Q: How important is it to spend money on lighting?
RH: It’s imperative, especially as lighting is the key area of automation for residential properties. Yes, automation and multi room music are viewed by many as the core of smart technology, but they are still just an option – something that is nice to have if budgets stretch to them. All homes though require lighting and by harnessing smart / intelligent lighting solutions an array of long lasting benefits, ranging from energy saving through to safety features for assisted living and onto to enhanced security solutions, can be easily and cost effectively unlocked.
Q: Do buyers expect the same quality and choice of lighting in every room or do certain rooms take priority?
RH: At present, no. The key areas for lighting are in the kitchen, living room and other family areas. Today’s developers are already investing heavily in these areas of the home, with many specifying up to six circuits of lighting in order to provide the necessary platform for smart solutions.
Q: How important is mood lighting?
RH: Mood lighting can make or break a room, especially in areas where money has been invested on interior design. Believe me – the wrong lighting can absolutely ruin a £30,000 kitchen.
Q: Can this look simply be achieved with lamps by the homeowners themselves, or is mood lighting something that housebuilders need to consider at the outset?
RH: True smart lighting that can achieve, comfort, security, energy efficiency and full control is best achieved when the lighting design and control is considered by the developer and designed into the home. Can you imagine smart lighting control not being designed into a new commercial building? Our homes are no different, and the same considerations will be compulsory as our energy needs become more critical.
Q: At what stage should housebuilders get lighting manufacturers involved?
RH: The design stage.
Q: What benefits can you (the manufacturer) provide?
RH: We are able to assist with the design of both smart lighting and automation systems. Our My Home software features CAD plug-ins that enable M&E consultants and architects to plan Legrand systems using their own CAD designs.
Legrand is the world leader in wiring accessories and is also fast establishing itself as one the leading manufacturers of smart building automation systems. For further information visit www.legrand.co.uk or call 0845 6054333.
