Green design 2: eco lighting

A range of delightful lighting: standing lamps, desk lamps, pendant fittings and chandeliers, are handcrafted in Cape Town, using materials that are as eco-friendly as can be.

Designed and made (until the workshop is up and running) by architect Andy Horn, they follow his passion for the respect and understanding of nature and natural elements, and how best they can be applied in our living, working and recreational spaces.

Andy has strong interest in using moon harvested timber in his architectural projects and applies this knowledge here with the timber components of these light fittings. The timbers used are from local alien trees that are moon harvested, which means that no toxic pesticides need be used to treat the timber. It can be left in it’s natural state. Moon harvesting is a practice that was used by our forefathers before chemical treatments were even thought of.

Moon felling saves on treatments

In accordance with certain phases of the moon, there is a period of time when a tree has no sap in it’s trunk. This is when the tree is insect free, as it is only the sap that attracts them. So this is the right time for the tree to be felled. A further benefit of this method is that there is no splitting or cracking of the timber with time, ensuring a stable and long lasting product.

The timber bases of the standing lamps and the desk lamps are supported on weighty metal components from used car parts – brake discs and flywheels. What an ingeneous and quirky solution!

The shades are made from d paper, any colour or texture, giving different effects. These are fitted to the lampholder, which is made of and fixed to the base with recycled stainless steel wire. Andy grew up thoroughly enjoying making cars from bending wire and this aquired and honed skill has been most useful in fashioning the correct loops and shapes for connecting the lamp components. Having fun bending wire, was really what started the idea of making these lamps in the first place.

LED bulbs live for 20 years

The light bulbs used are the LED type. This is the most energy efficient light that you can use: only 2 to 5 Watts for the same amount of light from a 60Watt incandescent bulb. The quality of light is soft and subdued, in warm or cool whites, giving a quiet non-harsh atmosphere. The bulbs have a life span of twenty years or more and best of all, they contain no mercury or poisonous gases. So they are disposal hazard free, unlike other low energy bulbs readily available on the market.

This is wonderfully ‘green’ and also stylish lighting. All the fittings are beautiful and perfectly proportioned. Being hand crafted, each one is unique – a work of art. A timeless piece, with soul, that will last and be enjoyed for a lifetime.

The fittings are made to order, to custom sizes if required. This is especially useful for pendant fittings and chandeliers hanging over tables or areas of given sizes.

• Consult the website for prices, orders and more information.