Products Tested In-House
Luminate Light Trail: Interactive Wands
Ultra LEDs collaborated with Apexia, supplying key lighting components for their bespoke display at the Luminate Winter Light Trail, Shugborough Hall. Apexia used our 30mm Circular Aluminium Diffused Tubes and 3 Core Low Voltage LED Wiring to design, assemble, and code an interactive installation for visitors passing through the trail.
The centrepiece of the project was a wand-activated display, where visitors used custom-programmed wands to trigger unique light patterns and effects on vertical LED batons.
With Apexia's expertise, they created a bespoke display that seamlessly integrated our Tubes and LED Wiring with their interactive design, resulting in a visually striking and engaging installation for visitors.
The Winter Light Trail Experience
The Luminate Winter Light Trail transforms Shugborough Estate’s historic grounds into an immersive mile-long journey, featuring winter-themed lighting installations.
Set around Shugborough Hall, a Grade I listed building, the trail combines the estate's architectural beauty with innovative lighting designs.
One of the trail’s key features was the interactive wand display, where visitors used custom-programmed wands to trigger light patterns and sound effects across vertical LED batons.
Installed by Apexia, the display utilised Ultra LEDs’ 30mm Circular Aluminium Diffused Tubes and 3 Core Low Voltage LED Wiring. These components were chosen for their adaptability and ease of integration into the custom design.
We also provided in-person support at our facility, assisting Apexia in customising the 30mm Circular Aluminium Diffused Tubes to their required lengths.
This collaboration ensured they had the materials and guidance needed to streamline their preparation, helping to deliver the installation efficiently and effectively.
"We were looking for something that would separate our installation from others and move away from traditional methods of interactivity. Many displays use podiums or tethered buttons, which can limit the sense of freedom for users."
"We wanted to create something that gave a true 'wow' factor and allowed visitors to feel fully immersed. By incorporating a rumble motor, LED strip, and accelerometer into the wands, we enabled visitors to 'feel the power' as they cast light onto the baton field."
Interactive Wands
Apexia’s installation focused on creating an interactive experience where visitors used custom-programmed wands to control 200 vertically mounted LED batons. Each wand triggered unique light patterns and sound effects, providing an engaging and memorable activity for families and children walking through the trail.
The wands featured built-in LED strips, rumble motors, accelerometers, and compass sensors, delivering tactile, visual, and auditory feedback. This thoughtful design allowed visitors to actively engage with the display, enhancing the overall experience.
Ultra LEDs provided diffused aluminium channels for smooth, even illumination and low-resistance wiring for reliable, consistent performance.
Each evening, the displays alternated between festive reds, greens, and warm golden tones, adding variety to the trail's atmosphere. Apexia’s custom Wi-Fi IoT network ensured independent operation for each baton, avoiding large-scale failures and maintaining a seamless interactive display.
"The installation allowed visitors to explore the display freely, moving away from traditional, static interactive setups. Families took turns using the wands, creating a sense of community as children guided others on how to trigger the light and sound effects."
About Apexia
Established in 2024, Apexia specialises in building bespoke interactive experiences, merging technical expertise in programming, engineering, and creative design. What started as a shared passion for problem-solving and creating unique projects quickly grew into a business dedicated to designing standout installations.
Founders Joshua and Chris brought their combined experience in IT, broadcast, and networking to life, tackling challenges with creativity and determination.
For the Luminate Winter Light Trail, Apexia developed custom PCBs and utilised 3D-printed components to build wireless wands, which featured motion sensors, rumble motors, and LED feedback.
This bespoke design enabled seamless, real-time communication between visitors and the batons, showcasing their attention to detail and technical ingenuity.
"Bright, eye-catching, and interactive were the key goals for the installation. After testing various effects, we chose a fire and sparkle combination for the front row. The sparkle effect was particularly effective, as it provided a consistent background while clearly highlighting the interactive moments triggered by the wands."
"We later switched the background to a 'rainbow' effect instead of fire, and the response from visitors has been even more positive."
Lighting The Trail
Ultra LEDs supplied the key components for Apexia’s interactive display:
- 220x 30mm Circular Aluminium Diffused Tubes (3030CIRC): Chosen for their durability and ability to diffuse light evenly, these tubes provided a professional finish to the vertical batons.
- 400m of 3 Core Low Voltage LED Wiring (TC3C.35): Selected for its reliable performance and low resistance, ensuring consistent connections throughout the installation.
These products were specifically chosen for their compatibility with Apexia's custom design, delivering reliable performance in challenging outdoor winter conditions.
The diffused tubes ensured uniform light distribution, crucial for creating the clean, professional look of the installation.
"Both the tubes and cables were essential in bringing the installation to life. The support from the team, both in-person and over email, was invaluable. Knowing Ultra LEDs was close by meant we could quickly collect additional materials if needed, ensuring the project stayed on track."
Overcoming Installation Challenges
"We wanted the lighting installation to give visitors a sense of freedom and control. By moving away from traditional interactive methods, we created an experience where customers felt truly connected to the display."
More Photos From The Trail
A Walkthrough Of The Luminate Light Trail
Explore the Luminate Winter Light Trail at Shugborough Hall. This video highlights Apexia’s wand-activated installation, powered by Ultra LEDs’ lighting solutions, and the displays that lit up the trail.
See how our collaboration brought this feature to life.
For more information or to discuss your next project, get in touch with Ultra LEDs today.
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