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02-05-2009
I spent a hour or so last evening doing some DIY corrections on the colour output of a nice bit of Part-L-compatible CFL lighting above a client's dining room table. Now there are many who would claim that even attempting the use of CFLs in that kind of situation is asking for trouble in the aesthetics department, but I claim that, if we're ever to crack the issue of energy saving in home lighting, this is exactly the kind of thing that we need to start working on.
There's some odd technology at work here. Back on the farm, I already have CFLs above the old hand-hewn farmer's table (oh, alright: the hand-crafted, bespoke-design, furniture makers dream-piece) and everything's fine. But then again, I bought the lamps from the local posh supermarket and they're tucked in behind the fine fabric work that makes up the designer-shade above said table.
Back at the client's des-res, I have higher output CFLs - those of a TC-D tendency - and the effect is altogether different. Too pink - altogether too obviously fluorescent - just plain wrong when dimmed - regardless of their 827 labelling. Why do lamp manufacturers do this. And let's name and shame here; why does OSRAM do this? An 827 lamp is meant to provide the equivalent of a GLS output, hence those fine lamps that our supermarkets are happy to sell to us. But the bigger lamps, that manufacturers, I assume, think will only be used commercially - they don't need such colour accuracy? Think again, you lamp people.
Its simple: every 827 lamp should look like a GLS lamp. There should be no difference in the way it splashes its 2700K light about, nor in the colour appearance of the lamp itself. We have got to get this right before the public - AKA our clients - come to trust the fluorescent technology.
And I've got this crazy idea that we're not actually going to solve the nightmare scenario of our ground waters running in waste mercury until we do get a massive take-up of this kind of low energy lighting at the high-end of the residential market.
So: for those of you puzzling over my DIY exercise: just a layer of LEE filter (ref: 206 if you must know) interlayered between an acrylic diffuser and a piece of special art-glass designed for the client. But I shouldn't have to do it.
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On being in the dark . . .
Riffing The Internet of Things
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
John Bullock writes a regular column for lighting magazines. You can find all of the archived pieces here.
BLOGS - LIGHTING DESIGN
John Bullock writes about all things and anything concerning architectural lighting design; new technologies and old lamps; anything,really.
HOME LIGHTING CONSULTANT
John Bullock designs innovative lighting designs for people's homes. By working closely with clients he is able to deliver solutions that meet - and exceed - their expectations.
BLOGS - CPD RIBA CORE PROGRAMME 2015
John Bullock will be presenting a seminar on latest lighting design and technologies as part of the RIBA CPD Core programme 2015
BLOGS - SUSTAINABILITY
John Bullock believes that the UK lighting industry needs to embrace a sustainable way of delivering good quality product through good design, fabrication and end-of-life management.
BLOGS - LIGHTING HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Lighting has a vital role to play in our health and wellbeing.
CONDUIT (6) - Lighting for Winter Gardens
CONDUIT 5: Home Lighting - LED Lighting (2)
FX Magazine: Lighting Focus - Sustainability (Issue 258)
CONDUIT 4: Home Lighting - LED Lighting (1)
Can Smart Lighting Save The Planet?
CONDUIT 3: Home Lighting - The Bathroom
Can Lighting Save Us From Ourselves . . . NO!
CONDUIT 2: Home Lighting - The Dining Room
Read More
John Bullock Lighting Design
4 Miller Way
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3SG
England
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