07 Aug More Amazing results with LED Landscape lighting in Los Angeles
by Mike Gambino
This recent patio area project features all MR-16 3 watt Gambino LED low voltage warm white lamps with the exception of 8 large Queen Palms which are illuminated with constant color MR-16 halogens.
All Gambino brand fixtures and transformers.
The performance and energy savings is truly magnificent and the homeowners are really pleased.
In southern California the patio is virtually another room of the house year round. In this family during fair weather the man of the house likes to spend much time on the patio watching television which he can do from the tv mounted under the lattice patio cover or by looking through the picture window into the family room. Sound provided by speakers mounted at patio.
The client desired an energy efficient system built with multiple zones in the backyard of their residence. Since they also entertain often they wanted effective lighting to add mood and atmosphere without it being overpowering or all encompassing.
What they didn’t want was eye level glare producing lighting mounted on patio cover posts which is what they had inherited from the previous owner.
Since they also have pets and live in an area where wild animals roam free during the evening like racoons, coyotes and occasionally mountain lions. They wanted to be able to see what was lurking on the patio before letting themselves or pets out after dark.
As is evident in the project photos the indirect lighting contained at the perimeters of the patio planters provides more than enough illumination to see what is out there without any glare or annoyance to the neighbors or anyone in rooms that adjoin the exterior of the house.
All lighting zones come on at dusk.
Zone #1 consists of the Large Queen Palms illuminated by halogen lamps to turn off at midnight every evening.
Zone #2- is the smaller plant materials and spread/deck ground lighting up around foundation of house and patio illuminated with low wattage LED to turn off at dawn.
zone #3- which we will be installing in a month or so is the balance of backyard / pool and bbq areas which the client hasn’t decided whether they will be on a timer or manual switch. Also will be all LED lighting.
The LED lighting around the patio and backyard areas close to house are especially important to the client for entertaining, usability and traverse during waking hours. They also provide the client with additional value after they retire by providing safety and the ability to operate all night without significant increase to electric bill.
In fact these fixtures amount to less than 50 watts of power usage which is miniscule for the amount of light quality, coverage and effectiveness.
A tremendous improvement over the 4 lanterns they previously used on their patio that burned 60 watts in each which the vestiges of can still be seen if you look carefully at the photos. They are turned OFF of course !
This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .
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