Unprecedented design flexibility and accuracy with an adjustable lighting track system – which is unique in the world of architectural exterior lighting.

The Calyx project at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens has achieved unprecedented design flexibility and accuracy with an adjustable lighting track system – which is unique in the world of architectural exterior lighting.

As part of a major refurbishment project at the Ken Woolley-designed Arc glasshouse, which was completed in 1987, the Calyx is a semi-enclosed area featuring greenhouse-type climatic conditions. “It’s 30 degrees and 70 per cent humidity inside, with sprinklers going off. You wouldn’t typically find that in an indoor lighting space,” according to Serge Janjic, NSW Sales Manager at Light Culture.

The reinvigorated Calyx houses a varying range of displays including; new, innovative interpretation and horticulture displays; universal access and improved amenities; and an expanded formal education programme.

To accommodate the changing needs of the space, project lighting designer Benjamin Cisterne – who has a background in theatre and gallery illumination – was looking for a dynamic and flexible lighting solution that could be easily augmented and recommissioned in semi-outdoor conditions. In addressing the challenges of the dynamic display space while maintaining adequate sealing of the projectors against humidity, a custom framing snoot was designed to manipulate the light beam distribution without having to open the luminaire.