For the Lights of Abraham winter light trail, Height of Abraham wanted meaningful interactivity. They got in touch with us to create bespoke, sound-reactive light installations for their 2025 event. The brief was simple, encourage play and movement, while lighting the space creatively and we met this through bespoke light elements that responded instantly to touch and sound. From this, we developed interactive light elements that respond instantly to touch and sound and set the tone for the trail.
You can find out more about our Interactive Services here.
Bespoke Instruments Designed for Play
We designed and fabricated four interactive instruments entirely in-house, comprising two stainless steel drums and two stainless steel ‘chimes’. Built for public interaction, each instrument triggers colour-chasing LED tentacles when struck, sending light rippling outward into the surrounding space. Extending up to ten metres, the tentacles dynamically illuminate the playground at Heights of Abraham.
Together, the instruments create a playful, responsive environment that invites people to play together using sound and light. Children and adults are naturally drawn in, exploring how their actions shape the lighting in real time and turning the playground into a shared interactive experience after dark.
Alongside the instruments, we supplied twenty glass interactive stepping stones that change colour when stepped on. Their changing colours add moments of light underfoot, extending the interactive experience along the trail.
Every element was custom built for durability, weather resistance, and long-term public use. Personal, site-specific details, including laser-cut and engraved Height of Abraham branding, ensure the installation feels crafted specifically for the site.
Follow us on social media for project highlights, including our stepping stones.
Sound-Reactive Pixel Lighting in Action
At the core of the installation is a custom-built control system using espressif microcontrollers with integrated high-sensitivity analogue microphone inputs. This setup allows the instruments to accurately detect impact and ambient sound, translating physical interaction directly into responsive pixel lighting.
These inputs drive fast, dynamic colour changes across the pixel lighting, creating a clear connection between sound and light. While all core lighting behaviour was programmed in our workshop, we also attended site to fine-tune sensitivity, timing, and colour response once the instruments were installed and interacting with their surroundings.
3D printing played an important role throughout the build, allowing us to design and produce components tailored to each instrument. This included internal drum collars, LED logo diffusers, base supports, drumstick handles, and protective sensor housings for the chimes, all designed to integrate neatly within the physical structure.
Following feedback from the opening weekend, it became clear that the original sensor caps required reinforcement. We redesigned the parts with increased thickness and durability, printed the updated components, and shipped them directly to site. This iterative approach ensured long-term reliability and reflects how we continue to support projects well beyond installation.
Check out our other projects.
Delivery, Installation, and Final Result
The finished installation brings a playful, responsive layer of light to the Lights of Abraham winter trail. After dark, sound and movement activate the playground, turning it into an engaging part of the visitor journey rather than a space simply passed through.
Delivering the instruments to site and supporting the installation directly, working alongside the team ensured accurate positioning, calibration, and commissioning. Being on site allowed for final adjustments in context, ensuring the lighting performed reliably once exposed to real-world use.
Lights of Abraham runs until 30 December 2025, and we highly recommend experiencing it in person.
