Intelligent DALI-2 lighting control supports sustainable office transformation at The Distillers Building

Tridonic UK has played a key role in the successful renovation of the prestigious Distillers Building in Smithfield, Dublin, delivering an advanced lighting control solution in partnership with ACEC Distributors. The project demonstrates how intelligent, future-proof lighting technology can support flexibility, sustainability and long-term compliance in modern commercial environments.

The Distillers Building has undergone a major transformation, sensitively redeveloping its original limestone structure into a contemporary seven-storey office building that enhances the historic character of the Smithfield area. Designed to accommodate multiple government departments, the project required a highly adaptable lighting control system capable of delivering granular control, robust data and long-term operational efficiency.

Working closely with ACEC, Tridonic supplied a comprehensive wired DALI-2 lighting control solution across the building’s numerous floors. Spaces were logically zoned to allow for future reconfiguration, ensuring the system can evolve alongside changing occupancy and usage requirements.

The installation features Tridonic sceneCOM EVO DA2 application controllers, MSensor G3 PIR sensors in surface-mounted and recessed variants, DALI-2 XCG3 pushbutton couplers, DALI-2 scene plates and high-efficiency DALI-2 LED drivers. The system is managed via Tridonic’s lightMONITOR head-end software, providing a clear graphical overview of lighting assets, automated emergency testing and detailed compliance reporting.

Sustainability was a central focus of the project. Tridonic’s generation 4 drivers and boards are C2C approved to help reduce embodied carbon, with average driver efficiencies exceeding 92%. Intelligent presence detection and daylight-responsive dimming ensure lighting is used only when required, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high visual comfort throughout the building.

Paul O’Connor, Managing Director at ACEC, commented “Tridonic’s control solutions have enabled us to deliver a highly flexible and future-ready lighting system that supports the client’s sustainability ambitions. The availability of detailed energy and usage data also allows us to carry out post-occupancy evaluation and identify further opportunities for energy savings.”

James Huntington, OEM Controls & Solutions Manager at Tridonic, added “This project highlights the importance of intelligent lighting control in achieving both sustainability and long-term performance. We are proud to support ACEC with a solution that not only enhances the quality of the working environment but also provides the data, efficiency and compliance required for a modern commercial building.”

The Distillers Building now stands as a strong example of how intelligent lighting technology can successfully support heritage-led redevelopment while meeting the demands of contemporary, sustainable office spaces.

Project credits

Client: The Distillers, Dublin.

Lighting Controls and Technology: Tridonic UK.

Lighting Controls Supply Partner: ACEC Distributors.

Project Electrical Contractor: CJK Engineering.

Image: Courtesy of Tridonic UK.