The Abbey can trace its origins back to 907 AD and remains the largest parish church in Hampshire. Recently named as one of the 100 best loved places of worship in Britain in a national newspaper survey, the Abbey also hosts several high profile concerts a year and various community activities.
The Abbey approached A.C. Lighting to provide a complete turnkey solution to address the poor general lighting and expensive running costs of the Church's existing system. As the project's primary lighting contractor, A.C. employed David Atkinson Lighting Design (DALD) to design and specify a new lighting system, then supplied, installed, commissioned, and programmed the system.
To increase the general lighting levels along the nave, crossing, north and south transepts, chancel and sanctuary, ETC Source 4 Pars have been repositioned from the Triforium level to the Clerestory level. The fixtures are now fitted with anti glare louvres to help minimise the off access glare, which previously had been a major issue with the Abbey.
With sustainability, maintenance and energy efficiency key considerations, the project team wanted to minimise the use of the incandescent ETC Source Pars. It was therefore agreed to position 150w long life metal halide PAR fixtures from the Triforium level, which are used as general lighting throughout the day when there are no services and events.
From the triforium and mid level, each of the archways and window reveals are up-lit by Iguzzini 'Woody' narrow beam fixtures fitted with a spreader lens, which produce an elliptical wash of light.
Conservation issues (UV & LUX levels) have been taken into consideration with the lighting of fresco wall paintings and carved wooden panels by employing UV filters and controlled lighting levels.
On the ground floor discreet custom designed, stainless steel low voltage fittings are positioned on the capitals of the various columns to up-light the vaulting and down-light the side aisles and Chapels.
Long life lamps have been used throughout the Abbey with the added advantage of pre-setting the entire Mode Evolution dimming system not to exceed 80%, which further helps extend the life of the incandescent lamps.
The Mode dimming system is controlled by four LCD touch panels which provide access to numerous custom scheme presets for the Abbey's different services and events.
Romsey Parochial Church Council said: "We have been very happy with our choice of A.C. Lighting as prime contractor for re-lighting the interior of the Abbey church. The building dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and is Grade 1 listed so the installation had to be discreet and sympathetic with the architecture whilst meeting the functional needs of congregations, clergy and visitors."
(Jim Evans)
