eXternal aFFairS with tim goom
enlighteneD lanDScaPeS the sun setting used to signal an end to an evening’s entertaining or its migration inside. as landscaping has evolved, so has the art of exterior lighting. there is now a huge selection of lighting options to ensure you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space beyond sunset. exterior lighting is both functional and creates ambience. Functionality Safety; Discreet lighting can guide guests to your home (lighting your street number or mail box), along pathways, and help to safely navigate tripping hazards such as stairs or edges. Security; Previously security lighting was limited to harsh sensor lights – which a fossicking hedgehog or passing car could trigger. Now security lighting tends to be much more subtle and considered- reassuringly illuminating your boundaries without the glaring ‘on/off’ full beam. Work spaces; Lighting can be creative to highlight certain parts of your outdoor space- in other areas it serves a more practical purpose. For example you will need enough light to safely see what you are doing when preparing food or operating a BBQ. Brightness is one consideration- but the direction of the light is also important- if the light shines directly in to your eyes over the BBQ it could easily become more hindrance than help. ambience Aesthetically, exterior lighting will enhance structures and plants. The night garden provides a completely different visual perspective to the day garden. Elements which may have been subtle during the day can become a feature. Sculpture or specimen plants or trees come in to greater focus when lit in the evening. The key is being selective and choosing the features of your night garden which you want illuminated rather than simply lighting the entire garden- as this will create a sensory overload. Outdoor lighting can also have an impact from your interior. Think of any windows as potential picture frames- rather than looking out to darkness, you have the opportunity to extend the garden viewing and use lighting to create an evening feature.
Direction The direction of lighting will provide vastly different effects. Front lighting tends to highlight the details but will flatten the object by eliminating shadows which show form. Backlighting will provide extreme contrast, bringing the shape of the object in to focus whilst minimising the detail. Casting light down upon plants will emulate how natural light strikes leaves, creating shadows on the underside. Up-lighting plants will subvert natural lighting and provide an entirely different visual effect in the evening. Lighting can be layered in both the foreground and background to create depth. colour Shades of lighting will have a huge variance. Cooler blue toned lighting creates a completely different effect from a warmer hue. Coloured lighting can be used for a more dramatic effect. lighting StyleS Solar lighting is popular and can dispense with the need for wiring in the far reaches of your garden. LED lighting is efficient and long lasting. Set timers will ensure your bulbs aren’t burning long after you are tucked up. If you want your lighting to remain discreet during the day, black lights and spike lights will achieve this by receding in to your garden. Lighting can be as much of a feature as that which it illuminates, with stunning lamp designs available from an array of materials such as copper or metal. Lighting is a finishing touch which can extend the enjoyment of your outdoor Lifespace and create a new dynamic night garden. A Landscape Architect can work with a Lighting Consultant to advise you on the best interplay between lighting and your ever evolving garden to ensure attention is drawn to the best parts of your garden throughout the seasons.
outdoor lifespace
TM
Outdoor is for living, and we have been creating beautiful, unique, award-winning outdoor environments for discerning people for well over 30 years. We call them lifespacesTM. It’s a place where you live best in, providing for your individuality.
IDEATION-GOM57
A lifespaceTM you are proud of.
DESIGN MANAGE CONSTRUCT
by Goom
0800 GOOM LS goomlandscapes.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH AUCKLAND WANAKA