Fairfield University – DiMenna-Nyselius Library
Project Description
Property History
Groundbreaking for the new library building at Fairfield University took place in 1967 and opened the following year. The new building was planned with an estimated 20 years worth of space to grow. With the opening of the new building in 1968, the library increased its capacity from 90,000 books to 300,000 books. It featured a smoking area, two typing rooms, and its first full-time reference librarian. In 1971, the library was named Nyselius Library in honor of benefactors Gustav and Dagmar Nyselius. The library received numerous incremental updates throughout the years, including the opening of a computer lab and media department, before a large expansion and renovation project in 1999 after receiving a significant donation from alum Joseph A. DiMenna, Jr. In the fall of 2001, the DiMenna–Nyselius Library opened.
Project Scope
Grand Light was brought in by Fairfield University for the restoration and LED retrofitting of their pendant and ceiling lights. Each of the fixtures were partially disassembled for cleaning, where they were media blasted at a low PSI and hand cleaned to conserve the existing brass finish. Once the surfaces were restored, each fixture received multiple coats of protective metal wax to keep them in pristine condition.
As part of the restoration, each fixture was to be retrofitted with custom LED assemblies, upgrading them from outdated CFL pin lamp technology. Grand Light’s LED retrofit solution for the pendant fixtures utilized (8) PLL 2G11 Base, 3000K LED kits, reducing the total energy consumption of the fixture to 50W per lamp while increasing the maximum light output to 5,000 lm and providing a 50,000-hour lifespan. (4) 32W LED drivers with 0-10V dimming capabilities were also utilized in this kit. Each of the new LED lamps consumed 5W of energy less than the fluorescent lamps, and increased the light output by over 800 lm. The ceiling fixtures were also converted from CFL to LED, this time requiring 4-pin lamps. Each assembly utilized (4) 4-pin led lamps and (2) 25W LED drivers with 0-10V dimming capabilities. These custom retrofit systems were seamlessly integrated without additional modification to the fixtures, preserving their historical integrity.
Services Performed
Cleaning Systems
Grand Light specializes in commercial luminaire cleaning services, including the utilization of state-of-the-art Ultrasonic, Micro-Abrasive, and Hydrosonic Molecular Impact System (HSMI) Cleaning Technologies. Using our engineered cleaning systems, our artisans are able to eliminate decades of accumulated debris from any lighting fixture or surface.
Grand Light’s Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks provide high-frequency sound waves transmitted through liquid to scrub clean the surface of immersed parts. The high-frequency sound waves, typically 40 kHz, agitate the liquid solution of water or solvent, and cause the cavitation of solution molecules.
Our Micro-Abrasive process utilizes fine abrasive media to generate an accurate, precise, and controllable abrasive jet to target and remove material (on the micron level). Our system is so precise it can remove ink from a business card without damaging the card’s surface.
HSMI is Grand Light’s unique, proprietary system includes powerful continuous super high steam production up to 369 degrees Fahrenheit with an integrated wet vacuum system insuring residual moisture and debris extraction. Purified dry vapor steam and integrated vacuum system guarantees spot free crystals and fixture frames.
Finish Application & Top Coatings
As a part of the restoration process, our artisans explore the intricate details of preserving the historical integrity of lighting fixtures including color matching and sheen of the original finish. Custom lighting finishes are available in custom painted colors, sheen, and textures as well as custom patina colors on bronze, copper, and brass components.
Our artisans can match any color or finish utilizing a variety of processes involving Powder Coat, Spray, Hot or Cold Patina Custom Recipes and Color Blending an existing finish.
Grand Light exercises meticulous techniques that are unparalleled in the application of Protective Top Coatings including binders, rust, and UV resistant protective metal oils, waxes, and lacquers with various customized sheens and tints.
LED Energy-Efficient Systems
Our Energy-Efficient LED Advantage Systems update the lighting element, wiring, and components to significantly increase the lighting quality of an area while minimizing total energy consumption and reducing maintenance costs. When incandescent lamps are upgraded to an LED system, the result is a room that is up to (3) times brighter, savings up to 80% in annual(recurring) energy costs, and extended operational lifespan.
Improvements can also be achieved through the implementation of photometric testing, intelligent controllers, photocells, motion detectors, and light lifts. All of these, often in combination, can significantly reduce operating costs and provide long term return on investment.
