Custom LED step lighting for Heidelberg City Hall.
The renovated Heidelberg City Hall required different luminaire lengths and discreet integration into its existing staircases. We developed 157 custom recessed LED step lights in six lengths, together with ten coordinated control units – including two specially engineered controllers for the upper tier added later.
Standard recessed step lights did not fit the existing staircase geometry.
As part of the extensive refurbishment of Heidelberg City Hall, the auditorium step lighting needed to be technically upgraded while remaining visually discreet within the existing architecture. However, the stair dimensions varied too much for a standard-size luminaire to provide a clean solution.
Instead of selecting a catalogue product first, we assessed the actual installation conditions and tested different lighting effects. These findings became the basis for a project-specific family of recessed LED luminaires.
First establish the lighting effect. Then manufacture 157 luminaires.
Different samples and lighting effects were evaluated before the final specification was agreed. In a refurbished performance venue, technical performance is only part of the equation. The way a luminaire integrates into timber, staircase geometry and the auditorium is equally important.
One family of luminaires. Six different installation sizes.
A total of 157 luminaires were manufactured in six lengths. Each unit was dimensioned to match the existing stair geometry and supplied with pre-assembled connection cables.
Two specially engineered controllers for the upper tier added later.
The eight control units serving the lower tier operate with either AC or DC input. The additional engineering requirement arose when the upper tier was subsequently equipped with step lighting.
A permanent 24 V supply from the emergency power system was available there. However, the step lighting still had to be switched on, switched off and dimmed during normal performances. The presence of a permanent 24 V supply alone cannot indicate whether the normal mains supply is available or has failed.
The two additional controllers were therefore equipped with independent mains monitoring. While the normal mains supply is available, the step lights follow the regular switching or DMX commands, including an OFF command. If the mains fails, the monitoring circuit detects the failure even though the 24 V emergency supply remains present. The OFF state is overridden and the step lighting is activated automatically.
Eight regular control units downstairs. Two additional special controllers upstairs.
Eight compact decentralised control units were specified for the lower-tier stairways. These accept AC or DC input and provide project-specific DMX dimming and power distribution for their respective areas.
Two additional, specially developed controllers were subsequently installed for the upper tier. Because the 24 V emergency supply remains permanently available, separate mains monitoring and emergency priority logic were required.
A custom solution that respects the existing architecture.
The new LED step lighting follows the different stair geometries, integrates discreetly into the renovated auditorium and combines custom luminaire manufacturing with control and emergency power logic designed around the existing building.
Luminaires, installation and lighting effect inside the auditorium.
Frequently asked questions about custom auditorium step lighting.
Why were standard recessed step lights not suitable?
The existing staircase geometries differed too much for one standard-size luminaire to fit properly. Instead, 157 project-specific luminaires were manufactured in six different lengths.
How was the lighting effect established before manufacturing?
Different samples and lighting effects were assessed during the planning stage. The final dimensions and specifications were agreed before production began.
How many control units were installed in total?
Eight regular decentralised control units serve the lower tier. Two specially developed controllers were added for the upper tier, bringing the total to ten following the extension.
Why did the two upper-tier controllers require separate mains monitoring?
A permanent 24 V supply from the emergency power system remains available in the upper tier. The controllers therefore cannot determine mains status from the supply voltage alone. Separate mains monitoring detects a failure and overrides an existing OFF command so that the step lights activate automatically.
Can similar custom LED step lighting be developed for other existing venues?
Yes. The main considerations are staircase geometry, installation depth, existing cable routes, lighting control and the required lighting effect. Photos or drawings are sufficient for an initial technical assessment.
Standard luminaires do not fit? Show us your staircase.
A photograph, a drawing or a short description is enough to get started. We will assess whether a standard LED step light will work or whether a project-specific solution makes more sense.