SA Helvar Lighting Control Project at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s Loapi Camp

Collaborating with Paul Pamboukian, GAPP Architects and Electrosonic SA, Bruce Schwartz undertook the task of designing a Dali-based Lighting control system capable of enduring the harsh climate and remote location of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.

SA Helvar Lighting Control Project at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s Loapi Camp

This system was intended for six luxurious tented safari homes within the Tswalu Reserve, collectively known as Loapi Camp. The name "Loapi" derives from Setswana, meaning "the space below the clouds.

After long consultations with Paul and the client, a lighting and control system design was crafted based on the requirements that the design had to provide minimal light pollution, use minimal energy and had to be robust and simple to operate. Service and backup are many kilometres away from Loapi and so the latter was of the utmost importance. 

Six pre-wired Helvar DB's were assembled at Electrosonic SA’s head office in Northcliff, Johannesburg. Helvar Dali 402 Power supply’s with Helvar 498 Relays and 444 Contact Closure devices were used in conjunction with Legrand Switches that made for simplicity, reliability and ease of use by guests.

With simple, easy connections and pre-wiring for ease of installation, the Boards were shipped to the Tswalu Loapi site in the Kalahari. The deadline was met in spite of the many obstacles in the construction of this camp being located in such a harsh and remote environment. A total of two Programming trips were made to accommodate the tight deadlines in time for opening.

“What a magnificent project in a spectacular part of South Africa to have been involved in. The professional team and the results were simply outstanding. The sunsets in the Kalahari are truly one of the worlds wonders and having this opportunity to bring our products and our skills to light, is one of the best parts of my job,“ says Bruce Schwartz, Electrosonic SA director.

Tswalu Kalahari is a member of Oppenheimer Generations, a diverse community of commercial ventures and not-for-profit organisations representing the global interests of the Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer family. Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, and privileged access to the largest privately protected area in South Africa.

For more stunning pictures have a look at the Tswalu website’s Loapi Camp images: https://tswalu.com/our-camps/loapi/

To discuss your Helvar lighting control project, connect with Bruce Schwartz: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.