lighten up
Grab your Paddle & Let’s Pickleball
The Mercer Zimmerman team had a blast teaming up with customers and manufacturers on April 11 for a pickleball tournament at Serv in Overland Park, KS! The event was filled with energy, excitement, and friendly competition. A huge thanks to our sponsors: Cooper, OCL, Spectrum Lighting, Deltalight, and Acclaim Lighting, who sponsored the event and displayed great products. We enjoyed getting to spend time with customers and showcasing our pickleball skills!
on view
Better Homes & Gardens Office Building, Omaha, NE
The new Better Homes and Gardens office spans 15,000 square feet and beautifully blends commercial and residential styles. It features open work areas, stylish mid-century modern furniture, and welcoming social spaces with a bar, lounge, fireplace, and classrooms. These elements create a warm environment for hosting events and welcoming new homeowners.
The building’s outside is lit up with Ligman Harrier 3 Ingrade fixtures. These lights are installed on the ground and shine brightly, making the building look great. They offer different angles and colors to suit the lighting needs. Inside the conference room, there’s a Mina Pendant from Visual Comfort & Co. hanging in the center. This light has a crystal ball that glows nicely and adds a stylish touch to the room. The building incorporates products from CSL, Portfolio, Lumenwerx, Prudential, Q-Tran, Ligman, Visual Comfort & Co, and Isolite, contributing to the design of the building.
The Players:
Architect: Holland Basham Architects
Engineer: Morrissey Engineering
General Contractor: Boyd Jones
Electrical Contractor: Brase Electrical
insight to light
Outdoor Ambiance: Landscape Lighting Done Right
An Interview With Kate Wimer, Vice President of Sales, Mercer Zimmerman
What are the key elements to consider in a conceptual landscape lighting design?
When designing landscape lighting, consider composition, visual boundaries, and the quality and direction of light. These elements help create a cohesive and visually appealing space, guiding the viewer’s eye and enhancing features without causing glare.
Creating the right mood and atmosphere is essential. Choose fixtures, color temperature, and intensity to evoke the desired ambiance. Achieve balance by distributing light harmoniously and use focal points to highlight specific features and add interest.
Cohesion ensures all elements work together seamlessly. Coordinate fixtures, color temperatures, and techniques for a unified design. This professional look enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of the landscape, making it both beautiful and usable.
How do you decide between symmetric and asymmetric designs?
Symmetric designs are characterized by balanced and mirrored arrangements of lighting elements. This approach is often used to create a sense of order, formality, and harmony. Asymmetric designs involve varied and non-mirrored arrangements of lighting elements. This approach is often used to create a dynamic, natural, and informal look.
Symmetric Designs
- Balanced Look: Creates an orderly appearance.
- Highlight Features: Frames central elements like fountains or statues.
- Uniform Lighting: Keeps lighting consistent.
- Formal Style: Suitable for elegant settings.
Asymmetric Designs
- Adds Interest: Makes the space dynamic.
- Flexible Placement: Allows varied light positions.
- Natural Feel: Mimics nature’s irregular patterns.
- Creative Effects: Encourages unique lighting designs.
What factors should be considered when selecting fixtures?
When selecting fixtures for landscape lighting, consider color temperature, wattage, and voltage. Warm colors create a cozy atmosphere, while cooler colors provide a modern look. Choose appropriate wattage for sufficient illumination without excessive energy consumption. Low voltage systems are safer and easier to install, ideal for residential and smaller commercial applications, while line voltage systems are suitable for larger commercial installations. Opt for durable materials that withstand harsh weather conditions and energy-efficient options like LED fixtures. There are a large variety of fixtures to choose from, often it is not necessary to select the highest cost.
Different fixture types serve various functions. Ingrade fixtures are ideal for uplighting architectural elements and trees. Bullets target specific items like trees, statuary and artistic elements. Tapelight delineates edges and borders. Step lights enhance safety and security. Bullets or bullet style downlight pendants tucked up within a tree’s canopy will create a moonlight effect and can be ideal for downlighting special features within the garden design. Bollards and path lights are perfect for illuminating a walkway and leading thru an outdoor space. Wall-mounted fixtures provide general or accent lighting. Ensure the fixtures complement the landscape’s design and are easy to install and maintain. A layered approach to the lighting brings the best results.
Pay close attention when selecting fixtures – often you will be able to use one fixture type (i.e. bullets) with replaceable LED lamps that allow for different wattages, color temperatures, and beam spreads to make changes onsite easily. There are a couple of manufacturers that now offer field changeable beam spreads and color temperatures all within the same fixture so you can easily ‘dial in’ the intended effect.
How can color be effectively introduced into landscape lighting?
Introducing color into landscape lighting can enhance visual appeal and create a dynamic atmosphere. Strategic placement of colored lights can highlight features like trees, sculptures, and water features, while color-changing lights offer flexibility for different occasions. Layering techniques combine warm and cool colors to add depth and texture. Subtle accents use colored lights sparingly to avoid overwhelming the design, and seasonal themes keep the lighting fresh year-round. These methods effectively introduce color, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.
What considerations are important for controlling landscape lighting installations?
Controlling landscape lighting involves several key considerations. Zoning lets you manage different areas independently, creating varied effects. Dimming options adjust brightness to set different moods and save energy.
Transformer and driver locations should be easy to access and protected for optimal performance. Smart controls allow remote management with timers, motion sensors, and schedules for convenience and security.
Energy efficiency and accessibility are important. Use energy-efficient fixtures like LEDs and ensure easy access for maintenance. Regular checks can prevent issues and prolong the system’s life. Integrate controls and fixtures seamlessly with the landscape design.
What maintenance considerations should be kept in mind?
Maintaining landscape lighting involves regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris, inspecting fixtures for damage, promptly replacing burnt-out bulbs, and checking wiring and connections for any issues. It’s also important to trim back vegetation that may obstruct light and cause overheating. Seasonal maintenance, such as adjusting fixtures and cleaning lenses, ensures optimal performance throughout the year. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure your landscape lighting remains effective, safe, and visually appealing.
Reach out to Mercer Zimmerman to get assistance with upcoming landscape lighting projects!
fact-ology
The A: Pink & Violet
The Q: What are the new colors of dimming 0-10V conductors?
The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduced new color standards for 0-10V dimming conductors to improve safety and compliance. Previously, these conductors were identified by gray and violet insulation. The NEC now prohibits the use of gray, as it is reserved for grounded branch circuit conductors. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has designated pink as the new color for 0-10V dimming conductors, replacing gray. Effective January 1, 2022, the standard pink and violet 0-10V dimming conductors ensure clear identification and reduce the risk of wiring errors during electrical installations.