A new architectural lighting control solution from Pharos Architectural Controls has transformed the exterior of Sint-Petrusbasiliek (Saint Peter’s Basilica), Oirschot, enhancing the historic church’s presence in the town centre while delivering a sustainable, future‑proof approach to illumination.
As one of Oirschot’s most recognisable landmarks, the basilica holds deep cultural and architectural significance. However, its previous exterior lighting system had become outdated, offering limited flexibility and falling short of modern expectations for energy efficiency and light quality. The municipality sought a solution that would respect the heritage of the building while elevating its night‑time identity and reducing environmental impact.
The design brief called for a lighting system that could sensitively highlight the basilica’s architectural features, minimise light spill, and offer adaptable control. To meet these requirements, Signify, the Gemeente Oirschot and LRS Solutions collaborated closely, with LRS Solutions appointed to design and implement the central lighting control and management system.
At the heart of the new installation is the Pharos Expert controller. Expert provides an all-in-one control solution for managing the basilica’s exterior lighting. The reliable, low-power controller is compact and simple to install, with intuitive commissioning software offering curated lighting presets and familiar calendar-based scheduling for scene selection, ideal for heritage projects where subtle looks and predictable playback are the primary requirements.
To overcome the challenges of cabling restrictions around the historic site, the control system incorporates a wireless DMX solution from LumenRadio. This approach ensured a stable and resilient control infrastructure without intrusive installation work, preserving the integrity of the basilica’s surroundings.
The new lighting allows the municipality to tailor the appearance throughout the year, from traditional, understated daily illumination to special scenes for cultural events, religious celebrations and community moments. Time-based scheduling ensures energy-efficient operation, automatically adjusting the lighting to seasonal and environmental changes.
Johan Burggraaf, Manager for Projects & Services at LRS, commented: “Sint-Petrusbasiliek is a defining feature of Oirschot, and this project was about giving it a lighting system that honours its heritage while embracing modern technology. With Pharos Expert, we were able to deliver a flexible, reliable and centrally managed solution that supports both the architectural character of the building and the needs of the municipality.”
Bas Hoksbergen, Business Development Director at Pharos, added: “This project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting control can enhance a historic landmark without compromising its authenticity. Expert offered the right balance of simplicity, capability and long-term reliability. We’re proud to see Sint-Petrusbasiliek illuminated in a way that celebrates its significance for the community.”
With its new lighting control system in place, Sint-Petrusbasiliek has been re‑established as a striking night‑time focal point. The project showcases how modern lighting and control technologies can sensitively support heritage architecture, creating a meaningful and adaptable presence within the public realm.
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