Modernization of St. Josef Church in Oldenburg.

History shines in new splendor.

St. Joseph's Church in Oldenburg, a listed church with unusual architecture in the shape of a five-leaf clover, was equipped with state-of-the-art BRUMBERG lighting technology. The project shows how demanding requirements can be mastered through customized lighting solutions and close cooperation.

Cooperation with Elektrohaus Voigt GmbH.

Henk Voigt, Managing Director of Elektrohaus Voigt GmbH in Hude, relied on the expertise of the BRUMBERG team right from the start. The collaboration began with a detailed inspection of the property and the use of a sample luminaire with a diameter of one metre - a crucial step in visualizing the concept.

BRUMBERG then provided several lighting plans to meet the different requirements of the church council and the pastor. The decision-making process took several months. Particularly challenging was the pastor's wish to retain the existing, old luminaires and only carry out conversions, whereas BRUMBERG's proposal envisaged innovative pendant luminaires. Thanks to targeted sampling and personal consultations, the church council was finally convinced. This close coordination and the trust that resulted from joint discussions were key elements of the project's success.

Challenges and special features.

The project was characterized by the special conditions of the listed building and the unusual architecture. There were also technical challenges such as integrating modern lights into the 9-metre-high ceiling. Another difficulty was the fixing of the pews, which were firmly bolted to the floor and arranged in a semi-circular shape, making access to the assembly difficult. Last but not least, the implementation in accordance with the preservation order required careful handling of the existing substance and the combination of traditional elements with contemporary technology.

Innovative lighting solution.

Custom-made BIRO Circle LED pendant luminaires with a diameter of 5 meters were used, which were suspended at a height of 5 meters, as well as recessed LED spotlights. These special luminaires were specially adapted to the requirements of the church and the client's wishes. They now provide harmonious and energy-efficient lighting that highlights both the liturgical space and the architectural features of the building.

Insights for future projects.

BRUMBERG was able to learn important lessons from this project, which they will incorporate into future projects:

• Lighting design and visualization play a crucial role in convincing clients and committees of the best solution. The visual representations facilitate decision-making and create clarity.
• Joint discussions and site visits promote trust and enable smooth communication between all parties involved.
• Tailor-made solutions are essential to meet the complex requirements of listed buildings.

Modern lighting project with traditional charm.

The project impressively demonstrates how close cooperation between the parties involved and innovative lighting concepts can lead to a convincing result. The newly installed lighting solutions in St. Joseph's Church combine traditional heritage with modern design and create an atmosphere that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.