Grace Church

Design goals for the Grace Church included an increase in usable light levels for the aging population, reduction in energy usage, and a maintenance-friendly system. However, when the project started, excavation of the existing brown paint layer present on all the church wall and ceiling surfaces revealed exquisite patterns of decorative paint on the walls and a painted ceiling full of stars on a blue night sky. This required a new, more layered lighting approach which combined aesthetic and functional goals.

The new system approach integrates multi-circuit track above beams along the Nave. Track heads from Lighting Services Inc. using Xicato’s XTM in varying beam spreads suit different functions; amplifying the dazzling painted ceiling, focusing on pews below, and highlighting distinctive architectural features and paint patterns. A secondary layer of light was added using new pendant luminaires, designed by the Tillett studio in the style of the elegant original historic church chandeliers and using contemporary technology. Flexible controls were added to allow for scene shifts for multiple services and events throughout the year.  What started as a functional/programmatic driven project, turned into a celebration of the vivid, joyous space that was discovered.