CBG Light Perceptions recently worked on the restoration of the Blenheim Palace Orangery – a luxurious dining area in Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – by designing an updated lighting scheme on a project that received a 2025 RIBA South Award.
This significant £2m project on the Grade I listed building involved the replacement of the 19th-century glass roof with a solid insulated steel and slate design.
CBG Light Perceptions was tasked with overhauling the previous lighting design, which was known to generate glare and excessive brightness. CBG Light Perceptions has achieved a lighting design that complements the architectural textures of the new roof.
Working closely alongside the client’s team, Historic England, the council, architects and interior designers on the comprehensive refurbishment, CBG Light Perceptions needed to consider a new lighting scheme that enhanced both the practicality and the atmosphere of the space. The design delivered significantly improved lighting throughout the Orangery while also providing a sustainable, low-energy approach. The new scheme ensures flexibility for a wide range of uses, with discreet spotlighting allowing for tailored set-ups during events, and a simple, pre-set dimming system enabling staff to effortlessly adjust lighting levels depending on the occasion.
The result is a lighting solution that showcases the architectural fabric of the Orangery.
Bruce Kirk, director at CBG, said: ‘Successful lighting is built on a deep understanding of the space and close collaboration with the client and teams involved. Thoughtful project consultation with the client and stakeholders allows us to deliver tailored solutions that respect the heritage of a building while meeting the evolving needs of its users.’
