Exterior lighting of a hotel: how to enhance the attractiveness of the building
In order to maximise the possibilities and use of a hotel, it is important to look at other aspects beyond the interior and take into account the exterior lighting of the hotel. This will enhance the exterior features of the hotel and improve its overall attractiveness. In turn, this will attract more customers and increase the revenue of the hotel.
This article will take a deeper look into the subject, explaining how lighting can be used to convey specific sensations while also making sure that activities in different areas of the hotel can be carried out correctly and efficiently.
This article addresses...
- WHAT SHOULD WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN LIGHTING THE EXTERIOR OF A HOTEL
- SOLUTIONS FOR THE PERFECT LIGHTING OF THE FACADE OF A HOTEL
- SECOM HOTEL LIGHTING PROJECTS
What should we take into account when lighting the exterior of a hotel
The outdoor area of a hotel is the first impression a customer will have on arrival. So, it is vitally important to highlight certain points in order to enhance the aesthetics or architectural style of the complex. For example, if the hotel is surrounded by gardens, the lighting needs to work in harmony with the vegetation.
Depending on the flora and the location, different environments can be created. This could include accentuated lighting in areas with greater movement of people, to more ambient lighting for garden areas. Furthermore, it is important to try and avoid causing light pollution.
Exterior area of the hotel: façade, gardens, entrance, rest areas
The exterior of a hotel complex, whether composed of a single building or a variety of elements, must be illuminated in a single project that encompasses all the exterior areas and their specific requirements, depending on their use.
Therefore, it is imperative to take into account the lighting of the hotel, as a whole, from the beginning of the construction project. In this way, it is possible to maintain coherence with respect to the design and architectural style of the building.
Environment
The main objective of a lighting project for a hotel is to create a recognisable architectural image. In turn, this includes the creation of a unique environment.
Energy efficiency
Lighting costs account for between 20% and 50% of the entire energy consumption of a hotel. Most of this energy consumption corresponds to communal areas, such as lobbies and corridors, which are sometimes illuminated throughout the day. In a hotel with around 65 rooms, this can mean a daily consumption of up to 1,000 kWh in the corridors and 370kWh in the lobby. The bedrooms add another 350kWh per day, on average.
Thankfully, one of the main solutions to these issues is LED lighting. These luminaires can reduce consumption by up to 90% in many cases, increasing energy efficiency for both the lighting system and the general running of the hotel.
Solutions for the perfect lighting of the facade of a hotel
There are a variety of lighting management systems on the market, ranging from wired systems that function through a series of command lines to more innovative wireless systems. These different systems facilitate adaptability, dynamic control and colour changes without the need to modify the existing structures.
Adapting the lighting to the architecture of the facade
When renovating and updating the lighting in an existing building, the first step to take is an assessment of the lighting and architectural conditions of the structure. Subsequently, the corresponding lighting calculations and other points will be decided upon. These will include aspects such as, the tone and type of lights that should be used, as well as the optimal power and beam width for each luminaire on the façade.
Colour control. Advantages and uses of RGBW lighting
It is possible, through the use of RGBW LED strips, luminaires and outdoor floodlights to achieve specific lighting tones. These are adjustable forms of lighting that incorporate the three primary colours in their hues, with the addition of pure white. In this manner, the colours can be adapted, depending on the image and style that is intended to be given.
Solutions for the illumination of gardens and transit zones
Today, you can find hotels with a great many facilities that include landscaped spaces, areas for walking and resting, swimming pools and artificial lakes. In these cases, the possibilities for lighting projects only increase. To make the most of these spaces, floodlights, wall lights or luminaires of different styles and power ratings can be used.
Decorative illumination
Decorative lighting is a means used by many establishments to both highlight certain areas or to use at different times of the year, for aesthetic or creative reasons. LED luminaires or decorative strip lights are some of the many possibilities available.
Signposting of transit zones
In transit zones, warm toned luminaires that can reach up to 4,000K are usually used. It is essential to illuminate these areas well with bollard lights, spotlights or LED fixtures that clearly demarcate the spaces and highlight the access areas and paths to follow. At SECOM there is a variety of outdoor recessed lighting models, like the Flopro and Vercor models.
Products adapted to each area of the hotel
From recessed luminaires to wall lights, spotlights, bollard lights and many other products, there are countless options for hotel lighting for both indoors and outdoors. Depending on the design of the hotel, it can be illuminated differently to work in harmony with its external decorative elements and architectural style.
Creating an environment
When adequately lighting the exterior facade of a hotel, special attention should be paid to areas such as cornices, central spaces and the name of the hotel. It is even possible to create different ambiences in each of the outdoor areas of the hotel.
SECOM hotel lighting projects
The following SECOM hotel lighting projects combine functionality and energy savings with adaptability and aesthetic criteria.
- Hotel Intercontinental. This ambitious project helped to highlight the elegance and comfort of the establishment. An LED lighting system was used that helped to create a unique and energy efficient environment.
- Hotel Dos Playas, Mazarrón. This hotel has a functional and sustainable system, thanks to the use of LED technology, to create a welcoming and hospitable environment.
In summary, the exterior lighting of a hotel stands as another element that must be taken into account so as to provide a magnificent experience for guests. It also helps attract new clients to improve the sustainability of the business.
