionals. Proceeds go to the Children’s National Medical Center.
In the 1990s, Outdoor Illumination performed numerous detailed projects at various show houses throughout the region. However, most of these show houses had few, if any, evening events so we have not done as many recently.
In this case, however, there were a number of evening activities, so lighting stairs and walkways was critical. While we were there, we found fun and creative ways to create dramatic aesthetic effects…an cluster of Saucer Magnolia trees…a heritage Japanese Maple…and some statuary at the end of a sublime garden walkway.
Come visit this year’s DC Design House – you will be inspired, and you will be helping Children’s Hospital. For event dates and details visit DCDesignHouse.com.
Garden Lighting at Dumbarton Oaks
A sixteen-acre oasis in the heart of Georgetown, the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks were transformed by noted Landscape Architect Beatrix Farrand on behalf of property owners Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, who in turn transferred the property to Harvard University in 1940. Landscape architects, horticulturists, and garden enthusiasts recognize Dumbarton Oaks as a national treasure.
 Yet, Dumbarton Oaks is more than a world-class garden. In 1959, the Blisses commissioned the architect Philip Johnson to design a pavilion for the Robert Woods Bliss Collection of Pre-Columbian Art. This building – eight domed circular galleries set within a perfect square – was built in the Copse, one of the original landscapes at Dumbarton Oaks. Johnson employed curved glass walls to blend the landscape within the building, and maintained that he wanted the garden to “march right up to the museum displays and become part of them”. While this effect is essential to the museum’s character during the day, it became lost in the evening.
To bring the garden into the pavilion after dark, Gail Griffin, Director of Gardens, questioned members of the DC landscape design community for suggestions of an outdoor lighting design firm. Outdoor Illumination was cited as the best. After meeting Gail to discuss goals and possibilities, our senior team created a design of gentle down lighting from the trees’ canopy, bringing texture to the broadleaf evergreens and ground plantings below. We lit trees and shrubs, Ilex opaca, Magnolia grandiflora and Pieris japonica, for a dramatic effect to be viewed from within the pavilion, and included perimeter sculpture and benches for additional interest. In addition to the Copse, our design included the lighting of the plantings, terrace, and walls outside the Music Room, where evening concerts are held throughout the winter.
While great design was critical to meeting objectives, another strong consideration was selection of fixtures to match the timeless nature of the property. Glare protection was a key priority. Lamp selection focused on subtle, not grand, effects. Implementation was equally relevant. Our master technicians, working in mature, densely planted gardens, were challenged to protect the plant material above ground and the root systems below. Our “footprint” was extremely gentle.
“To be within the lit spaces is magical and greatly enhances the nighttime experience of Dumbarton Oaks. We are pleased with every aspect of the work and look forward to years of enjoyment of the evening gardens created by Outdoor Illumination.” At Outdoor Illumination, we thank Gail and Dumbarton Oaks for the privilege to work in one of America’s greatest gardens.
View our gallery of sample photos from Dumbarton Oaks here.
New Designs with Bethesda Bungalows
We have partnered with Bethesda Bugalows to provide landscape lighting design and installation for the "Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase". It is a showcase model home of the latest high end and affordable green products, technologies and methods. The home was designed by Christian Gladu of the Bungalow Company of Bend, Oregon. The exterior is a fusion of Prairie-style, popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Asian design elements. The style features large overhangs, tall windows and a complex, low roof line.
 The Incredibly Green Home has achieved LEED Platinum certification for Homes - the highest level of achievement on the LEED scales. It is the first home in Montgomery County, Maryland to be Platinum certified, and only the second in the state of Maryland. The home will be the first in the entire US to be both Platinum certified by LEED and NAHB Emerald certified using the National Green Building Standard guidelines. The home is also Energy Star and IndoorAirPLUS certified.
Outdoor Illumination was challenged with achieving a warm evening atmosphere both in front and rear, employing innovative LED technology to minimize energy consumption and carbon footprint.
With advance LED fixtures furnished by Kichler, we were able to create the desired aesthetic effect while running at less than 70 watts for the entire property! Aside from the environmental benefits, there is also a cost savings – at a kilowatt hour rate of $0.15, based on an average of 6 hours of use per night, this is an annual energy cost of only $22.00, or $1.84 per month!
Lamp life estimates vary, and we will not know for another decade how long these LEDs will last in changing outdoor conditions, but we expect strong reliability, as does Kichler, given that they warrantee these LED fixtures for 15 years.
