
Iona Abby by Nich Smith Lighting Design
Iona Abby by Nich Smith Lighting Design
The replacement of paraffin candles at Iona Abbey in Scotland with a thoughtful and considered LED scheme by Nich Smith Lighting Design has won a Build Back Better PLATINUM award.
The replacement of paraffin candles at Iona Abbey in Scotland with a thoughtful and considered LED scheme by Nich Smith Lighting Design has won a Build Back Better PLATINUM award.
Although candlelight from naked flames has a beautiful aesthetic and visual appeal, the use of real wax candles has many of the unwanted effects.
Additionally, reading in the Abbey choir stalls was difficult due to low light levels.
A comprehensive review of the original installation and cultural needs of the Abbey bu Nich Smith resulted in new LED candles being installed. They are handmade real wax altar candles which are lit and burnt to create unique melting patterns. The candles are then extinguished, cored and fitted with a special LED insert to produce a realistic candlelight effect.
Light levels, colour temperature variation, and the location based random flicker of real candles are faithfully reproduced.
New freestanding candelabra replaced the original seven types to enable wiring. Their design reflects the originals in scale and candle quantities, with details drawn from motifs within the church.
Choir stall candelabras were refurbished with LED candles and new reading lights 3D printed to exactly fit the underside of the candle tray, as well as accommodate electronics.
Electrical infrastructure was sensitively installed, keeping cabling and complexity to a minimum.
Copper MICC cable was selected for its small diameter and natural patina through aging, carefully clipped to mortar joins using low profile clips with hidden fixings.
Accurate coring through 965mm thick stone walls was required to get cables exactly where needed. The electrical infrastructure fades perfectly into the existing building fabric.
Credits:
Lighting Design and Project Management: Nich Smith Lighting Design
Freestanding Candelabra: Scott Associates Sculpture and Design
3D printing, technical consultancy: James Gardner
Conservation Architects: John Gilbert Architects
Candles: Lux Lumen BV
Electrical Contractor: GWL Electrical
