Cove Design
In cases where luminaires are to be concealed within a field constructed continuous cove, the specifier must ensure that the cove is properly designed to conceal brightness from normal viewing angles, without obstructing light intended for the target surface.
The example below walks you through the design of a cove. elliptipar's Applications Engineering department is available to provide light level estimates and other technical information in support of your design. To tell us about your application, fill out and Fax our Application Checklist.
For guidelines on sending drawings or other data electronically, call us at 203.931.4546.
Example
A space is 40' long x 18' wide, with a flat ceiling at 10' above the finished floor. Continuous coves will be designed to house elliptipar Style 302 concealed fluorescent units with long twin tube compact lamps. Coves will be mounted along both 40' walls.
Step 1
Determine throw distance (D) across the target surface. Since the space is 18' wide with coves on both sides, each cove must throw light across an effective target surface of 9'.
Step 2
Determine the proper luminaire setback (X). Using a linear fluorescent source, the setback should be at least 1/8 of the throw distance (1/8 x 9' = 13-1/2"). However, because of the higher light output of the long twin tube fluorescent lamps, the setback should be no less than 18" to prevent hot spots. The larger dimension governs, so the minimum setback is 18".
Step 3
Determine the aiming angle for the maximum candlepower of the luminaires. Using a room section, draw a line from the lamp center to the far edge of the target surface. (In this case, it's the center of the ceiling.) This approximates the lowest angle of maximum candlepower. In this example, the aiming angle is measured as 10¡ above horizontal.
Step 4
Determine the worst case sightline by finding the worst-case viewing position. For uplighting applications, this is usually the farthest and/or most elevated position from which the cove may be viewed. (Note: if the cove is viewable through a window or doorway, the worst case viewing position may lie outside the dimensions of the space.) In the room section, draw a line from the worst-case viewing position to the top of the luminaire. This is the concealment sightline. If we assume the worst-case viewing position to be standing along the opposite wall, with eye height at 5'-8" AFF, the concealment sightline is measured as 11¡ above horizontal.
Step 5
Determine the height and projection of the cove lip. The top of the lip should intercept the concealment sightline without obstructing maximum candlepower. In this example, the overall inside projection is measured to be approximately 16", and the height of the front lip approximately 4 7/8".
Step 6
Interior surfaces of the cove should be finished matte white to maximize efficiency and minimize socket shadows.
Notes: Ceiling finish should be matte white for maximum diffusion, minimizing reflected images of the lamps and socket shadows.
- – For tungsten halogen and metal halide units, the cove should be constructed from non-combustible materials.
- – Refer to appropriate luminaire photometric report to determine location of maximum candlepower with respect to reflector.
- – Remote ballast(s) can be mounted within the cove. If space is limited, ballast(s) can be mounted in a remote accessible location. See individual luminaire data page for maximum remote distance.
Figure 1
Cove Project
The challenge in the renovation of this underground mall was to create bright open spaces. The low concrete structure and a desire not to introduce additional overhead obstructions necessitated the use of perimeter coves.
elliptipar Style F301 concealed T8 fluorescent luminaires effectively project light out of the coves and across the ceiling. (Note the light pattern on the vertical bulkhead.) Uniformly brightening the shallow vaults visually heightens the concourse and provides diffuse, glare-free illumination. The curved surfaces of the vault further reinforce the illusion of height. Cove size was minimized using prebuilt fiberglass reinforced gypsum forms.
- Place Ville Marie
- Architect: Gagdon Thibodeau Conrath Scheffer;
- Design Corp. Ltd.; Arcop Assoc., Inc. Photographer:Graetz, Inc.
High performance cove lighting from elliptipar
For the smallest adjustable T5 cove lighting product, see the Award Winning F305.
Patented brackets(All Styles but F302) allow all reflectors in a row to join and aim together while minimizing socket shadows.
elliptipar's high performance asymmetric reflector projects maximum peak candlepower out of the cove and across the ceiling for exceptional surface uniformity. Our luminaires maximize the effectiveness of architectural coves. Fast "runback"; below peak candlepower minimizes light normally wasted in the cove.
Xtra Small concealed T5 fluorescent integral ballast, master/ satellite configurations available.
Small concealed T5 or T8 fluorescent integral electronic ballast, dimming optional. Convenient lengths available.
Dual Xtra Small independently aimed reflectors. Concealed T5 fluorescents with integral electronic ballast.
Dual Xtra Small and Small independently aimed reflectors for large spaces. Concealed T5 fluorescents with integral electronic ballast.