Retractable Lighting

Several manufacturers are currently producing lighting fixtures that can disappear during the daylight when not in use. Retractable lighting provides all the functional benefits of traditional exterior lighting without interfering with the landscape design. At night, the fixtures provide the necessary illumination for pathways and walkways. Yet, when they are not in use during the day, the fixtures are hidden in the ground. The Retractable Bollard from RUUD Lighting Inc, in Racine, Washington is one such light.

All low voltage units from RUUD Lighting have a patented, pigtail connector which quickly attaches to their Luma After-Sunset(R) cable. This heavy-duty #10 gauge 3-wire (10/3) cable assures maximum run-lengths with minimal voltage drop. The cable attaches directly to their Luma remote Transformer, which is available in 300 watt and 600 watt models. Their retractable bollard (above) rises 13.1" when powered (below left), and retracts to grade level when not in use (below right).

Turning the system off retracts the fixture from the power provided by an internal long-life, nickel cadmium battery. Within 25 seconds or less, the fixture is gone from sight as it retracts into its PVC shell. The casing safely conceals and protects the fixture from grounds maintenance equipment and pedestrian traffic.

RUUD Lighting offers three types of lights. From right to left, its Directional Accent Light is suitable for drawing attention to specific elements such as statuary, topiary, archways, or ground level signage; its Clear Path Light is suitable for casting pools of light along pathways or around low to medium height landscape areas; its Louvered Path Light is suitable for framing pathways and driveways or directing attention to grade-level landscape features.

Pneumatic Light

Another exciting new technology has emerged that uses air as a power source for retractable motion. AirLight Systems Inc. in Danvers, Massachusetts, has introduced the world's first and only pneumatic landscape light.

The AirLight 12-12 fixture itself is constructed of heavy duty ABS plastic. The fixture contains one inner hollow piston encased within a housing. The inner piston has a halogen lamp enclosed at top by a Lexan lens, which offers consumers the ability to switch styles and colors from the lens accessory product line.

The fixture is complete with wire pigtails form the bottom and an air inlet on the side for easy installation. The installation process developed by AirLight Systems parallels that of an irrigation systems. Along with running wire to each light, an air pipe must also be run from the controller to the AirLights.

Retractable lighting is another option is the long list of new technologies available for Landscape Architects and their clients. LASN

The AL-108 is the controlling unit behind the AirLight System. It plugs into any 110-volt outlet and contains everything necessary to run up to 20 AirLights (left and above). The mini compressor creates the force to bring the lights up and maintain their posture, while the timer allows the consumer to customize their unit. The system also allows for easy lens accessibility (below).