LOCKUP Cumbernauld - External Lighting
Turning a Concept Into a Finished Lighting Scheme
As part of the wider electrical works at Lockup Cumbernauld, the client wanted the building to stand out after dark and be clearly visible from the nearby M80 motorway.
A key part of the brief was to illuminate the distinctive goalpost-shaped fascia around the building, creating a strong visual feature while also improving the external lighting around the site.
ADR Electrical worked with the client to turn that initial concept into a practical lighting solution, selecting suitable fittings, developing the cable routes and installing the system to achieve a clean and consistent finish.
The Vision
The client wanted the yellow architectural fascia to become a recognisable feature at night, rather than disappearing into the background once daylight faded.
The objective was not simply to light the building externally, but to emphasise the goalpost shape and create a strong visual outline that could be seen from a distance.
The finished installation also needed to complement the wider storage facility, provide reliable automatic operation and maintain a neat appearance across the exterior of the building.
Developing the Lighting Solution
After reviewing the building layout and the client’s intended effect, ADR Electrical developed a lighting arrangement designed to illuminate the fascia evenly without overpowering the building.
The position, angle and output of the fittings were considered carefully to reduce dark areas and create a continuous illuminated edge around the structure.
The installation was designed around the existing building fabric, with cable routes planned to remain discreet while allowing the system to be maintained and expanded if required.
Fitting Selection & Positioning
Every fitting was carefully selected and positioned to achieve the desired visual effect while providing reliable, energy-efficient performance. The location, beam angle and mounting position of each luminaire were considered to ensure the goalpost-shaped fascia was illuminated evenly, avoiding shadows or over-lit areas. This attention to detail helped create a clean architectural feature that enhances the building's appearance after dark.
Discreet External Cable Routes
Careful planning of the cable routes allowed the installation to remain visually clean without compromising accessibility or future maintenance. Cabling was installed discreetly to minimise its visual impact on the finished building while ensuring the installation remained robust and suitable for long-term external use. The result is a professional finish where the lighting, rather than the infrastructure behind it, becomes the focal point.
Automatic Photocell Control
To provide fully automatic operation, the lighting system was controlled via a photocell sensor, ensuring the installation operates only when required. This allows the architectural and external lighting to switch on automatically at dusk and off again at dawn, improving energy efficiency, reducing unnecessary operating costs and ensuring the building remains illuminated without any manual intervention.
The Result
The completed lighting installation transformed the appearance of the building after dark.
The illuminated goalpost fascia now creates a distinctive outline around the development, improving visibility and reinforcing the client’s branding from a distance.
The additional floodlighting also provides effective coverage around the external areas, creating a brighter, safer and more professional environment throughout the site.
The project demonstrates how ADR Electrical can combine practical electrical installation with considered lighting design to deliver a client’s original vision.