Wakefield Hospital Redevelopment

Overview

The redevelopment of Wakefield Hospital in Wellington represents a major milestone in New Zealand’s healthcare infrastructure. Designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency, the new state-of-the-art facility required advanced, adaptable building systems that could meet the complex demands of a modern clinical environment.

Intelligent Environments was engaged to deliver a comprehensive DALI-2 lighting control solution, seamlessly integrated across all four floors of the hospital. Working alongside Aurecon (electrical engineering consultants) and Stones Electrical, Intelligent Environments ensured the system delivered reliability, flexibility, and user-friendly functionality.

Objectives

The project team identified several key requirements for the hospital’s lighting control system:

• Flexibility to meet the varied needs of clinical, staff, and public spaces
• Energy efficiency without compromising lighting quality or compliance
• User-friendly interfaces to allow staff and patients intuitive control
• Zone-specific functionality tailored to high-traffic, clinical, and resting environments
• Future scalability and remote access for ongoing optimisation and ease of maintenance

Technical Solutions

A zencontrol DALI-2 lighting control system was specified and deployed across the facility, meeting Aurecon’s requirements for a Smart DALI solution. Intelligent Environments worked closely with Stones Electrical, led by Project Manager Mikhail Bredevelt, and handled all aspects of system programming, commissioning, and post-installation support.

Key Features of the System:

• Staff Areas: Manual DALI switching combined with presence detection for intuitive, task-appropriate control

• Clinical Spaces: Local DALI rotary dimmers installed in radiology and scanning rooms to allow precise lighting adjustment based on procedure requirements

• Corridors & Lobby: Presence detection with manual override to balance energy savings and accessibility

• Bedside Lighting: Local push buttons or rotary dimmers enable personalised control for patients and staff

• Lighting Profiles: Automated transitions between clinical-hour and after-hours lighting profiles – e.g., 70% of luminaires off after hours in common areas, with the remaining 30% dimmed to safe night-time levels

• Remote Access: The system is cloud-enabled, allowing remote updates and schedule adjustments without the need for onsite intervention

Shortly after commissioning, Intelligent Environments was able to remotely reprogram the circulation lighting schedules based on staff feedback — demonstrating the system’s adaptability and responsiveness in a live healthcare setting.

Project Outcome

The completed lighting control system met all performance, usability, and compliance objectives, delivering:

• Optimised lighting by zone, enhancing comfort, safety, and operational flow across diverse hospital environments

• Improved energy efficiency, particularly in high-traffic and after-hours zones

• Flexible user control, supporting both automated scheduling and manual overrides for staff and patient convenience

• Seamless remote maintenance, reducing downtime and improving system responsiveness

• Future-ready infrastructure, capable of evolving alongside the hospital’s operational needs

Awarded via competitive tender, Intelligent Environments’ zencontrol solution proved to be both cost-effective and technically superior. The success of the Wakefield Hospital Redevelopment further reinforces the company’s reputation as a leading provider of intelligent lighting control systems for the healthcare sector.

This innovative project highlights Intelligent Environments’ expertise in delivering specialised lighting control systems for healthcare settings, demonstrating their commitment to creating smart, user-focused, and sustainable environments.

Healthcare remains a key focus for Intelligent Environments, with lighting control solutions currently being delivered for major projects across New Zealand, including the Counties Manukau District Health Board, the new Mason Clinic, the Auckland Hospital upgrade, Taranaki Base Hospital’s New East Wing, and the Palmerston North Acute Mental Health Unit.

For more information about this case study or to discuss how we can support your healthcare project with innovative lighting solutions, get in touch with us.