Akershus Fortress: how W-DALI brought new life to an iconic landmark
The Akershus Fortress project demonstrates the true power of wireless lighting control for historical buildings and complex outdoor environments.
Akershus Fortress is one of Norway’s most important cultural landmarks. Over 700 years old, it’s a historic symbol and a defining feature of the Oslo skyline. When Forsvarsbygg (the Norwegian Defense Estates Agency) set out to renew the exterior lighting, they faced a difficult challenge: how to modernize the system without disturbing the protected site.
The answer? A fully wireless lighting control solution, powered by LumenRadio’s W-DALI technology.
The project: bringing modern lighting control to a protected site
Geir Sire runs Lyskontroll, a Norwegian company focusing on lighting control and system integration. He handles everything from system design, programming and commissioning to complex system networking for platforms like DALI and DMX.
He was asked to be part of the Akershus project by Zenisk, one of Norway’s largest lighting design houses.
“The brief was to renew the exterior lighting system at Akershus which included a lot of old sodium fixtures with only basic on/off functionality,” explains Geir. “We needed better precision, energy efficiency and control, while respecting the site’s heritage.”
These heritage constraints meant a cabled solution was out of the question.
“Akershus Fortress is a historic monument and installing cables can require drilling, digging or attaching fixtures to walls. For a protected site like this, the construction required for new control cables would damage centuries-old stonework and exposed wiring would interfere with the historic appearance.”
“I had previous experience of LumenRadio’s wireless technology from theatre and television projects, so I knew about the reliability and robustness of the platform. When I heard about W-DALI, I immediately recognized its potential for projects like this.”
Geir Sire, Lighting Designer & Owner, Lyskontroll
The solution: W-DALI was the only option
Using W-DALI wireless lighting control made the project possible.
Geir conducted on-site testing using his own measurement tools to assess W-DALI’s performance in and around the fortress. Because the site houses military offices and communication systems, it was important to understand if there was any potential RF interference. LumenRadio sent a dedicated test team to Oslo to perform range measurements, optimize node placement and ensure the system could operate safely alongside military radio activity. This support became an important factor in Forsvarsbygg’s confidence in the wireless approach.
The benefits of W-DALI wireless lighting control
- No cabling needed – protects the historic structure of the 700-year-old site
- Reliable wireless performance in an exposed coastal location
- Solid connection even through thick stone walls and over long distances
- Wireless mesh network supporting multiple subnets – perfect for large, complex sites
- Troubleshooting made quick and painless
The installation: “Easier than expected!”
66 W-DALI nodes divided into five subnets were required to control all the exterior lighting around the fortress – a total of 236 luminaires.
Geir rigorously tested and pre-programed all the nodes offsite in his workshop. Each node was addressed, then given a unique name and number corresponding to its final position in the installation. Once ready, everything was handed over to the electricians with clear documentation on which node should go where.
“I was surprised how easy the installation was,” recalls Geir. “It became mostly plug-and-play, as the nodes already knew their settings and network configuration. This saved us a great amount of time – the electricians simply mounted the nodes with no technical configuration required on-site.”
Get Your Guide to Going Wireless
How to get started with wireless control for DALI lighting
The result: A dramatic visual transformation
The new lighting highlights towers, walls and mountainsides with precision, revealing textures and tones never before visible at night. The Blue Tower now glows with its signature blue accent, while warm tones bring depth to the surrounding stone structures.
Biodiversity and ecological sustainability have been prioritized. Trees are not directly illuminated, protecting insects and birds from light pollution. By using lower color temperatures and precisely directed lighting, a more natural and gentle nighttime environment has been created, in line with the recommendations of the Norwegian Environment Agency.
“I’d recommend W-DALI for outdoor installations, complex heritage sites and locations where cabling is difficult or impossible. This project proves that high-performance architectural lighting doesn’t require intrusive construction. If you ask me, wireless isn’t the future – it’s already here.”
Geir Sire, Lighting Designer & Owner, Lyskontroll
Project Overview
The renewed lighting, with LumenRadio’s W-DALI wireless control at its core, reinforces Akershus as a cultural and visual anchor in Norway’s capital city.
- Client: Forsvarsbygg (Norwegian Defense Estates Agency)
- Lighting consultant: ZENISK
- Programming: LYSKONTROLL
- Installation: Installatøren Gruppen
- Lighting Supplier: SML Lighting AS
- Also involved: Port of Oslo, Park & Anlegg AS, Norwegian Department of Cultural Heritage
- No of luminaires: 236
- W-DALI receivers: 66
- Wireless subnets: 5
- Longest distance between nodes: Approx. 100m
- Mesh network: Covers an area just over 1km in length and approx. 400m across
- Controls: Pharos Controls
- New control cables required: 0 meters
The freedom to go further
Do DALI the wireless way with W-DALI
About Akershus
Akershus Fortress is located in the heart of Oslo, overlooking the Oslo Fjord. The fortress is a historical landmark and cultural icon of the city. Built in the 13th century, it has served as both a royal residence and a military facility. Today, the grounds are open to the public and form one of Oslo’s most popular tourist destinations.
