Designing Light with Purpose: Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Developments
— Lessons from Dubai’s Al Ghaf Woods Project
When planning large-scale developments, lighting is often considered a finishing detail. But for forward-thinking architects and developers, it’s a powerful design tool—one that shapes experience, enhances sustainability, and supports long-term operational efficiency.
Al Ghaf Woods, currently under development by Majid Al Futtaim, is a case in point. Set to become Dubai’s first “forest living” community, it spans 738,000 square meters and will feature over 35,000 trees—offering air that’s 20% cleaner and temperatures up to 5°C cooler than surrounding areas.
While the project’s landscaping and ecological goals are impressive, it’s the unseen systems—like the lighting infrastructure—that bring it all to life.
Plan for Cohesion and Control
Lighting a 3km site isn’t as simple as installing more lights. As scale increases, so does the complexity of control. Multiple lighting zones—like landscaped paths, carparks, roads, and office exteriors—must work in harmony.
To avoid patchy or inconsistent results, a centralised control system is essential. This ensures uniform lighting levels, synchronised effects, and a cohesive experience for residents and visitors alike.
Connectivity is Key
At Al Ghaf Woods, ENTTEC recommended a high-performance fibre optic backbone to link every lighting component on-site: viz, DMX RGBW, tuneable White, and RGBW Pixel controls luminaires, along with 3rd party lighting control system.
Why fibre?
Specify the Right Gear Early
Understanding the right mix of controllers, gateways, and show players can streamline procurement and avoid on-site delays. The following ENTTEC products were used:
- 3 × STORM 10 units to control DMX lighting in landscape and roadway fixtures
- 5 x DIN Ethergate Mk2 units for architectural lighting around the sales office
- 3 × S-PLAY SP1 show controllers to manage pre-programmed lighting sequences
- A network switch and fibre backbone to tie everything together.
The result? A cohesive, scalable lighting system that can be programmed from a single point of control—ideal for both the construction phase and long-term site management.
Takeaway: Infrastructure Matters
Lighting is often seen as a finishing touch—but for modern developments, it’s an integral part of the planning process.
When designed well, lighting not only enhances aesthetics but also supports energy efficiency, safety, and the emotional tone of a space.
Whether you’re working on a residential community or a commercial precinct, investing in a smart, scalable lighting system from day one can save time, reduce costs, and elevate the end-user experience.
Want help specifying the right lighting infrastructure for your next project? Talk to the ENTTEC team and get tailored guidance from the start.