Performance LED handrail transforms dark and unwelcoming steps
The challenge
Identified by the City of Westminster as a priority lighting need, Essex Street, situated within a WC2 conservation area, required an innovative lighting solution for a Victorian stairwell, frequently used as a route from Temple tube station to the Royal Courts of Justice.
In addition to the traditional lighting columns at the top and bottom of the stairwell, the existing Essex Steps lighting scheme consisted of a single 70w CDO-TT 3-4m high wall-mounted light source, accessed for maintenance in days-passed (shock-horror), by a ladder placed precariously on the steps.
Clients and partners
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Client
City of Westminster
The solution
Our Garda LED illuminated handrail presented the ideal task-lighting solution.
Providing a powerful lighting performance and superb uniformity through its unique glare-free asymmetric beam (the prismatic lens & reflectors face directly downwards without being angled- as many competing products), Garda has completely transformed the previously dark and unwelcoming steps.
Offering a high quality contemporary, grade 316 stainless steel design, we delivered a unique turn-key solution, from design and manufacture to install – assisted by consultant and contractor Westminster Transerv.
The LED lighting modules are vandal resistant, exploiting tamper-resistant fastenings, impact resistant (IK10) polycarbonate lenses and are water-proof to IP66. Garda provides a neutral 4000K/CRI 75 colour temperature and in excess of 60,000 hours service life.
DW Windsor Project Manager Rob Brookes commented:
Ensuring a smooth transition and ease of installation was key. As a result of the bespoke nature of the scheme, including acute angles and ageing brickwork, the Victorian stairwell proved testing at times. We overcame this by designing custom-made lengths, including a 100mm illuminated section to smoothly follow the contours of the wall. The resulting scheme begs the question whether integrating light into our architecture may become more commonplace in the future.
" Utilising DW Windsor’s Garda illuminated handrail has enabled us to effectively and safely light Essex steps, whilst reducing the carbon footprint of the site through reducing maintenance cycles. We are extremely happy as this solution has ticked all the boxes; improving public and workforce safety, reducing environmental impact and it operates with our central management system "
Dave Franks, City of Westminster