Built by English monarch Edward I in the 13th century, Harlech Castle is perched majestically above the Gwynedd town and seaside resort, with stunning views of the coast to the west and the mountains of Snowdonia to the east.
During the War of the Roses, the longest siege in British history took place here (1461-1468). This inspired the unofficial national anthem, ‘Men of Harlech’, which is famous amongst rugby fans and military bands alike.
One of the most familiar strongholds in Britain, this historical site designed by military architect, Master James of St. George, is now in the care of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.
Following a number of successful collaborations, LTP Integration was appointed by SH Structures – specialists in the design, supply, manufacture and installation of complex steel structures.
The team was responsible for providing a task lighting solution for a new 30-metre steel footbridge, which had replaced the previous one after it had deteriorated due to age and general wear and tear.
The primary challenge for LTP Integration was to manufacture a light fitting that was capable of delivering colour changing lighting, white light for task lighting, plus an additional emergency lighting feature. The product was predominantly required to meet industry regulations for light output for public footbridges.
The light fitting also had to be compact enough to locate within a small cylindrical sleeve that was to be incorporated within each vertical bridge baluster. Situated behind stainless steel mesh infill panels, the challenge was to still maintain sufficient luminosity to properly illuminate the bridge deck.
Furthermore, the technical solution demanded the ability to match the bridge lighting with a new colour changing lighting scheme that had been planned for the visitor centre.
To meet the complex brief, LTP Integration worked with Welsh lighting manufacturers i-Vision (UK) Ltd to design and develop the Lumos Mira 100e, a bespoke IP67 rated product that provided the perfect solution for this specific application.
The bridge lighting is controlled by a dedicated PC hosting e:cue’s LAS Enterprise software and can also be operated via a smartphone or iPad, offering simple and intuitive day-to-day management.
The lighting default condition is to deliver soft white task lighting to the walkway to recommended lighting levels for pedestrian ramps and steps, whilst complementing the heritage site and medieval environment. In addition to this, there are a number of colour-changing effects that can be accessed by the head custodian of Harlech Castle for special events and occasions.
Despite the significant design issues posed by the complex nature of the client’s product requirements, LTP was successful in specifying and integrating a stunning unique solution.
The scheme adds to the company’s impressive portfolio of historic Welsh monuments, following previous work across other Cadw sites which include: Caerphilly Castle, Castell Coch, Chepstow Castle, Coity Castle, Kidwelly Castle, Llansteffan Castle, Swansea Castle and Tintern Abbey.
“The outcome of the lighting has far exceeded our expectations and offers the site an additional attraction to increase interest in this historic landmark.” – Mike Saddington, Contract Manager (RLD Construction)
For further information on the products and services used in this visitor attraction project, or to discuss a similar exterior architectural lighting scheme, please get in touch today.
Contact us on +44 (0)1554 740500 or click the button below and let us know your project requirements.
+44 (0) 1554 740 500 
