Thorn illuminates Batthyany Castle for the first time in seven centuries
Products
- 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