Home for the Elderly Sokolnice, South Moravian Region

Client: Home for the Elderly Sokolnice, South Moravian Region
Field of activity: social services

Description of the assignment:

The project to complete three interconnected two-storey pavilions with 48 beds of the new home for the elderly also included the installation of biodynamic lighting that mimics the 24-hour cycle of light in nature.

So the aim was to create lighting that…

• …will respect the circadian rhythms of clients and nursing/care staff in a 24/7 operation;
• …will use an automated control system while allowing adequate lighting for staff in emergency situations;
• …will contribute to the quality of life of clients and the health and work of staff

Description of the solution, technology used:

Biodynamic lighting with the help of a unique control system faithfully brings the light regimen observed in nature into the interior in terms of spectral power distribution, light colouration (CCT – correlated colour temperature), distribution and intensity during the day, evening and night. The lighting contributes to the natural synchronisation of the body’s circadian rhythms and has long-term positive effects on the health and vitality of clients and care staff.
Biodynamic linear DDAM luminaires were applied, both direct and bounced off the ceiling, and the control system uses three light modes that mimic the properties of natural light in nature.

Day mode – vitalising pro-cognitive full-spectrum lighting mimicking natural daylight. It is distributed indirectly by being bounced off the ceiling, giving the impression of light from the sky in the interior. At the same time, it avoids dazzling the lying clients.

Evening mode – warm white relaxing light that mimics the sunlight at sunset, which prepares the body for sleep and night recovery. The evening light is distributed directly at eye level, coming as it does from the sun at sunset.

Night mode – orange orientation light mimicking fire will provide conditions for visual orientation of clients and staff and will not disturb the quality of sleep and circadian rhythms during the night. Night light is distributed below eye level, just like it would come from a controlled fire.

Main results:

Thanks to the proper synchronisation of circadian rhythms, which depends on the alternation of light properties during the day, evening and night, clients and staff enjoy better quality sleep and more energy and better mood during the day. In the long run, this positively affects their health and vitality.

Overall, the DS Sokolnice building stands out for its innovative and modern design and the biodynamic lighting contributes significantly to this. Seniors with special needs will find a beautiful home in the new premises and we are very happy to have had the opportunity to contribute to improving the quality of their lives here.

Client statement:

“The Sokolnice project marks the first time biodynamic lighting has been used in South Moravia. It mimics natural light and is more in line with the biological needs of the human body than conventional lighting. This system has a proven effect on the production of the hormone melatonin, the so-called ‘hormone of the night’, which significantly influences the immune system, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and helps to fall asleep, also improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of depression”, Vladimír Šmerda, JMK Councillor for Investments.

Press releases:
https://www.spectrasol.cz/nase-biodynamicke-osvetleni-nove-pomaha-v-inovativnim-domove-pro-seniory-v-sokolnici/
https://www.spectrasol.cz/pristavba-domova-pro-seniory-v-sokolnicich-uz-je-hotova/
https://www.spectrasol.cz/reference/domov-pro-seniory-sokolnice-instalace-biodynamickeho-osvetleni-do-pokoju-klientu-domova/

Photo: