Page 89 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

TreaTmenT of His Toric resources

b u i l d i n g l i g h t i n g

The character and level of lighting that is used on a building
is of special concern. Traditionally, exterior lights were simple
in character and were used to highlight key building features.
On many historic residential buildings, lighting highlighted the
entrance with a fixture located on the porch ceiling or near the
front door. Most fixtures had incandescent lamps that cast a color
similar to daylight, were relatively low intensity and were shielded
with simple shade devices. Although new lamp types may be
considered, the overall effect of modest, focused, building light
shall be continued.

When installing lighting on a historic building, use existing
documentation as a basis for the new design. If no documentation
exists, use a contemporary light fixture that is simple in design.
Incorporate lighting to accent a
Building lighting shall be installed in a manner so as not to damage
building entrance or other key
the historic fabric of the building and shall be reversible.
feature of the historic property.
4.42 Incorporate lighting to accent a building entrance or
other key feature of the historic property.

4.43 Select a light fixture that is compatible with the
historic building.
a. Use a light fixture that is appropriate to the building and its
historic context in terms of style and scale.
b. Incorporate a light fixture that is simple in design and does
not draw attention away from the façade of the historic
building.

4.44 Minimize the visual impacts of building lighting.
a. Mount a lighting fixture in an inconspicuous manner.
b. Select a light source with a low level of luminescence.
c. Use a light that casts a similar color to daylight.
d. Mount a lighting fixture to cast light downward or focused
to a specific building element.
e. Do not damage or obscure historic building components
and fabric when mounting exterior lighting fixtures.

Waxahac hie Residential design guidelines 81