on view
Overland Park Arboretum, Overland Park, Kansas
“Mercer Zimmerman consistently supported designers during value engineering exercises, and this project was no exception. The design team was guided through the process, ensuring we had the necessary information to make informed decisions. Bringing this beautiful building back within budget and seeing it constructed was a victory for all of us and the Overland Park community.”
–Jacob Hothan: Lead Lighting Designer, Henderson Engineers
After eight years of hard work, planning, designing, fundraising, and building, LongHouse is now ready to change how visitors experience the Arboretum. The 21,000-square-foot building beautifully combines nature and architecture, offering a stunning setting for public and private events.
Inside, Longhouse is divided into three sections, all connected by the main hallway, The Gallery. One highlight of the project is the glowstick fixtures from OCL. These fixtures create a warm and inviting atmosphere with their end diffuser. The diffusers come in different sizes: 2”, 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24”, giving the hallway a unique but cohesive look.
The Longhouse project was made possible thanks to the collaboration with top lighting manufacturers: Assurance, Contech, Cooper, Lightheaded, Delray, Ecosense, Finelite, Fluxwerx, Kelvix, Ligman Lighting, Mule, OCL, Spectrum Lighting, Visual Comfort, Teron Lighting, Wattstopper.
The Players:
General Contractor: McCownGordon
Architect: DLR Group
Engineer & Lighting Designer: Henderson Engineers
Electrical Contractor: Barts Electric
insight to light
Dimming for Dummies: A Guide to Perfect Lighting Control
An interview with Tim McCray, control sales, Mercer Zimmerman
Tim, we don’t mean to be dim, but what are the benefits of dimming?
Dimming is the process of adjusting a light fixture’s brightness to enhance ambiance, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of lighting systems. Whether for comfort, aesthetics, or performance, dimming provides flexibility in how light is used in various settings.
What are the main types of dimming methods?
There are several dimming techniques, including:
-Phase Control Dimming (Forward Phase & Reverse Phase)
-0-10V Dimming (Sourcing & Sinking)
-Digital Signal Dimming (DMX & DALI)
What’s the difference between Forward and Reverse Phase dimming?
Forward Phase is an older, cost-effective method used in traditional dimmers, but can cause flickering with LED lights. Reverse Phase provides smoother dimming and reduces inrush current spikes, but it requires more advanced components and is generally more expensive.
How does 0-10V dimming work?
0-10V dimming uses a low-voltage control signal to adjust brightness. At 10V, the light is at full brightness, while at 0V, the light dims to its lowest level, though some fixtures may still emit a glow unless they have dimmed to off driver, or they are switched off separately.
There are two types of 0-10V dimming: Sourcing and Sinking. Sourcing dimming means the controller supplies the voltage to regulate brightness. Sinking dimming means the fixture sends voltage to the controller, which then reduces the voltage to dim the light.
0-10V dimming is widely used in commercial applications due to it is very cost-effective and compatible with many lighting control systems.
What are DMX and DALI dimming?
DMX was originally designed for stage and entertainment lighting. DMX provides seamless dimming down to 0% and is widely accepted by LED manufacturers. It requires specialized wiring, can be costly to install, and has a limit on the number of devices per DMX wire run.
DALI operates using a two-wire digital communication system, allowing for individual control of each fixture. A single DALI loop can support up to 62 devices, making it ideal for reconfigurable lighting setups. DALI offers smooth dimming down to 1% and simplified installation for contractors, but it can be complex to program, expensive to install, and difficult to replace components without reprogramming the system.
So many choices! What’s the best dimming method for my project?
The ideal dimming solution depends on the specific needs of your space.
For a budget-friendly, simple installation, forward phase or 0- 10V dimming are good options. For most line voltage LED applications, reverse phase dimming is recommended. For flicker-free dimming or highly customizable lighting systems, DMX or DALI provides precise adjustments and automation capabilities. Ultimately, finding the right dimming system is paramount to enhancing system flexibility and ensuring a successful project.
Unsure which dimming solution is best? Click here to get in contact with our controls team!
fact-ology
The A: Texas Longhorns logo wall
The Q: What is an example of a unique design feature available from Andalusia Design, a specialty architectural ceilings and walls company?
ANDALUSIA IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH BUILT SOLUTIONS!
Andalusia combines parametric design with digital fabrication to make beautiful, custom-designed wall, divider, and ceiling systems with their Contour Slats, Perforate, and Etch products and other metal and wood capabilities. Whether it’s your company (or team!) logo, a city skyline, or a one-of-a-kind design element, Andalusia creates beautiful spaces that are a delightful enhancement to your organization’s brand.
Built Solutions, a partner of Mercer Zimmerman, is now a licensed dealer of Andalusia Design. If you want to explore incorporating Andalusia’s incredible architectural features into your facility’s interior and lighting designs, contact your Mercer Zimmerman representative!
Contact Mercer Zimmerman today!
lighten up
LEDucation: Illuminating the Big Apple
A crew from Mercer Zimmerman hit the Big Apple March 17-19 for the 2025 LEDucation trade show, and it did not disappoint! We enjoyed spending quality time with the customers who accompanied our team. Thank you to our manufacturing partners for hosting wonderful dinners and receptions. We loved checking out your booths – always inspiring!
