Introduction:
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding every detail matters and lighting plays a crucial role in setting the scene and creating a memorable atmosphere. At Elmore Court, a stunning wedding venue located in Gloucestershire, Business Electrical has spent the last year powering, heating and lighting six treehouses intended for wedding guests and secluded in a tranquil copse. We’ll dive into the challenges and achievements of an installation that we’re very proud of.
A Dream Venue for an Electrical Contractor:
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, Elmore Court is a historic stately home. It’s a captivating blend of aristocratic exuberance and modern luxury. With its magnificent gardens, wetlands, and exquisite architecture, Elmore Court serves as a dream venue for couples seeking a fairytale wedding. The treehouses were designed to bring the venue truly into the twenty-first century, combining top-of-the-range convenience, the understated beauty of the Gloucestershire countryside and sustainable, ecologically-minded construction techniques.
The Team:
Kudos to Elmore Court: they know how to put a team together! The architects Millar Howard foregrounded the concept of “rewilding” Elmore Court’s wedding guests. Greenheart Sustainable Construction, committed to longevity and sustainability in construction, was contracted to manage the main-build. Business Electrical’s addition as the electrical contractor for the project was an obvious choice. With our wealth of experience, a highly experienced team of electricians, and meticulous attention to detail, we were entrusted with the task of powering and illuminating the treehouses in line with the “rewilding” specification.
Treehouse-Power:
Getting adequate electrical power safely to the Treehouses without ruining the stunning views was first on our agenda. We installed a new Hagar panel board next to the incoming supply for the rest of Elmore Court in the main plant room. Panel and 3-phase commercial board changes and installation are a key part of our repertoire. We then ran a 95mm 5-core cable from the plant room along a trench to another panel board we installed in a discreet main feeder pillar. Cables were then run from the main feeder pillar to individual feeder pillars, supplying the distribution boards in each treehouse in turn. The cable run from the plant room to the Treehouses averaged about 300m in length, so volt drop was a major concern. Our volt drop calculations were spot on, of course!
Outdoor Electrics
Elmore Court’s lush gardens and breathtaking outdoor spaces presented the Business Electrical with the opportunity to weave a magical tapestry of light. Rope Lights, chosen for their understated, tasteful hue, were looped around the bottom of the handrail of the suspended walkways leading to the treehouses, creating a whimsical and romantic ambiance. We also lit the carpark area with Kingfisher Klou bollard lighting. The plumbing for the treehouses required electrical power. Trace heating was installed around the outdoor pipes preventing them from freezing during the winter.
Interior Lighting
The Treehouses were supposed to exude cosiness, warmth and light in contrast to the darkness of a forested evening and we did not disappoint. The primary lighting emanated from recessed Nimis spotlights and Nordlux pendants. The contemporary, matt-black casings contrasted pleasingly with the wooden panelling. Walnut disk lights by Santi, brushed bronze wall lights by Helios and adjustable nickel dome lights by Kiki Lighting provided auxiliary lighting and proved to be alluring features in themselves. A backlit LED mirror light for illumination in the metallic-finished bathroom proved to be a stand-out feature. Dimmable LED strip lighting was used to highlight features in the kitchen and bathroom areas, as well as overhanging the bedstead, providing mood-lighting for pillow-talk. Warm white-lit lamps were chosen to emphasise homeliness and comfort.
Switching and Accessories
Corston Architectural Detail were the go-to supplier for decorative sockets and switching. Hand-crafted in solid brass, the sable finishes completed the rural-modern ensemble of the interior. In addition to an underfloor heating system, we supplied Herschel infrared heaters to keep the treehouses at a cosy temperature even on the chilliest winter evenings. Each treehouse was ventilated with a Vent Axia Lo-Carbon extractor fan. Fire and security protection was ensured using radio-linked heat, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a Pyronix security alarm system. An Ubiquiti Wifi access point kept the rural retreats in touch with everyday life.
Technical Expertise:
After working the best part of nine months on the main installation and ensuring that the venue’s electrical infrastructure could handle the increased demand, we conducted rigorous testing, triple-checking adherence to safety codes to guarantee electrical safety and flawless execution. Meticulous electrical testing is a crucial part of any commercial electrical installation.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Elmore Court and Business Electrical will have created a timeless, unforgettable wedding experience for countless couples. As jobbing commercial electricians in Bristol and the surrounding areas, the treehouses at Elmore Court was the perfect job for us. Hospitality and accommodation electrical installation have always been one of the strongest strings in our bow! Thanks to the meticulous work of Business Electrical, couples can now celebrate their love story amidst the magical glow of this extraordinary venue in Gloucester, UK.
