Barnsley College lighting by Tamlite Lighting

Barnsley College Institute of Technology

Partnering for Excellence: How Tamlite delivered a bespoke lighting design and lighting controls solution for Barnsley College Institute of Technology.

Project Overview

As part of the major refurbishment of its historic Church Street campus, Barnsley College commissioned a full lighting and controls redesign for its new Institute of Technology. The 93-year-old art-deco building, formerly Barnsley Mining and Technical College, has been transformed into a modern, digitally-focused learning environment serving more than 1,000 students and staff.

Working in partnership with the contractor, Tamlite Lighting was appointed to develop and deliver a complete education lighting design solution, balancing respect for the building’s architecture with modern performance, compliance and long-term efficiency. The brief required not only a high-quality visual environment for teaching and learning, but also an energy-efficient LED lighting system that could adapt as spaces evolved, while reducing maintenance burden and supporting the college’s sustainability objectives.

Design Challenges and Objectives

From the outset, the project presented several challenges. The age and layout of the building imposed constraints around ceiling voids, mounting heights and heritage finishes, while the new Institute of Technology spaces required contemporary lighting suited to screen-based learning, engineering environments and collaborative study.

Key design objectives included:
• Delivering compliant, comfortable lighting across classrooms, IT suites, circulation spaces and social areas.
• Achieving strong visual consistency and glare control, particularly in digital teaching environments.
• Creating a visually impactful atrium and reception space that reflected the college’s transformation.
• Integrating intelligent controls to support energy efficiency, compliance and ease of management.
• Ensuring flexibility to accommodate late-stage layout changes and future space reconfiguration.

Tamlite’s lighting design team worked closely with the college, consulting engineers and contractor to ensure the final scheme aligned with architectural intent while meeting the technical demands of Annex 2e, relevant standards and the project specification.

Lighting Design in Practice

To support the design development and co-ordination of the atrium, lighting modelling was used to test light distribution, spatial balance and suspension strategy within the multi storey volume. This process allowed the design team to validate the proposed approach before installation and ensure the final scheme aligned with both the architectural intent and the practical constraints of the space.

Barnsley college lighting design by Tamlite

Lighting design and delivery in practice: RELUX modelling was used to assess light distribution, uniformity and vertical illumination within the multi-storey atrium, helping validate the lighting strategy before installation. The completed space demonstrates how the design intent was realised, delivering a bright, contemporary atrium that supports wayfinding, social interaction and the overall character of the Institute of Technology.

Lighting Design Approach

COOPS EMBS Ltd made use of Tamlite’s in-house lighting design support to coordinate the scheme for the Institute of Technology, ensuring the lighting design aligned with both the architectural intent and the practical requirements of a complex refurbishment.

The design process focused on translating the brief into a co-ordinated, compliant solution that could be delivered efficiently on site and adapted as the project evolved. Lighting layouts, control zoning and emergency coverage were developed in parallel, allowing design decisions to be validated early and refined as spaces and uses were confirmed. As the project progressed, this approach proved essential in accommodating a highly iterative brief, with multiple design revisions incorporated without compromising compliance, performance or programme.

barnsley college case study

 

 

RELUX 3D modelling used to assess light distribution, spatial balance and vertical illumination across the Institute of Technology, supporting design validation and development prior to installation.

“On projects like this, good lighting design is about co-ordination as much as calculation. By modelling light levels and emergency coverage early and developing the lighting and DALI-2 controls strategy in parallel, we were able to maintain compliance, visual comfort and flexibility throughout a scheme that continued to evolve during construction.”

Alexander Lawlor MSLL (Lighting Design Manager, Tamlite Lighting)

Lighting calculations and modelling were carried out using RELUX, DIALux and AutoCAD, providing clarity around light levels, uniformity and glare control across teaching, circulation and social spaces. Emergency lighting calculations were undertaken in accordance with BS EN 5266-1:2016, supported by count-up software developed in partnership with Countfire, giving confidence in compliance for both the contractor and the end user.

This integrated approach allowed design changes to be assessed quickly and incorporated without compromising performance or programme, supporting a smooth transition from design through to installation and commissioning.

View Tamlite luminaires in RELUX

Luminaire Strategy

Luminaire selection was driven by both performance and aesthetics, with careful consideration given to how fittings would integrate with the building’s architecture and ceiling types.

Across teaching rooms and IT suites, SIGNUM and ADVANCE luminaires were specified to deliver uniform, glare-controlled lighting suitable for prolonged screen use. Circulation areas utilised IKON and ADVANCE fittings to maintain visual continuity while providing reliable performance. From a delivery perspective, the final luminaire specification not only met the project brief but exceeded the performance of the original tender design across the majority of spaces, reinforcing confidence in the refined design approach while maintaining lighting quality.

The atrium became a focal point of the design. Here, large-scale AIR pendants were introduced to create impact within the multi-storey volume, supported by bespoke 13-metre suspension kits. Surface-mounted IKON luminaires in black and GEMINI pendants were incorporated to align with the architect’s vision and original artist impressions. Staircases featured SOLAR small-body downlights with satin chrome surrounds, deliberately chosen to move away from standard white trims and complement interior finishes.

The atrium’s scale and multi storey volume introduced additional technical challenges, particularly around extended suspension heights and co-ordination of multiple fixings. To address this, Tamlite developed a bespoke solution, including extended suspension drops and a custom central ceiling rose, consolidating fixings into a single co-ordinated point. This reduced ceiling clutter and ensured the architectural intent of the space was maintained.

Externally, CITY WL luminaires were used around the perimeter for controlled light distribution and minimal spill, while NIMROD fittings were specified at roof level to balance performance and cost efficiency.

This layered approach allowed Tamlite to deliver a cohesive lighting language throughout the building, while tailoring solutions to the functional and visual requirements of each space.

