In order to increase usage of the Hallward Library at Nottingham University it was decided to upgrade the facilities, providing a bright cheerful interior for staff and students alike.

Budgetary restrictions meant that the existing coffered ceiling had to be retained. The lighting system already installed was old and relatively inefficient. Submissions received from another lighting manufacturer had not inspired Malcolm Pritchard and Richard Clayton the University's estates engineers; enter Apollo Lighting - it was July 31st

With less than six weeks to the return of the students after vacation Apollo were asked for designs to solve the inherent difficulties of lighting a coffered ceiling and to help create the required ambience.

August 4th - August 11th. Working closely with Richard Clayton, Apollo's design team very rapidly arrived at a possible solution and - we drew a sketch! This was quickly transformed into CAD drawings and a prototype was manufactured and installed for trials in Apollo's factory. For added visual interest the body was perforated to allow some downward light. The designs were submitted to both the engineers and library staff for approval.

August 12th - August 18th. Satisfactory trials enabled production of the units to commence. Each luminaire comprises a pair of twin 58W trough shaped fittings connected by a matching coupling which contains the control gear to give a total length of 3800mm. White powder coating gives a clean attractive appearance which blends well with the coffered ceiling which has been expertly cleaned.

Given the reduced time scale available for every stage of the project, rapid installation was essential. This was achieved by using the existing power supply points via a single flex and a plug and socket arrangement. The luminaires are suspended on easily adjustable steel wires.

August 25th. Deliveries commenced and installation of first stage completed in time for the return of the students on September 1st.

The Apollo Hallward Body

• Zintec steel powder coated White Gloss as standard.
• Perforated in a sinusoidal waveform pattern.

Control Gear

• High frequency mounted within the module connection coupling.

Lamps

• 2 x 58W T8 lamps per module with 2 modules per luminaire

Suspension

• Adjustable 1mm DIA steel wires

Installation

• 126 luminaires each of two modules as described suspended from the coffer ceiling at centres to suit the ceiling.
• The luminaires are located at 3M above the floor with the top of the luminaire in line with the lowest point of the ceiling.

This arrangement achieved some 600 lux at a working plane of 900mm above floor level and a uniformity of 60%.

What People Say

Highly satisfied with the lighting, it fulfills all the criteria, works well and gives very good light levels, it looks good and most important the staff love it!

Looks great and gives excellent light levels. It is superb.

It does the job very well, there is no glare and light levels are excellent whilst feeling very comfortable. It is completely in keeping with the early seventies building, although it would be equally at home with other styles. The scheme makes the place look much better. The fittings look good in themselves and would suit many applications. Finally, I have been involved in the design of many libraries all over the world and this is the best lighting I have ever seen.