Best of all, according to Bethesda Bungalows owner Peter Guida: “The house looks great!”.
LED technology is rapidly advancing and we are getting close to offering LED retrofits for many MR-16 fixtures, resulting in energy cost savings of nearly 80%. Stay tuned as this product becomes truly market ready.
The Watergate
The Watergate may be the best known address in Washington. Constructed in the 1960s, The Watergate is a part of the streetscapes of Virginia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue along the Potomac River. In order to enhance green spaces, Landscape Projects updated large streetscape planters on the sidewalks.
 These green enhancements were unique challenges on a number of fronts, including the planters’ size and weight; heat in the summer; extra windy conditions on certain corners; and normal city wear and tear. Soil in the planters needed rejuvenation; Irrigation needed to be installed and connected to water in 50 year old infrastructure; and other utility access needed to be considered.
Ornamental trees anchoring the planters combined with ribbons of ornamental grasses flowing through the streetscape, and roses are paired with changing seasonal plant palettes. Tree and plant placement were designed to convey a “flowing image” that reflects the winding Potomac River in view. River Birch, Crape Myrtle and Styrax Japonica offer year round interest, reflect the character of the site and are suitably durable to meet the demands of the site.
Fortunately, these trees also offer dramatic lighting opportunities. Their multi-leader structure combined with curvilinear limb architecture and exfoliating bark, makes for a dramatic lighting effect.
Landscape Projects and Outdoor Illumination worked in concert to get power to the lighting without mechanical elements such as wire or accessories being visible – and without disturbing plant material or existing structure. All this while the Watergate operated “business as usual” in the eyes of tenants and visitors. The result is a warm, welcoming streetscape for residents and guests alike.
View our gallery of sample photos from The Watergate here.
Outdoor Illumination "Moves Inside"
This year, Outdoor Illumination has been fortunate to work at some of the region’s most prestigious addresses, including The Vice President’s Residence, Dumbarton Oaks, Lincoln Cottage, Christ Church and Blair House. Recently, we also designed and implemented landscape lighting inside – at the large atrium inside The Embassy Suites Hotel at 22nd and N Streets in Northwest Washington.
We were contacted by Rob Oursler, General Manager of the Embassy Suites, and charged with updating the lighting in the extensive waterfalls and among the large palm trees in the atrium.
Our challenge was to present an atmospheric solution that appeared subtle as we competed with ambient functional lighting.
Employing advanced infrared halogen lamps with precise beam spreads, we were able to create the proper effects for up lighting the Palm trees. Given the variety of palm specimens, some tall and up right, others sprawling, some with lightly textured trunks, others with dark and heavy leaf canopies, lamp specifications were crucial to generating the best result.
The plantscape provided challenges as well. Lush understory plant canopies presented obstacles for up lights on palm trees. Senior Design Consultant Matt Taylor and our dedicated installation team carefully mapped out fixture placement to achieve the best results.
Yet another challenge was the architecture of the building. Embassy Suites are designed with hallways that open into the atrium. We needed to consider potential glare as guests look down on the plaza below. Given that, we elected to install B-K Delta Star MR-16 bullets. These fixtures are architecturally clean and offer enhanced glare protection via deeply seated lamp sockets. Again, fixture positioning was performed with a careful eye on the floors above. We also specified louvered lenses in the fixtures, which act as baffles to minimize glare.
The waterfalls were captured in motion by carefully positioned submerged solid brass fixtures. Some of the fixtures were submerged quite deeply, others in shallow pools. Water can present diffusing challenges, so specific luminescence was key to a balanced effect. Further, wire access to various pools of water presented obstacles. The goal, as always, is to make sure that the wire is not visible.
The final result is warm and welcoming to guests and associates alike. The lighting effect enhances the property by day and is even more compelling in the evening. Best of all, the quality of fixtures and integrity of installation should combine to deliver consistent performance for decades to come.
The feedback has been very positive. In Rob Oursler’s words: “The final product exceeded our expectations and the professional expertise Outdoor Illumination brought to this project allowed us to maximize the effect of the plantscape and architectural features in our indoor atrium.”
We couldn’t have said it any better!