Lighting Controls and System Architecture

A wired DALI-2 lighting controls system was selected to provide the flexibility, addressability and scalability required for a complex education lighting refurbishment. A key driver was the need for a fully addressable, self-testing emergency lighting system, reducing manual testing and improving compliance visibility.

Tamlite selected Tridonic as its controls technology partner, building on a long-standing working relationship and Tridonic’s recognised expertise in DALI-2 systems. This approach allows Tamlite to integrate best-in-class controls technology within its own luminaire and system designs, ensuring interoperability, long-term reliability and confidence for the end user.

The system is built around Tamlite’s VISION CONNECT PRO platform, with controls hardware supplied by Tridonic, including sceneCOM EVO DA2 controllers, sensors and interfaces. This architecture enables:
• Presence and absence detection tailored to room use.
• Daylight-linked dimming in areas with high levels of natural light.
• Scene control to support different teaching and operational modes.
• Automated emergency lighting testing and reporting in line with BS EN 62034.

VISION CONNECT PRO provides estates teams with a single, intuitive interface for monitoring, commissioning and ongoing system management. From a design perspective, the modular DALI-2 architecture also allowed the project to be delivered in phases, with zones commissioned and handed over progressively without compromising system stability.

Following installation, the controls system was demonstrated to the college’s estates team during post-project visits, with the system quickly understood and adopted. This reinforced confidence in day-to-day operation, compliance visibility and long-term maintenance.

Importantly, the controls design accommodated significant late-stage changes as the project continued to evolve. Room reassignments and ceiling alterations were managed through successive design updates, with the flexibility of the DALI-2 system and close co-ordination between Tamlite’s lighting design and controls teams ensuring changes were implemented without delay to the overall programme.

Energy Performance and Sustainability

Energy efficiency was a core consideration throughout the design. High-efficacy, energy-efficient LED lighting, combined with intelligent controls, delivers substantial reductions in energy consumption compared with the previous installation. Based on design modelling, the new scheme achieves energy savings in excess of 50% compared with traditional lighting technologies.

The use of daylight harvesting, occupancy control and automated emergency testing further reduces operational energy and maintenance requirements. Many of the luminaires specified are TM66 rated, supporting the college’s wider sustainability goals and providing transparency around environmental performance. As a result, the system not only meets current requirements but supports long-term operational efficiency and responsible estate management.

The final lighting design, developed using Tamlite luminaires, delivered a more efficient solution than originally specified, while meeting and, in several areas, exceeding the original performance criteria for light levels, uniformity and visual comfort. Through close collaboration with COOPS EMBS Ltd, the lighting design was refined to improve overall efficiency without compromising design intent. This enabled COOPS to present an updated proposal to the college, which was received very positively and reinforced confidence in both the quality of the design and the collaborative delivery of the scheme.

Collaboration and Delivery

The success of the project was underpinned by close collaboration between Tamlite, Tridonic, the electrical contractor and the college. Open communication, regular site engagement and a responsive approach to change ensured that challenges were addressed quickly and effectively.

Tamlite’s project team maintained a strong on-site presence throughout installation, carrying out site walks, snagging and out-of-hours lux level checks to ensure the final installation met both design intent and performance criteria. This hands-on approach proved particularly valuable as the project evolved during construction, reinforcing confidence across all stakeholders. The established working relationship between Tamlite and Tridonic supported a smooth commissioning process and gave the college confidence in the long-term reliability, support and scalability of the lighting controls system.

“From an installation point of view, the project was well co-ordinated from start to finish. The lighting design was clear, the quality of the fittings was high, and the luminaires were straightforward to install, even within the constraints of an older building. The controls strategy made phased delivery and commissioning manageable, and when changes were needed on site, Tamlite were responsive and supportive, which helped keep the programme moving while maintaining a high standard throughout.”

Lee Clark (Contracts Manager, COOPS EMBS Ltd)

The Final Result

The completed lighting and controls scheme delivers a modern, flexible and visually striking environment that supports the Institute of Technology’s teaching ambitions. The atrium now acts as a dramatic, welcoming centrepiece, while classrooms and IT suites benefit from high-quality, comfortable lighting tailored to digital learning.

From an operational standpoint, the college gains:
• Reduced maintenance burden through automated emergency testing.
• Improved energy efficiency and lower running costs.
• A future-proofed system capable of adapting as spaces and teaching methods evolve.
• Confidence in compliance, visibility and long-term reliability.

Project Reflection

“Seeing the scheme completed as intended is always the most rewarding part of a project like this. The challenge here was maintaining lighting quality, compliance and flexibility within a building that continued to evolve during delivery. By taking a design-led approach and co-ordinating closely with the contractor throughout, we were able to respond quickly to change and deliver a system that works technically, visually and operationally for the college.”

Stuart Job, (Lighting Controls Manager– Tamlite Lighting)

GEMINI | Tamlite Lighting

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GEMINI

Decorative Pendant

  • Suitable for retail, hotel or restaurants
  • Dimmable DALI versions available
  • Integrated LED module for long life and colour quality
  • 72,000 hours lifetime (L80/B10)
  • Spun aluminium reflector in white (RAL 9016) or black (RAL 9005)
  • White body is white internal finish, black body is gold internal finish
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GEM225WWB 20W - 3000K - Black 2250 20 113 395 2250 260
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GEM225NWB 20W - 4000K - Black 2250 20 113 395 2251 260
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GEM225WWWD 20W - 3000K - White 2250 20 113 395 2250 260
GEM225NWBD 20W - 4000K - Black 2250 20 113 395 2251 260
GEM225NWWD 20W - 4000K - White 2250 20 113 395 2251 260
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Barnsley College | Lighting Design Case Study
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Barnsley College | Lighting Design Case Study