In Ground + Bollard

In-ground lights, also known as ground lights, inground uplights or recessed landscape lights, are installed into the ground or paving to provide discreet architectural and landscape illumination.

They are commonly used to illuminate trees, columns, feature walls, façades, entrances, pathways and architectural details from below.

Because most of the fitting is recessed into the surface, in-ground lighting can create dramatic lighting effects while keeping the luminaire itself visually unobtrusive.

An in-ground light is recessed into the ground and typically projects light upwards or towards a nearby surface.

A bollard light stands above ground level and is generally used to illuminate pathways, gardens, driveways and pedestrian areas.

In-ground lights are particularly effective for uplighting trees, walls and architectural features, while bollard lights are commonly used for wayfinding and general landscape illumination.

Both can be combined within the same outdoor lighting design to create layers of functional and architectural light.

Because in-ground lights are exposed to rain, moisture, irrigation and ground conditions, they generally require a high level of ingress protection.

IP67 is commonly specified for outdoor in-ground lighting because it provides protection against dust and temporary immersion in water.

However, an IP rating does not mean a fitting can be installed without appropriate drainage. Water should not be allowed to continuously accumulate around an in-ground luminaire unless the product has specifically been designed for that condition.

Always check the individual product specification and installation requirements before selecting an in-ground light.

The correct beam angle depends on the object being illuminated and the distance between the light and the target.

Narrow beam angles are useful for highlighting tall trees, columns and narrow architectural features.

Medium beam angles can illuminate larger trees, walls and building details.

Wide beams and wall-washing optics can provide broader illumination across façades, walls and landscape surfaces.

For professional landscape lighting, beam angle should be considered together with luminaire position, distance, height of the target and lumen output rather than selecting the fitting based only on wattage.

Outdoor bollard lights are commonly used to provide low-level illumination for pathways, driveways, gardens, entrances and pedestrian areas.

They can improve visibility and wayfinding while also contributing to the overall landscape design.

Different bollard optics create different lighting effects. Some distribute light broadly around the fitting, while anti-glare or directional bollards concentrate illumination towards the ground and reduce unnecessary light at eye level.

For residential and commercial landscapes, bollard spacing should be designed according to the light distribution and required illumination rather than simply placing fittings at equal distances.

An anti-glare bollard light is designed to reduce direct visibility of the LED light source and control where the light is distributed.

Instead of producing uncontrolled brightness in all directions, the optical system can direct more light towards pathways, landscaping or the ground.

This can improve visual comfort, particularly along residential pathways, hotel landscapes, entrances and commercial pedestrian areas.

Good outdoor lighting should provide sufficient visibility without creating unnecessary glare or excessive brightness.

For most residential and hospitality landscapes, 2700K to 3000K warm white creates a comfortable and refined appearance.

3000K is particularly versatile for illuminating architecture, pathways, gardens and landscape features.

Warmer light can complement timber, stone and planting, while more neutral colour temperatures may be appropriate for selected commercial or architectural applications.

Colour temperature should also be coordinated across in-ground lights, bollards, spike lights, wall lights and façade lighting so the exterior lighting design appears consistent.

Spike lights and in-ground uplights are both commonly used for tree lighting.

Spike lights provide flexibility because their position and direction can often be adjusted as the landscape develops.

In-ground uplights provide a more integrated architectural appearance because most of the luminaire is concealed below ground level.

For larger trees, multiple luminaires or different beam angles may be required to illuminate the trunk and canopy effectively.

The correct solution depends on the tree height, canopy size, viewing direction, landscape layout and desired lighting effect.

Good landscape lighting should consider visibility, glare, architecture, planting and atmosphere rather than simply installing as many outdoor lights as possible.

Bollard lights can provide pathway illumination, while spike lights can highlight planting and trees. In-ground lights can emphasise façades, columns and architectural features, and exterior wall lights can provide additional illumination around entrances and buildings.

Combining several types of outdoor lighting can create depth and hierarchy while avoiding an overly bright or uniform result.

For larger residential and commercial projects, the landscape plan, architectural elevations and electrical layout should be considered together during the lighting design process.

Lucretia offers LED in-ground lights, bollard lights and landscape spike lights in Australia for residential, hospitality and commercial outdoor lighting projects.

The collection includes IP-rated in-ground uplights, in-ground wall washers, adjustable outdoor projectors, garden spike lights, anti-glare bollard lights and pathway lighting for applications including gardens, pathways, driveways, trees, façades and architectural landscapes.

For larger exterior projects, Lucretia can also assist with luminaire selection, beam angles, positioning, colour temperature and complete exterior lighting design based on landscape plans, architectural drawings and project requirements.