Rural Garden Lighting

LocationS: VARIOUS, CORNWALL
ClientS: VARIOUS, PRIVATE

Eleanor has designed many garden lighting schemes for private clients in rural areas. Here is a case study for one recent project, located in South Cornwall.

Project Overview

Practical considerations were paramount for this contemporary property, nestled amidst a unique rural setting. There were many changes in levels and directions from the driveway to the front door, so it needed to be well lit.

The Vision

Working closely with our clients, our main objective was to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of their outdoor space by implementing a well-considered garden lighting scheme.

The lighting design brief was threefold:

• To provide wayfinding light from the driveway to the house and also out to a nearby studio 

• To light the terrace for when sitting out in the summer

• To highlight the trees, granite walls and sculptures in the garden, especially those which can be seen from inside the property

The Details

Being located in a remote rural area, the nighttime surroundings are incredibly dark, requiring minimal lighting for a significant effect.

Very low voltage LED lights were strategically placed to illuminate the pathways, steps, and greenery around the property. To work around the inability to embed lighting fixtures into the granite, discreetly mounted spotlights and surface-mounted wall lights were employed to generate focused pockets of light along the pathways.

Copper fixtures were selected for their durability against the harsh Cornish elements of heavy rain and sea salt, gradually developing an appealing verdigris patina over approximately seven years that blends seamlessly into garden settings.

To extend the use of the garden into the winter months, various trees and sculptures were softly illuminated, drawing the gaze beyond the terrace, from both inside and outside the property.

The Result

The clients were incredibly happy with the lighting solution provided, which not only improved the ability to safely navigate the property’s many different levels at night but also added a vibrant touch to the outdoor area – completely transforming the feel of space by highlighting it’s unique layout, stone textures and features.