Project background

Rodalight’s project at the Belgian Senate is a perfect example of how cutting-edge LED technology can be integrated into a historic, elegant and highly codified environment. The initial request, made by the head of the Senate’s infrastructure department, was based on a dual requirement: to achieve significant energy savings and to maintain the warm, luminous atmosphere that is characteristic of the premises. The building traditionally uses incandescent bulbs, which are appreciated for their natural light rendition, so the replacement had to be carried out with particular attention to detail.

A challenge of efficiency in a heritage context

The Senate had almosta thousand incandescent bulbs spread across several rooms, corridors, reception areas and offices. The aim of the project was not just to replace the light sources, but to guarantee visual continuity without any break in the lighting atmosphere, while drastically reducing electricity consumption. Rodalight had two key requirements: to offer a technically flawless LED model, and to ensure total aesthetic coherence with the existing furniture and fixtures.

Our LED solution: cost-effective, high-quality and tailored to your needs

Working with a number of partners, Rodalight proposed the complete replacement of the incandescent lamps with transparent 3W E14 LED candle bulbs. This choice is based on a logic of energy efficiency and respect for heritage:

• Low power consumption: only around 3W per lamp.
• High CRI: essential for reproducing faithful colours in an institutional context.
• 2600K very warm: essential for maintaining the warm ambience of historic rooms.
• Transparent finish with no visible plastic: an essential criterion for integration into original decorative luminaires.

Why this particular LED model?

The choice of this model of bulb came after comparative tests on several LED references available on the market. In a traditional setting, a standard LED bulb(often too white or with a ‘flat’ light distribution) would not be suitable. The high CRI gives a light output close to that of incandescent bulbs, while the 2600K colour provides incomparable visual comfort, which is particularly appreciated in reading rooms, offices and deliberation areas.

Respect for the original ambience and aesthetic requirements

The project also included replacing bulbs in table lamps, sometimes with delicate shades, where the slightest difference in tone or illumination could distort the atmosphere. The requirements of the Senate teams were clear:

• preserve the extremely hot light of incandescent bulbs,
• avoid any artificial tints or chromatic drift,
• maintain visual continuity between the different areas of the building,
• ensure a comfortable and natural atmosphere for senators and staff.

Lamps with lampshades are a special case: the LED chosen had to offer a soft diffusion, with no perceptible spots or variations, even under light-coloured textiles. The models supplied by Rodalight meet precisely this requirement, thanks to a high-quality LED combined with a clear glass envelope with no visible plastic elements.

Energy calculations and savings

Even before the final selection of the product, the Senate’s technical services had carried out several energy efficiency simulations. Rodalight used these data to validate the financial benefits of the project and measure the expected savings. The combination of low-energy LEDs and a large volume of luminaires guarantees a massive reduction in consumption. The table below summarises the results obtained.

Before/after comparison

Technical integration and on-site testing

Before validating the final choice, several tests were carried out in different areas of the Senate: meeting rooms, rooms with a historical atmosphere, contemporary offices and circulation areas. The aim of these tests was to:

• check that there is no visible flicker,
• assess the uniformity of the rendering across the shades,
• validate the actual colour temperature (often slightly different from the theoretical data),
• to ensure that working areas remained comfortably bright.

The results confirmed that the model proposed by Rodalight perfectly met all the criteria, including the most sensitive aspects: warm rendering, chromatic stability, aesthetics faithful to the traditional decor.

Technical explanation in plain language

In a heritage environment, choosing an LED is not just a question of wattage. Three essential factors come into play:

• CRI: a measure of colour fidelity. The higher it is, the more natural the light appears. For a place like the Senate, this is essential.
• Colour temperature: expressed in Kelvin. At 2600K, the light is very warm, ideal for a cosy, traditional atmosphere.
• Optical quality: a transparent LED without plastic gives a more elegant appearance in a conventional luminaire.

This combination maintains the same visual perception as a conventional incandescent, while reducing energy consumption by around 90%.

A result that lives up to expectations

Thanks to this project, the Senate now benefits from completely modernised, energy-efficient lighting that is perfectly in keeping with the visual identity of the building. The in-house teams particularly appreciate :

• the warmth and naturalness of light,
• the disappearance of colour differences between luminaires,
• the spectacular reduction in electricity consumption,
• fewer bulb replacements and maintenance operations.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates Rodalight’s ability to reconcile heritage requirements, technical constraints and ambitious energy objectives. Replacing the 1,000 bulbs in the Belgian Senate with 3W E14 LEDs is a clear example of intelligent optimisation: respect for the site, sustainable performance and a visually impeccable result.