Article


Zumtobel and Thorn Transform Sacred Heart University Dingle Campus


Discover how Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, delivered a comprehensive scheme for the €8 million refurbishment of Sacred Heart University’s Dingle campus. Combining Zumtobel’s precision-engineered with Thorn’s outdoor architectural luminaires, the project honours the 19th-century heritage while creating sustainable, future- proof learning environments for over 500 U.S. study-abroad students each year.


showcasing how SLOTLIGHT infinity II delivers uniform, glare-free illumination with minimal ceiling impact, convincing the client to continue as planned.


A light for every location P


erched on the rugged Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, the Sacred Heart University Dingle campus occupies the restored 19th-century Christian Brothers School building—a protected structure and landmark of regional education since 1860.


A Lighting Manufacturer to Meet Expectations


Giles O’Connor Consultant Engineer, MRG Consulting Engineers & Architects and Freeman Electrical Services set exacting performance and heritage sensitivity standards. Integrating modern lighting technology into a 19th-century landmark presented unique structural and electrical challenges. Zumtobel and Thorn’s response gave us the confidence to specify a solution that delivers precise, glare-free illumination while preserving the building’s historic fabric and withstanding the harsh coastal environment.” Early in the design phase, the Zumtobel Group team was asked to switch the proposed recessed SLOTLIGHT infinity II to a surface-mounted system for value engineering. To demonstrate the merits of the original design, Zumtobel produced a detailed 3D model and animated walkthrough,


At Sacred Heart, lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing both the function and character of the renovated spaces. In the classrooms and seminar rooms, Beta 3, Chalice 3, and IQ Wave luminaires have been carefully selected to provide uniform, glare-free illumination ideal for learning environments. To accentuate the heritage stonework within the interior, VIVO track-mounted spotlights subtly highlight the original features, offering a visual reminder of the building’s storied past. In the open areas of the new modern extension, custom-made SLOTLIGHT infinity II Round pendants in bold red, a nod to Sacred Heart’s corporate colours, serve as striking focal points. These are complemented by recessed SLOTLIGHT infinity II fittings that deliver clean, contemporary general lighting.


Meanwhile, in the stairwells, the same red Slot pendants create an architectural feature, partnered with Novaline wall luminaires to ensure safe, well-lit circulation spaces. Mary O’Connell, Conservation Architect with MRG Consulting Engineers & Architects describes, “Our vision was to transform the former Christian Brothers School into a contemporary learning campus whilst embracing its heritage character. The collaborative process with Zumtobel and Thorn allowed us to fine- tune every luminaire’s placement, effect and colour temperature, resulting in spaces that feel authentic to the building’s heritage and architectural roots and perfectly suited to modern pedagogy.”


All interior luminaires are equipped with absence and daylight sensors that automatically adjust output to match occupancy and natural light, ensuring an energy-efficient, well-lit environment.


Standing up to the most demanding conditions


Given Dingle’s coastal location, Thorn’s outdoor luminaires were specified with C5 corrosion-resistant finishes. Urba Bollards were retrofitted with power outlets to support future campus events.


Sensitive Use of Colour Temperature


Internally, the lighting design balances warmth and focus: communal areas are specified at 3000 K to foster a welcoming ambience while teaching rooms and offices use 4000 K to promote alertness and concentration.


Low Energy, Low Maintenance, Maximum Impact


Today, the SHU Dingle campus boasts a highly energy-efficient, low-maintenance lighting scheme. These tailored environments support both relaxation and concentration and are a heritage-respecting solution praised by students, faculty, and the wider community. Combining the Zumtobel Group brands’ expertise, the project sets a new benchmark for beautifully lit learning environments.


This project has certainly been a standout for both Zumtobel and Thorn. It exemplifies the harmony of modern lighting technology with heritage architecture, particularly meaningful in a building originally constructed in 1890.”


For more information about the respective products, please visit www.thornlighting.co.uk or www.zumtobel.co.uk


Winter 2026 issue 4182 11


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