Darmstadt Synagogue – energy-efficient lighting refurbishment after 35 years_{1988 / 2025}

The luminaires have proven their worth in daily use for over 35 years. As part of the energy-efficiency and functional refurbishment carried out in 2025 on behalf of the Regional Association of Jewish Communities in Hesse, the existing systems have now been technically upgraded and converted to modern, energy-efficient lighting technologies. This was prompted both by the limited availability of certain light sources and the potential for a significant reduction in energy consumption.

This renewed collaboration underscores the confidence in the sustainable quality and longevity of the original design. At the same time, serien.lighting contributed its particular expertise in the careful further development of historically evolved lighting concepts – with the aim of preserving the architectural atmosphere and design precision of the original design whilst bringing it up to modern technical standards.

A central feature of the original lighting design is the large chandelier in the prayer hall, which serien.lighting developed specifically for the synagogue. As part of the current modernisation, this unique piece was carefully retrofitted with contemporary LED technology – whilst consistently preserving its original design language and lighting effect.

The technical adaptation was carried out directly on site at a height of around six metres. At the same time, the metal elements were carefully cleaned and refurbished. The various halogen bulbs previously used were replaced with energy-efficient LED retrofit solutions. The three separately switchable lighting zones – outer ring, central axis and shades – were retained in their entirety.

This allowed the lighting quality to be specifically optimised and adapted to modern requirements without altering the chandelier’s characteristic appearance and design presence.

The modernised lighting concept was complemented by numerous luminaires from the serien.lighting portfolio, including SLICE² PI Ceiling, DRUM, LYD, SML and CAVITY. The SLICE² PI Ceiling models were used in particular where recessed ceiling-integrated luminaires had previously been installed.

For the retrofit, serien.lighting developed a bespoke solution: to neatly close the existing ceiling cut-outs whilst simultaneously creating a precise mounting base for the new surface-mounted luminaires, custom cover plates were manufactured for a total of 154 luminaires. The precisely laser-cut aluminium discs were powder-coated in the ceiling colour and mounted using spring clips.

The design enabled a quick and cost-effective installation with minimal disruption to the existing architecture. The result is an efficient and, if required, reversible solution that integrates seamlessly into the existing structure, preserves the character of the original lighting concept and, at the same time, brings it into the present day both technically and aesthetically.

The upgrade of the lighting in the synagogue and community centre has significantly reduced energy consumption compared to the original lighting system. Overall, the total power consumption of the installed lights fell from over 16 kW to under 5 kW – a saving of up to 70 per cent.

The potential for savings was particularly high with the custom-made special luminaires, such as the central chandelier and the eight KORONA luminaires. By converting from halogen lamps to LED technology, the connected load here was reduced by more than 5 kW, or over 80 per cent. At the same time, the design quality of the luminaires was fully preserved, whilst their lighting effect in the room was specifically improved.

The general lighting in the prayer room and circulation areas was also comprehensively modernised. The compact fluorescent lamps previously used were replaced by SLICE² PI Ceiling with dedicated LED technology. This reduced the connected load by more than 60 per cent – whilst simultaneously delivering higher light quality and more precise illumination of the rooms.