King's Bruton Boarding School in Somerset, England, was founded more than 500 years ago – and yet it is in tune with the times. This is also reflected in the architecture of the school, which combines carefully restored historic parts with modern buildings. The most recent extension is the new music lessons wing with an outdoor area.

To mark the school's 500th anniversary, in 2016 an architecture competition was held for the music wing which was won by the architectural firm Levitt Bernstein (London/Manchester). The music rooms comprise classrooms and practice rooms as well as a concert hall and professional recording studios. An area in a previously neglected corner of the campus was developed for this upgrade. The angular new building creates an attractive inner courtyard and features a new recreation area with trees and seating that can be used for various purposes.

The concert hall, in particular, is not only used by the school itself, but also serves as a public venue; therefore, the main demands on the lighting for this area were safety and the creation of a pleasant ambience. The planners opted for the ZFY230 bollard series from WE-EF to light the outdoor spaces. The round-shaped bollards have a diameter of 180 mm. Of the two available heights, the 1,000 mm version is used. With their minimalist design and clear proportions, the luminaires are harmoniously integrated into the architectural context that features both historic and modern elements. 

The innovative lighting technology of the ZFY230 bollards provides illumination that is free of glare and scattered light. The CAD-optimised, indirect optic developed by WE-EF generates a symmetric, uniform light distribution [C60]. For safe and straightforward installation, the bollards are supplied pre-wired with an integrated terminal box and fuse. To ensure years of reliable operation, the housings have an IP66 protection rating and are treated with WE-EF's proven 5CE Superior Corrosion Protection system.


Architecture: Levitt Bernstein, London/Manchester

Electrical engineers and lighting design: QODA Consulting

Photos: James Newton for WE-EF