Dynamic Lighting & Controls Automation

Project Type: Hospitality / Restaurant

Scope: Advanced Lighting Controls Design, Commissioning & User Training

The Challenge

The restaurant had a fixed seasonal opening date, creating a compressed installation and commissioning timeline. During construction, the interior layout and lighting fixture selections changed multiple times, requiring ongoing system adjustments. The lighting also needed to support different atmospheres throughout the day — from daytime dining to evening service and late-night ambience.

ENS Solution

Energy Network Services designed and implemented a fully automated Lutron Athena lighting control system tailored specifically for a hospitality dining environment.

Work Completed:

• Designed the restaurant lighting control system

• Programmed time-of-day automated lighting scenes

• Integrated colour-changing lighting

• Commissioned and tested all control zones

• Trained restaurant staff on daily operation and adjustments

• Worked directly with operations staff to refine scenes after opening

ENS remained engaged with the restaurant team for several months after opening, fine-tuning scene transitions and light levels to match real operational conditions.

System Features

• Automatic daily lighting transitions

• Colour-tunable ambience lighting

• Preset scenes for lunch, dinner, and late-night service

• Staff-accessible controls with simplified operation

• Smooth dimming transitions to avoid disruption to guests

Challenges

• Fixed seasonal opening deadline

• Ongoing layout and fixture changes during construction

• Achieving consistent ambience across varying daylight conditions

• Adjusting lighting based on real guest experience feedback

Energy Performance

• LED and dimming savings: 35–50%

• Automated scheduling savings: 10–15%

• Total lighting energy reduction: up to 55%

Results

• Seamless lighting transitions throughout the day

• Enhanced guest dining atmosphere

• Simplified staff operation

• Reduced need for manual adjustments

• Lower operating and energy costs

Outcome

The restaurant now operates with a dynamic lighting environment that automatically adapts throughout the day, enhancing the dining experience while improving operational efficiency. The system provides both aesthetic flexibility and energy savings while remaining easy for staff to manage.