Hampton House Transformed
Hampton House is an historic apartment building on Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park in Northwest Washington, DC. Representatives from Shapiro and Company contacted Outdoor Illumination with the goal of enhancing curb appeal and security for both current and prospective tenants. Our design team was challenged with meeting aesthetic objectives and engineering a durable installation in a high traffic area. The client was also very concerned about glare spilling into tenants’ windows.
 The result? Here is the feedback from our client, verbatim:
"As dusk set again last night, here in the tree lined neighborhood of Woodley Park, a new and exciting display distinguished our properties, highlighting them as the cornerstone of this…community. The work that your company did for us not only enhances and directs your eyes toward the landmark architecture of our properties; it has transformed these buildings into a sight to simply take your breath away! We have had numerous compliments on just how incredible the change is when looking at our buildings…
Surely, a small amount of magic has gone into your work, our once beautiful buildings have been transformed into spectacular objects of art, the people walking down the sidewalks at night, now slow down…smiling and nodding their appreciation, at the elegance and class that has been displayed for all to see, thanks to your illumination."
Warmest Regards, Shapiro and Company, LLC
We love making clients happy!
McCormick and Schmick Street Lighting
With great restaurants, movies, art galleries and unique shops, Bethesda Row on Wisconsin Avenue has become a major destination for area residents seeking a fun night out with an in-town atmosphere. The most popular block is Woodmont Avenue, between Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue. Less than 2 blocks north on Woodmont Avenue is the famous McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. While the restaurant is close, it is not “slam dunk” in the hub of Bethesda Row.
 Years ago, the manager of McCormick and Schmick’s was looking for a lighting solution that made the restaurant a “visual destination” from further down Woodmont Avenue. Good lighting could also provide curb appeal for the many vehicles driving south along Woodmont toward Montgomery Lane.
In many cases, we may have considered up lighting the attractive Cherry trees along the front of the restaurant. However, the abundant ambient illumination provided by large street lights would have muted that effect. We selected mini “holiday” light strings. These professional grade lighting strings are significantly brighter than conventional holiday lights found in retail stores. We employed a tight wrap of the limb structure, providing an architectural effect reminiscent of Tavern on the Green at Central Park in New York City.
The result is a cheerful, yet tasteful visual destination – and a festive greeting for McCormick and Schmick’s customers, as well as for those entering the office building above.
Strip Lighting by Matt Taylor, Senior Design Consultant
No, we’re not talking about lighting strip malls. The goal is to create a soft glow along a linear plane. Many manufacturers have crafted a variety of products, employing a myriad of lamp technologies including LED, Fiber Optic, Zenon Halogen, even the old fashioned “Rope Light”. The key to successful design and implementation is concealment of light source. Advanced lamp technologies, specifically LED and fiber optic allow a more compact fixture, which in turn allows more flexibility in concealment of light source – and more manageable options in an often complex installation process.
While many landscape lighting designs can occur after the landscape plan is executed, strip lighting should be integrated into the initial design phase. All strip lighting requires the mason or carpenter to create a channel in the structure to accommodate the casing LED I Lights or the Hadco LLL Zenon Halogen series require a smaller casing, but Fiber optic cable is very thin - the channel required can be small enough to allow for a normal bump out on treads rather than an extended lip which could be a tripping hazard. As always, lighting that frames steps from the side or above is a preferable strategy.
With LEDs, a frosted housing is recommended in order to achieve a continuous stream of light. This housing can be cumbersome to bend in the field, in the event the installation occurs in a curved wall. There is a new “flex LED” product that can achieve unusual angles and curves. This product is relatively costly.
 LED is a huge buzz word in the lighting industry. LED (Light Emitting Diodes) are rapidly evolving, with huge improvements in lumen output and color rendering. There are literally thousands of LED products available, but many are not effectively field tested. Some LED products can take months to obtain from manufacturers overseas. Many of the manufacturers that exist today will be gone tomorrow. We also expect dramatic price reductions in LED products as production methods refine.
Fiber optic is actually a cable that conveys electricity from a “light box”. In the past the light box was powered by high intensity discharge metal halide lamps, generally 150 watts. New lamp technologies are now employed in light boxes. The light box is located remotely, but requires a fan to cool the lamp. This fan can be a slight noise factor. If there is a water feature nearby, that noise would be negated. Fiber optic is growing in popularity due largely to enhanced reliability.
Given the rapid development of these lighting technologies, we expect even greater advancements in the near future. Stay tuned!
Congratulations Barbara Kulp!
