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Thorn illuminates Batthyany Castle for the first time in seven centuries

Products

  • Castle Batthyany
  • Castle Batthyany
  • Castle Batthyany
  • Castle Batthyany
  • Castle Batthyany
  • Lamp efficacy

    Lamp efficacy

    Ensuring the lamp efficiently converts electricity into light (lm/W).

  • Ballast classification

    Ballast classification

    Controlling the electricity supply to the lamp (Energy Efficiency Index).

  • Luminaire distribution

    Luminaire distribution

    Controlling light emission using optics which bend and shape the light to the correct location.

  • System efficacy

    System efficacy

    Combining optical and thermal control within the luminaire (luminaire lm/W).

  • Presence/absence detection

    Presence/absence detection

    Presence: Lights automatically turn on/off with movement. Absence: Lights automatically turn off and must be manually switched on.

  • Daylight detection

    Daylight detection

    Artificial lighting which responds to the natural light conditions.

  • Constant illuminance

    Constant illuminance

    A function designed to produce correct light levels for the duration of the maintenance period.

  • Task-scene setting

    Task-scene setting

    Allowing the user to set scenes and adapt the lighting to different tasks.

  • Timed off

    Timed off

    Automatic cut-off can be installed to turn all lights off during unoccupied hours.

  • Task lighting

    Task lighting

    Lighting task areas with the correct amount of light.

  • Zoning of lighting

    Zoning of lighting

    Lighting is zoned according to area use.

  • Maintenance schedule

    Maintenance schedule

    Maintenance must be performed in response to product age, performance and environment.

  • Waste light

    Waste light

    Eliminating waste light which does not hit the intended target.

  • Reflectance

    Reflectance

    Taking advantage of light which is reflected from the surface within the space.

  • Visible smart metering

    Visible smart metering

    Results of actions can be quickly seen as increased or decreased energy use to encourage responsible energy consumption.

Batthyany Castle in Ludbreg, Croatia dates back to the early 1300s when it was established as a fort. During the Ottoman era, the building was turned into a renaissance castle and was later renovated by the Batthyany family into a baroque style home.

By the 19th century, like many other grand buildings, it fell into disrepair, but over the years, it has slowly been restored. Today, it is one of the town’s most impressive buildings and the castle rooms are used as administration offices, including that of the Mayor, and the town’s dedicated restoration centre for historically significant artefacts damaged by time and war.

Within the castle walls, visitors can view many elaborate frescos and treasures left behind by past inhabitants, and they can also visit the holy chapel – the only place in Croatia that has experienced a holy miracle (the eucharistic miracle of Ludbreg) - as confirmed by papal bull.

The castle grounds are also important. At the heart of the community, they host different events throughout the year, including fairs, religious and cultural celebrations and sporting activities. To be able to change the castle’s façade lighting for these different events, adaptable luminaires were needed.

In summer 2021, Thorn, working alongside lighting designers Lighthouse Project d.o.o and electrical engineers MAGIC-CO d.o.o., realised a modern and flexible scheme for the previously unlit castle. This partnership was made possible by a harmonious long-term relationship with the lighting designers and the quality and reputation of Thorn products.

The surface mounted architectural Contrast floodlight was chosen for its RGBW capabilities. While colours are to be used for special occasions, the warm white light options will preserve and respect the historic fabric of the castle’s façade.

Contrast luminaires are available in a compact 4 LED spotlight variation to the more powerful 52 LED floodlight model and offer a large choice of colour temperatures, from a very warm 2200K to 4000K balanced white and RGBW to reach the perfect colour.

On this project, the luminaires are mounted on poles adjacent to the castle and remote controlled using Sensa DMX. This enables the user to create simple and autonomous lighting scenarios and scene recall via an internal astronomical clock or remote push buttons.

Ivan Dubravec, Country manager, Croatia (Zumtobel Group) said, “Finally, after 7 centuries, the people of Ludbreg can enjoy the beauty of our castle during the night and during the numerous cultural events we organise each year. We are delighted with the outcome and the possibilities that can now be achieved with lighting scenes alone.”

Photography: Zarko Piljak