ROSE CASTLE, CUMBRIA

CONCEPT

The vision for the concept is to encompass important practical, social and unifying functions for guests to create a comfortable atmosphere and sense of well-being. The lighting scheme is designed with the peace and reconciliation spirit in mind.

Lighting of architectural features and details from concealed sources integrated within the fabric, providing supplementary lighting to support the general lighting with accenting primarily legible in evening and night-time settings. Integrated low-level lighting creates a subtle ambience, closely connected to the building’s architecture 

Light concept based on 3 points:

1. Simplicity

2. Holiness

3. Calm

The lighting should have a sense of flow and consistency to create a poetic and an ethereal quality to the stunning interior through rhythm, repetition and subtle historical storyline. 

With the importance of resting and feeling comfortable and to keep the integrity of the building, it is a huge mistake to treat light individually so careful considerations are taken regarding all the layers of light working in harmony with its surroundings. Subtle and sympathetic lighting to display works of art and its historical features. 

The lighting fixtures need to be true to the values and aesthetic of the castle but, at the same time, innovative and contemporary to add a fresh modern twist using more sophisticated fixtures with high performance and aesthetic. 

AIM

The draft brief begins with a vision statement, which gives emphasis to the wide variety of uses within the building and the need to produce a high-quality scheme which enhances the experience of services and events, as well as the architectural form and features of the Grade 1 listed building. Energy efficiency and the use of environmentally sustainable materials are very important, as is a simple and flexible control system. The mission of the castle is explained, with due emphasis on hospitable culture, welcoming diversity, respect and understanding.

To give the building an added dimension that will enhance its key architectural elements as well as its social and historical significance. Creating contrasts, depth and warmth throughout the scheme, further enhancing the spiritual nature and history of Rose Castle. The goal is to achieve a warm, cosy, home-feeling ambience, as well as a connection between historical and modern influences. The challenge is to find a solution that seamlessly integrates with the traditional aesthetics of the room design while ensuring superior ergonomics and high quality technology. 

A way of developing hospitality concepts is to embed subtle cultural references through interior details that together, add to an impression of the locale and its history. The lighting needs to be flexibly designed for easy reconfiguration as a special event space with moveable furniture. Needs to offer a warm, comfortable and relaxing home-from-home.

The heritage of the building is a key driver for the interior lighting approach. The overriding concept is to create a space that feels like a country retreat.

SIMPLICITY

All luminaires will be inconspicuous with understated elegance, easy to install and maintain respect for the historic fabric of this period building. The proposal will include discreet lighting fixtures to highlight certain furniture, textures on fabric and any historical feature. Most of the luminaires should be dimmable in the main areas to add flexibility.

The variety of styles together with all the latest technology has made a huge impact on the way light is distributed and how it can be manipulated to create an inviting ambience. Combining ambient, task and accent lighting with a creative flair is essential. Using cohesive lighting style with consistency in colour temperature and light intensity throughout the building and using the full ‘layers of light’ philosophy with varied up lighting, down lighting or spotlighting. 

Avoiding any visual clutter with too many different styles of lampshades as there is a danger of cluttering the site. This would detract from the sense of peace and tranquillity, so balancing the calm of nature with high-tech efficiency and simplicity is key.

HISTORIC FABRIC

Care will be taken to avoid placing fixtures, switches, conduit, or other electrical facilities through character-defining architectural elements. Where mounting at high level, luminaires are planned to be fixed to non-visible cornices and fixings only applied to mortar joints where possible. All luminaires will be low heat to avoid scorching. All lights will all be LED and keeping the new light fittings recognisably different from the historic fittings.

Directional adjustable spotlights will accent downwards and can be directed to specific areas, fitted with low glare optics and glare shields. These will provide direct ambient for highlighting certain features and provide sufficient light to the visitors at an optimum direction to minimise glare and keep visual clarity.