Monday, April 7, 2025 - 5:00am
Situated in the serene Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Wandilla Park is an exquisite rural estate renowned for its stunning botanical gardens and sweeping views of the picturesque landscape. A favoured venue for weddings, private events, and luxury accommodations, the estate seamlessly blends natural beauty with refined elegance. Under the stewardship of Wayne Steinwedel, a seasoned horticulturist with over 45 years of experience, Wandilla Park has continually evolved to meet the highest standards of aesthetic and functional excellence.
To further enhance the guest experience, the estate recently underwent a landscape lighting transformation that aimed to improve safety, security, and ambiance. This initiative was driven by the need to provide sufficient illumination for evening events, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.
Despite its breathtaking landscape, Wandilla Park’s existing lighting system was insufficient, leaving large portions of the estate dimly lit. This presented safety concerns for guests navigating the grounds at night, particularly during weddings and formal gatherings. The project aimed to enhance visibility along pathways, highlight key garden features, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere while maintaining the estate’s natural elegance.
Installing a new lighting system within a well-established landscape posed some unique challenges. Critical considerations included avoiding disruption to intricate root systems, carefully integrating fixtures without compromising the aesthetic, and ensuring optimal energy efficiency. Wayne explained, “We needed a solution that would not only address our safety and lighting concerns but also elevate the overall guest experience.”
Recognising the need for reliability, durability, and efficiency, Wayne selected industry-leading FX Luminaire lighting solutions to illuminate Wandilla Park’s landscape. With a carefully placed pairing of Runa™ PM Path Lights, Designer™ NP Accent Lights, and Exa™ Collection fixtures powered by the Luxor™ Controller, the estate’s new lighting system delivers a perfect blend of aesthetic impact and functional excellence.
A key factor in Wayne’s decision was the seamless integration of FX Luminaire’s lighting system with the existing Hunter Hydrawise™ Controller that manages the property’s irrigation. This smart technology allows for remote control and automation, ensuring an optimal balance of illumination, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. “FX Luminaire and Hunter have consistently delivered products that I can rely on for both efficiency and performance, which is why I continue to choose them for my projects,” Wayne emphasised.
The installation of FX Luminaire lighting products has transformed Wandilla Park’s evening ambiance, creating an environment that is both welcoming and secure. Strategically placed path lights and up lights ensure safe navigation while accentuating the estate’s unique botanical features. In addition, the powerful pairing of the Luxor Controller and Hydrawise Controller enables precise scheduling and remote adjustments for both the irrigation and lighting systems, providing seamless energy management while reducing maintenance requirements.
The response from guests has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have remarked on the elegance of the lighting design, with one visitor stating, “The lighting truly brings the property to life at night — it’s both functional and stunning.” This transformation has reinforced Wayne’s trust in FX Luminaire’s innovative solutions, and he plans to continue utilising their products for future enhancements to the park.
With the aid of the company’s cutting-edge technologies, the estate has successfully combined safety, sustainability, and sophistication. The project has not only elevated the guest experience but also set a new benchmark for premium landscape illumination. With energy-efficient solutions, seamless automation, and a visually striking result, Wandilla Park’s nighttime transformation is a testament to the power of intelligent lighting solutions in modern landscaping.
