Overview
Leweston School, a co-educational independent school in Dorset, were constructing new facilities and wished to ensure the functionality and safety of its 70m x 30m outdoor equestrian arena. As this would be used for both educational and professional purposes, a uniform, glare-free environment for riders was fundamental while adhering to best-practice lighting standards.
Kellwood Lighting was engaged to design and deliver a tailored LED lighting system capable of meeting demanding sports lighting requirements with a focus on reliability, performance, and energy efficiency.
Objectives and Challenges
Relatively common and unusual requirements needed to be considered:
High Lux Levels – design and supply a solution to achieve industry-standard average illuminance (lux) with minimal glare and facilitate educational and professional riding activities.
Uniform Light Coverage – ensure uniform lighting to reduce undesirable shadowing across the full arena surface (2,100 m²).
System Longevity - provide a low-maintenance solution which prioritises energy efficiency and durability.
The work
Using DIALux software, Kellwood developed a bespoke lighting design featuring 12 high-performance LED floodlights from the Nicholson 2 Series. The luminaires were arranged to suit the school's preferred column locations ensure comprehensive and balanced coverage when mounted at 10m. This was successfully achieved by exploiting with 400W and 600W units with narrow asymmetric beams for forward-throw illumination with limited backlight.
The design achieved optimal uniformity and lighting performance while maintaining glare control in line with CIE guidelines (CIE 112):
| Parameter | Average Lux (Eav) | Uniformity (U0) | Glare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | >200 lux | >0.6 | <55 |
| Design Level | 258 lux | 0.65 | <55 |
The results
The lighting upgrade at Leweston School’s equestrian arena shows how modern LED lights can meet the needs of outdoor riding spaces. The Nicholson 2 Series lights delivered high performance, low glare, and long-term cost efficiency—enhancing both safety and usability.
The new lighting system has transformed the arena into a safe and practical space for all-weather, evening use. Leweston School staff praised the quality of the lighting and the professionalism of the Kellwood during the project.
≥64% forecast energy saving
≥70% forecast energy saving
