Robgill Tower is a historically significant 16th-century fortified tower house located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Originally constructed as a defensive bastion during the turbulent border conflicts between England and Scotland, the tower has evolved into a symbol of enduring heritage and rural elegance. Over centuries, the estate has been transformed from a stronghold into a refined residential and equestrian property, combining traditional charm with modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art indoor riding arena.
In 2021, Kellwood Lighting was commissioned to provide a high-performance lighting solution for the indoor riding arena on the estate. The client required a lighting system that could deliver high levels of visual comfort for both riders and horses while maintaining energy efficiency and long-term durability
Relatively common and unusual requirements needed to be considered:
CIBSE-Compliant Lux Levels – design and supply a solution to permit safe equestrian training and events for private and public use.
Low Glare & Reduced Shadows – optimise lighting arrangement to provide a uniform light distribution while proving suitable clearance to permit jumping without dazzling the rider or horse.
Banked-Switch Scene-Setting – incorporate dual-mode lighting flexibility for Events (200 lux) and General use (100 lux).
Maintain Ambient Lighting - lights needed to be optimally arranged while not obstructing ambient light gained through the rooflights.
Design Process
Kellwood designed and delivered a lighting solution that meets CIBSE Class II standards using its premium 200W Raeburn 2 Series High Bay LED luminaires - ideal for large indoor environments such as sports arenas, warehouses, and riding schools.
Using advanced 3D CAD simulations, our team determined the optimal mounting heights and positions to ensure maximum light coverage and minimal shadows. To support the client’s request for switchable scene-setting, the design was refined to allow seamless transition from 100% to 50% output, improving energy efficiency without compromising performance.
| Parameter | Average Lux (Eav) | Uniformity (U0) | Glare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | >200lux | >0.7 | <30 |
| Design Level | 252 lux | 0.722 | <30 |
Conclusion
The Raeburn 2 Series once again proved an ideal match for high-end equestrian and heritage venues, complementing the architecture and activity of the indoor arena. The client and his team were very happy with the project's outcome:
Visual conditions in the arena were dramatically improved.
The dual-mode setup allowed for versatile, economical operation.
Raeburn Series
Low-Glare High Bay
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