Case Study: Architectural Landmark Lighting
Project Location: Red Deer Donut Mill, AB
Product: UltraFlex RGBW
Project Summary
U Technology engineered and delivered a custom RGBW DMX architectural lighting system for the Red Deer Donut Mill, consisting of four static windmill blades, each spanning approximately 70 feet. The system was designed to provide uniform illumination, precise color control, and long-term reliability in an extreme outdoor environment with limited maintenance access.
Design Constraints & Performance Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Geometry | 4 × static windmill blades, 280 ft total, 70 ft each |
| Environment | Outdoor, fully exposed |
| Ambient Temperature | -50 to +50 °C |
| Wind Load | >130 km/h gusts |
| Optical Requirement | Continuous, uniform, dot-free illumination |
| Control | RGBW, DMX-based, synchronized |
| Number of Zones | 4 independent zones (1 per blade) |
| Maintenance | Minimal / restricted access |
Engineered Lighting Solution
U Technology approached the project as a system-level engineering problem, integrating mechanical, electrical, optical, and control considerations.
Luminaires:
UltraFlex RGBW, custom-fabricated and cut-to-length in-house
Consistent optical output across continuous runs approaching 280 ft
Materials selected for outdoor thermal cycling and vibration
Electrical & Power Topology:
Optimized power distribution to mitigate voltage drop
Waterproof, strain-relieved quick connectors
Controls Architecture:
DMX control, one controller per blade
Engineered addressing and zoning for synchronization and scalability
Scheduling and scene control per zone
Our engineering team developed a 1:20 scale prototype to test and measure control options!
Prototyping & Validation:
A proof-of-concept prototype was developed prior to full fabrication.
DMX control, one controller per blade
Engineered addressing and zoning for synchronization and scalability
Scheduling and scene control per zone
Controls Programming:
Frame-accurate synchronization across all blades
Smooth RGBW transitions without banding
Defined lighting hierarchies aligned with client intent
Future expandability without system re-architecture
Results & Performance
Uniform, dot-free RGBW illumination across ~70 ft per blade
Reliable operation in sub-zero temperatures and high-wind conditions
Minimal maintenance due to sealed construction.
Programmable architectural landmark
Project Takeaway
This project demonstrates U Technology’s capability to deliver engineered lighting systems where run lengths, environmental exposure, and control precision exceed the limits of standard products.
The Donut Mill installation validates UltraFlex RGBW and U Technology’s DMX architecture for large-scale, high-exposure architectural applications.