Bespoke Lighting for the Airkool Building
LED Technologies supplied a bespoke architectural lighting solution for Airkool at its premises in Hull, using RGBW neon to create a continuous illuminated feature around the perimeter of the building. The installation used our Neon Flex Express RGBW 4000K Topview, which is normally supplied in 10 metre rolls. For this project, we supplied six bespoke lengths comprising two 25 metre lengths and four 22 metre lengths.
This provided a total of 138 metres of RGBW neon, specified to suit the dimensions of the building and create a clean, continuous line of illumination around the roof perimeter. Supplying the neon in bespoke lengths helped simplify the installation and achieve a neater finished appearance, allowing the lighting to follow the architecture rather than being restricted by standard roll lengths.
The Impact of RGBW Neon
Airkool's brand colour is blue, so this is the colour the exterior neon is normally set to. Against the dark exterior cladding, the blue lighting creates a strong visual outline and complements the illuminated Airkool signage. However, Airkool wanted more flexibility than a fixed blue lighting system could provide, so RGBW neon was chosen to give the team the option to change the colour when required.
Why RGBW? Airkool can keep the lighting blue for its everyday brand appearance while changing the colour for seasonal events and local occasions, such as red for Christmas or pink for breast cancer awareness.
The lighting remains visible during daylight hours, adding colour and definition to the roofline. As it gets darker, the effect becomes increasingly prominent, clearly outlining the scale and shape of the premises.
Images From the Airkool Installation
See the Airkool Lighting in Action
Waterproof DMX Control
To control the exterior RGBW neon, we supplied 12 Sunricher Waterproof DMX Decoders. The waterproof decoders allow the different RGBW channels to be controlled through the DMX system while being suited to the exterior environment. This gives Airkool the flexibility to adjust the colour of the complete installation from one central control point rather than being limited to a fixed lighting colour.
Simple Indoor Colour Control
The complete system is controlled using a Sunricher 4 Channel Double Touch Slider DMX Wall Panel located inside the building. Because the controller is indoors and the RGBW neon is installed around the exterior roofline, the person adjusting the lighting cannot see the main installation while selecting a colour.
A Simple but Smart Solution
LED Technologies supplied a small additional section of the same neon to be installed beside the wall panel. This provides an immediate visual reference indoors, so Airkool can see the selected colour before viewing the full exterior installation. It removes the need to repeatedly go outside to check the colour while making adjustments.
Powered by MeanWell Drivers
The system also uses 12 MeanWell ELG 200 24DA 3Y 24V 200W Constant Voltage Power Supplies. For an installation covering 138 metres of the building perimeter, correctly specifying the power supplies and control equipment was essential. The MeanWell drivers work alongside the Sunricher DMX decoders to form the supporting system behind the bespoke RGBW neon installation.
Commissioning and Installation Support
Our involvement went beyond product supply. LED Technologies provided technical support during the installation and helped commission the lighting system on the roof, giving the installers access to specialist product knowledge while the system was being installed and configured.
For larger bespoke lighting projects, this level of support can help ensure that the lighting, drivers and control equipment are correctly specified and configured to work together as one complete system.
Products Used on This Installation
A Striking and Flexible New Look for Airkool
The finished installation gives Airkool's Hull premises a distinctive illuminated outline that complements both the architecture and the company's branding. Its usual blue setting reinforces the Airkool brand throughout the day and becomes particularly striking after dark, while choosing RGBW rather than a fixed colour means the same installation can be adapted whenever required.
With 138 metres of bespoke Neon Flex Express, waterproof DMX control, MeanWell power supplies and a practical indoor control solution, the project shows how a large exterior lighting scheme can combine visual impact with straightforward everyday operation. LED Technologies supported Airkool throughout the project with bespoke product specification, commissioning support and installation expertise, helping turn the initial concept into a complete exterior lighting system.
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