When Mark Del Prato of Young’s Landscape Management Inc. met with a longtime client to plan the landscape design for his new Moorestown, N.J. home, they both expected a remarkable outcome based on their previous projects together.
However, neither anticipated that the scope of the work would grow into a multi-phase installation featuring over 300 Coastal Source landscape lighting fixtures and the homeowner’s first professional-grade outdoor audio system.
Landscape Lighting Transforms Backyard into Secluded Retreat
According to Del Prato, professional lighting is core to the company’s landscaping offerings.
Light beautifully illuminates every step of the property, with the home’s architecture and flora lit to a rigid level of detail.
“We deployed a variety of fixtures to create captivating experiences and artistic ambiances using light and shadow, based on prior experiences with the homeowner,” Del Prato said.
2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.Download your copy now!
Although the homeowner was familiar with Coastal Source lighting on previous projects, they were largely unfamiliar with Coastal Source’s audio capabilities.
Outdoor Audio Adds New Sensory Experience to the Escape
To introduce something unique, Del Prato organized a visit from Coastal Source’s mobile demo van, which provided an opportunity to experience high-quality outdoor speakers, amps, subwoofers, and audio solutions firsthand. The demo transformed the yard into an immersive audio experience.
“Rather than suggesting a lo-fi Bluetooth speaker or even a big-box brand, the demo van allowed us to show up, quickly set up a real demo system in the client’s actual yard and envelop them in sound to incredible effect,” Del Prato said. “They quickly saw, or rather heard, the power and value of the Coastal Source audio systems we install, and they were sold.”
Better known for its lighting design, this was Young’s first foray into audio. The expansion into audio is due to clients’ increasing desire for immersive outdoor audio.
Del Prato says Coastal Source has addressed these trends with products designed for durability, simplicity and aesthetic appeal, providing homeowners with solutions that both look and sound exceptional.
The homeowner went on vacation while Young’s installed the landscape and technology systems, and when they got back, the results amazed them.
“We love that kind of reaction from clients, because it means we succeeded in what we set out to do: transform their yard into a unique oasis that exceeds expectations,” Del Prato said.
A Secluded Grotto Forged from Light and Sound
The final installation at the Moorestown home included over 300 landscape lighting fixtures from Coastal Source, featuring uplights for specimen trees, downlights for moonlight effects, wash lights to create shadow patterns, and path lights to guide guests through the space. The audio setup was equally impressive, consisting of six Ellipse bollard speakers, one 14.0 Bollard Subwoofer G3, two Coastal Source amplifiers, and Sonos ports.
Del Prato also noted that the flexibility of Coastal Source’s lighting fixtures played a crucial role when the homeowner decided to expand the installation mid-project.
“That’s another reason we love these particular lighting fixtures – the whole solution is designed to be adjustable and re-configurable, so we didn’t have to replace fixtures or cut out wires,” he said.
“The wiring can be reused and moved easily, and it’s specifically designed to be tough enough to take the handling and outdoor conditions. Heck, we’ve even had some clients take their fixtures and systems with them when they move to a new home, because they trust them so much to keep working long into the future.”
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our digital newsletters!