DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Timeless Illumination at Adare Manor- DERNIER & HAMLYN-
Set amidst the idyllic landscape of County Limerick, Adare Manor stands as one of Ireland’ s grandest estates, a place where centuries-old heritage meets thoughtful, contemporary luxury. Originally built in the 18th century, the Manor went through a major restoration and expansion, led by visionary designers David Collins Design Studio and Kim Partridge Interiors. Playing a central role in this transformation was bespoke lighting specialist Dernier & Hamlyn, tasked with crafting custom fittings that honour the Manor’ s history while illuminating it for the future.
The design narrative was rooted in balance, celebrating the Gothic Revival architecture and storied past of the Manor, while creating spaces that feel vibrant and inviting to today’ s guests. Lighting was key to realising this vision. Through the use of traditional materials and design influences, seamlessly integrated with modern LED technology and precision engineering, Dernier & Hamlyn developed lighting that enhances the architectural character while ensuring comfort and energy efficiency.
In the Tack Room, once the servants’ quarters, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Wall lights with opaque shades edged in rich red hues offer a soft, cosy glow. These fixtures, entirely custom-made, are ingeniously secured to avoid any impact on the ancient stone columns that support the 12th-centuryinspired vaulted ceiling, demonstrating a respect for the building’ s fabric as well as a flair for innovation.
Meanwhile, the Carriage House, a newly constructed restaurant, embraces a refined, contemporary tone with subtle Art Deco cues. Here, pendant lights, bar lamps, and over-table fittings contribute to a layered lighting scheme that transitions elegantly from lively daytime service to an intimate, atmospheric evening setting.
Simon Rawlings, Creative Director, David Collins Studio, remarks:“ Dernier and Hamlyn’ s lighting concept within the Carriage House and the Tack Room delivered the Studio’ s brief with great execution and quality. Ambient and subtle in the Tack Room, where fringed lamps reveal little nooks set within the historic space. Whilst in the Carriage House, the lighting is versatile and adjusts as the space does, bustling with golfers during the daytime to a chic, atmospheric destination by night.”
From heritage detailing to modern-day functionality, this collaboration is a shining example of how lighting, when thoughtfully designed can become an architectural storyteller, guiding guests through a space and enhancing its emotional tone. At Adare Manor, light not only reveals the beauty of its surroundings; but it also becomes a part of its legacy.
Lighting Manufacturer: Dernier & Hamlyn Designers: David Collins Design Studio & Kim Partridge Interiors Photography: Jack Hardy
www. dernier-hamlyn. com
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