Situated just six minutes from one of London’s busiest airports, this hotel has extensive rooms to accommodate visitors; including meeting rooms to host up to 250 guests, a 24-hour gym, spa, wellness centre and restaurant
The hotel is popular with holiday-makers and business-users alike. Senior management at the hotel are constantly reviewing ways to increase energy efficiency and therefore wanted to replace the older lighting solutions in the hotel. At the same time, they wanted to improve the quality of light and ambiance, especially in the popular conference and events facilities. Ease of maintenance is also a key factor when considering a new lighting solution.
Due to the complexity of the hotel, its senior management recognised they needed a lighting team that could work closely together throughout the design, planning and implementation stages. So, when OSRAM, along with external project management firm Ecosolve Solutions, and independent lighting experts Mico Lighting, presented the hotel with a joint proposal for a state-of-the-art LED solution, it was clear this approach would meet the hotel’s criteria.
The team undertook a complete survey of the hotel and then developed a scope of work that took into account the hotel’s long-term strategy for different areas, as well as its target for return on investment (ROI) within three years. Pulling knowledge from all involved, the team developed a lighting concept that would utilise OSRAM’s industry-leading products and energy-saving capabilities, whilst maintaining and improving the standard of lighting throughout the hotel.
First impressions count
The team selected OSRAM products to suit the functionality of different areas in the hotel. It was important that the guest areas had the same lighting colour temperature, to create a consistent, relaxing atmosphere. By comparison, the staff areas of the hotel needed functional lighting, so that staff could work effectively and safely. With the right plans in place, OSRAM, Ecosolve Solutions, Mico Lighting and Norwood Electrical installed the new concept during two phases; ensuring minimal disruption to the hotel and its guests.
Fiona Thomson, National Account Manager at Mico Lighting explains, “It was important that the project ran smoothly, and that the hotel could continue business as usual, so we put in place exceptional products and a high
quality team. One of the main benefits of OSRAM is the range of products available to meet the complex requirements of the hotel.”
The team started in the reception area, with LEDvance XL downlights to complement the LED globes, which are the main focal point. These bolstered the natural light in the lobby with a cheerful warming and welcoming atmosphere. This ambiance was continued through to the conference room facilities, where LEDvance Area LED panel luminaires and GU10 LEDr downlights with dimming capability, were installed to enable the rooms to adapt to different purposes.
Ian Giddis, Director at Ecosolve Solutions said, “It was vital that we selected the right lighting solution for each different area of the hotel. Some areas, such as the restaurant, had been recently refurbished, so the lighting only needed an upgrade to more efficient technology. In other areas, such as the main function suite, a new lighting design was needed.
“We wanted to ensure these looked their best at all times, especially when they are empty and hotel staff members are showing a prospective customer around. The OSRAM LED panel luminaires and LEDr GU10s have totally transformed the rooms, making them inviting and refreshing.”
Refreshing and updating the hotel
The new uplifting theme was replicated throughout the rest of the hotel. Dark bedroom corridors that lacked natural light have been transformed into attractive, welcoming areas. The swimming pool changing area, restaurant and bar areas were also given a new lease of life with LED lighting options lasting significantly longer, meaning minimal time spent replacing lamps around the hotel.
Fiona Thomson of Mico Lighting explained, “The choice of lighting in any hotel can dramatically change the guest experience. The OSRAM solution was designed with care to bring the hotel a relaxed and up-to-date feel, as well as addressing the hotel’s energy saving targets.”
Ian Giddis agreed, “Old fittings and inefficient lamps gave the hotel an outdated look. By bringing in the OSRAM solution, the hotel has been through a complete transformation. Even changing a lamp is now easier for the hotel staff – there used to be a mis-match of multiple lamps types in the bar area but now there are a small number that’s easier to manage.”
Shining the light on energy savings
Taking this coordinated approach to the lighting project, 958 lamps and luminaires were installed at the hotel on time, without disrupting the hotel’s day to day operations. The new lighting has improved the quality of light at the hotel with significant energy savings in light sources alone. As a result, the hotel will have achieved their return on investment target in 2.4 years with the new lighting installation.
The Head of Hotel Maintenance said that “by choosing the OSRAM solution, the hotel has also lowered its maintenance costs, saving up to 1 hour per day due to the lifetime of the new LED lighting, compared with the previous halogen lamps”.
The project has been so successful, that further lighting projects will be completed in cooperation with the OSRAM team.
