In the last ten years, an explosion of light has come forth in and outside our homes, in our streets, and in our cities. LEDs changed the world rapidly by creating small, not-too-hot, and super energy efficient ways to send photons into the world and create illumination. With it, an existential problem emerges:
When is there too much light?
How does certain lighting affect the natural world around your home?
What colors should I use?
In this article we will provide guidance for creating elegant and simple layouts for exteriors. We will also provide names of lighting manufacturers we prefer. We also plan on answering some of those existential questions along the way.
Index:
Standard Parts and Specifications
Inspiration and Overview
Let's get inspired. Foremost, let's take a look at comparing different ways of doing exterior lighting.
(Analysis by Studio North Homes. Projects unknown.)
We can't say enough good things about the project on the right featuring John Paulmann pedestal lights- the space uses subtle lighting that doesn't deny the nighttime a little bit of shadow. Instead, it embraces the shadow to create intrigue and beauty, while still doing the job of illuminating the walk to the entry and a sense of safety and active occupation.
(Bridge House by Hutker Architects.)
Modern homes celebrate natural materials, and often bespoke ways to engage with the landscape around. With Bridge House, we see how a modern home doesn't go over-board with lighting the entire house. This house shouldn't say 'Here I am, look at me' so much as it should say 'good evening'.
An example of what we are speaking out against;
What we think went wrong on the image in this project is that there is no engagement to the site. There is also no sense of depth. We will take a look later of projects that use the foreground with lighting, and distant high points with lighting to make inspirational scenes through lighting. This project strikes on something we do believe in, which is that your home should feel cool, like you, and it should glow.
Proper scene setting:
(Disney Coranado Springs Downtown)
In this example we see the extreme measures that can create inspiring spaces. Layered lighting and focal point illumination are key techniques in creating captivating exterior scenes for any type of architecture. Layered lighting involves strategically illuminating different depths of the landscape, while focal point illumination draws attention to specific features. To implement these concepts, start by lighting the home's facade and immediate surroundings, then intentionally leave the middle ground darker, creating intrigue through chiaroscuro-like contrast. Finally, accent select distant elements to establish depth and visual interest. This approach not only showcases the property's best features but also creates an illusion of expanded space, making the area appear larger and more inviting. By manipulating light and shadow in this way, homeowners can craft a visually dynamic and functional outdoor environment that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and usability of their property.
(Disney Grand Floridian Resort)
Summary of the components of a typical landscape design:
1. Transformer
The transformer is the heart of any low-voltage landscape lighting system. It converts standard 120-volt household current to a safer 12-24 volts, making installation easier and reducing operating costs. Transformers come in various wattage capacities to accommodate different system sizes, allowing flexibility in design and future expansion.
(Transformer plugs into standard outlet, drops the voltage, and sends conduit into the ground for concealed power to fixtures)
2. Up Lights
Up lights are fixtures placed at ground level and aimed upwards. They're instrumental in highlighting trees, architectural features, or sculptures, creating dramatic effects and adding depth to the landscape. Many up lights are adjustable, allowing for precise aiming to achieve the desired effect.
(Bronze up light from WAC)
3. Stair Lights
Stair lights are essential for both safety and aesthetics in outdoor spaces. It is essential to be thoughtful with the designs. A good stair light increases ease of travel at night, and is not just for enhancing style. Our eyes are used to seeing the nosing of the stair as the brightest part of a stair. The options on the left below present well as a well crafted space, but the effectiveness is lost. Unless the stair has substantial depth, we recommend on illuminating in a familiar way that focuses on safety.
4. Wall Washing
Wall washing is a technique that involves evenly illuminating a vertical surface. This method creates a soft, diffused light effect that highlights textures and adds visual interest to blank walls. Wall washing can make spaces feel larger and more open, contributing to the overall ambiance of the landscape.
(Wall Wash from WAC Lighting)
5. Bollards/ Path Lights
Bollards are short, vertical fixtures typically used to light pathways or define boundaries. The bollard is the artistic node of the landscape lighting. It can either mimic the other fixtures of the property, such as an entry sconce, or it can be it's own statement, or a modern functional sculpture. At its worst, a bollard looks like a glowing road block, or a runway.
(Concrea Bollard Light by John Paulsonn)
6. Deflecting Light vs. Direct Light
Landscape lighting design often involves choosing between deflecting and direct light. Deflecting light bounces off surfaces for a softer, more diffused effect. This technique reduces glare and creates a more natural ambiance, useful for subtle, atmospheric lighting. Direct light, on the other hand, aims light straight at the target. It creates stronger contrasts and more dramatic effects, making it effective for highlighting specific features or for task lighting.
7. Lighting a Canopy for Effect and Backdrop
Creating a beautiful backdrop with canopy lighting involves using dim, diffused lighting to produce a soft glow within the tree's foliage. Lights placed at the base of the tree and angled upwards can achieve this effect. For unique atmospheres, consider using colored filters. The illuminated canopy serves as a stunning backdrop for other landscape elements, adding depth and interest to the overall design.
8. Ecological Considerations
When designing landscape lighting, it's crucial to consider its environmental impact. To minimize light pollution, use fixtures with proper shielding and opt for warm color temperatures (2700K-3000K) to reduce the effect on wildlife. Implementing timers or motion sensors can limit unnecessary lighting. Whenever possible, direct light downward to reduce sky glow. In areas near natural habitats, use lower intensity lights and create dark corridors for nocturnal animal movement. Some designers are now using "wildlife-friendly" amber LED lights in ecologically sensitive areas.
9. Tips for Minimizing Impact on Birds and Bugs
To further reduce the impact on local wildlife, avoid uplighting in areas frequented by birds or insects. Choose fixtures with built-in bug screens to minimize insect attraction. Limiting blue light emissions is particularly important, as these are especially disruptive to wildlife. Embrace "dark sky" principles to preserve natural nocturnal environments. Use targeted lighting instead of broad-area illumination to minimize disturbance. Regular maintenance and cleaning of fixtures ensure optimal performance and minimize scattered light.
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