Gorlaeus Building, Leiden University
Leiden, The NetherlandsIntelligent Lighting Management at Leiden University’s Gorlaeus Building
The Gorlaeus Building on the Science Campus of Leiden University serves as the cutting-edge new home for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Designed as a high-tech environment, the facility demands state-of-the-art infrastructure to support its world-class research and educational ambitions.
Photo: Leiden University
“The most valuable aspect of the Helvar system for Leiden University is its flexibility. Over the 20-to-30-year lifespan of a building like Gorlaeus, layouts inevitably change. Because the system is so easily programmable, it allows us to adapt our spaces and lighting scenes to meet the evolving needs of our students and faculty without technical complexity.” said Jeroen van der Lelie, Head of Project Management Department / Sr. Project Manager Real Estate Development and Projects at Leiden University.
The Solution
Commissioned by Heijmans, the team at Lighting Controls B.V. successfully delivered a sophisticated and intelligent light management system. At the heart of this installation is the Helvar Imagine system, which provides comprehensive, seamless control over the building’s entire lighting network.
Key Features & Project Highlights
Streamlined Installation: To maximise on-site efficiency and guarantee a flawless setup, all Helvar routers were delivered in pre-assembled cabinets. Furthermore, sensor networks were preconfigured with pluggable connectors, accelerating the installation process.
“For a project on the scale of the Gorlaeus Building, an efficient installation was essential. Thanks to Helvar’s pluggable components, the on-site installation went quickly and we were able to save on labour hours on site. Based on our experience with Helvar on projects such as the Amsterdam District Court, we knew we could rely on their DALI system” – Fred Freeke, Senior Project Manager at Heijmans
Seamless Integration: The lighting network features complete integration with the overarching Building Management System (BMS), ensuring cohesive and efficient facility operations.
“Helvar’s DALI lighting control system provided the right balance between local flexibility and centralised management for the Gorlaeus Building.” – Fred Freeke, Senior Project Manager at Heijmans
Intelligent Automation & Safety: The majority of the lighting is sensor-controlled to optimise energy efficiency. Additionally, the u-control platform provides reliable, automated monitoring of the emergency lighting system to ensure continuous compliance and safety.
Bespoke User Control: For intuitive manual operation, Lighting Control B.V. supplied bespoke control panels featuring neatly engraved scene names on the frames. A central touchscreen offers comprehensive oversight, allowing the client to effortlessly adjust various lighting scenes and groups across the building.
“Our maintenance team was initially skeptical of moving away from traditional ‘on/off’ switches, but after a dedicated training session with Helvar, they are now truly satisfied. They appreciate how easily they can manage the system and tailor the lighting to specific needs.” said Jeroen van der Lelie, Head of Project Management Department / Sr. Project Manager Real Estate Development and Projects at Leiden University.
Photo courtesy: Lighting Controls B.V.
Key facts
Project completed: 2024
Project location: Leiden, Netherlands
Local Helvar Partner: Lighting Controls B.V.
Contractor: Heijmans
Leiden, The Netherlands