Barbara Kulp, Senior Design Consultant, became a LEED Accredited Professional in the Spring of 2009. “LEED” is the U.S. Green Building Council’s internationally recognized green building certification system. Barbara, who has been designing and installing lighting for Outdoor Illumination for almost 5 years, also has a Master of Professional Studies in Landscape Design and a graduate certificate in Sustainable Landscapes from The George Washington University. Barbara brings years of project management experience and a life-long interest in design to her work at Outdoor Illumination where she delights in meeting new clients and working outdoors. In her spare time Barbara pursues her interests in the visual arts, music, and the environment.
Product Profile: Gardco Demand Response LED Bollards
 Everyone is talking about energy savings. This new technology delivers in two great ways. The Gardco 830 Series LED Bollard with Demand Response combines refined aesthetics, exceptional light output and maximum energy savings to create the most sophisticated and versatile commercial/institutional LED walkway lighting product available today.
This bollard is architecturally clean yet rugged and vandal resistant. It uses stacked modular louvers to control glare and evenly distribute LED light in patterns of 180 or 360 degrees. The LED is available is several colors and based on our field experience, the aesthetic quality of light is outstanding. The LED lifespan is expected to exceed 50,000 hours.
Best of all, the Demand Response component uses sophisticated motion-sensing technology to switch between low light (8 watts LED) and high light (41 watts LED) modes. The concealed motion sensor detects when a person approaches within 20 feet of the bollard. Demand Response switches the luminaire to high mode, and then the system returns to low mode when the pedestrian leaves the area. The transition between low and high light is subtle.
Finally, the bollard is updatable. LEDs on the 830 series are housed on modular louvers, allowing the luminaire to be updated to advanced LED technology as it becomes available via a simple louver replacement.
This Demand Response technology is also available in LED wall packs and HID street and parking lot fixtures. Check out our website link to Gardco on the manufacturer’s page, or try the link below…
http://www.sitelighting.com/literature/g_LED-Bollard_broc.pdf
Outdoor Illumination Earns Masters License
On all phases of work, contractors are required by law to carry a home improvement contractor’s license. Did you know, however, that in order to work on any wiring systems, firms must also have their Master Electrician’s License? Many firms in this region perform 12 and 24 volt electrical work on landscape lighting, burglar alarms, dog fences, irrigation controls, audio/video systems and in house control systems. All these firms are required by law to have Master Electrician’s licenses.
Outdoor Illumination has a Master Electrician’s License, limited to Low Voltage (12, 24 volt). Any 120 volt work we do is also performed by our electricians who are licensed for that work as well. We take great pride in our work and are pleased to have earned this challenging accreditation. Before you agree to have any wiring – regardless of voltage - performed on your property, be sure to ask if the contractor has a Master Electrician’s License. If they do not, they are simply not permitted to perform this work.
We take great pride in our work and are pleased to have earned this accreditation.
Outdoor Illumination is Selected for Green Roof Project
Green Roof Features the Latest in Lighting Technology
from the official press release ...
WASHINGTON, August 2, 2006---The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has selected Outdoor Illumination, Inc. to design the outdoor lighting for its green roof in downtown Washington, D.C.
“Outdoor Illumination was selected to help create an enjoyable environment for nighttime use of our green roof. As an ASLA member and a leader in the landscape lighting field, Outdoor Illumination has been generous in sharing their experience and technical expertise with our design and construction team,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA.
"We were thrilled to have played a role in the green roof at ASLA. Our design was intended to create an 'outdoor room' at night, employing indirect lighting via efficient halogen lamps. Aimed at creating comfort and safety for associates and guests, the perimeters were to be defined and the initial walk out was gently illuminated,” said Mark Oxley, president of Outdoor Illumination, Inc.
The ASLA green roof demonstrates the environmental and aesthetic value of green roofs; encouraging more widespread use of green roofs locally and nationally; and showcasing the value landscape architects bring to this type of project. The project was officially dedicated on April 22, 2006 and is open for public tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 202-898-2444.
About ASLA
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 16,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.
About Outdoor Illumination
As we approach our tenth season in business, Outdoor Illumination has served the aesthetic landscape lighting needs for over 2,000 distinctive properties, both residential and commercial, throughout Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and the District of Columbia. We work closely with hundreds of design professionals, including over 100 ASLA members.
Proudly Serving Maryland, Virginia, DC, North Carolina and Florida
|
|
|
|
|
|
