We are delighted to have won the Lighting Scheme category at the International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.
Our Middle East Design Director, Rebecca Nambiar talks through the lighting design highlights of this project and how architectural lighting was introduced to enhance the features of this stunning private villa in the Dubai Hills, UAE.
Every project we work on has a different story to tell, none more so than this project nestled in the heart of Dubai Hills. Surrounded by greenery, this seven bedroom home takes its identity from nature and all that is natural in the form of ‘The Tree of Life’; a centre piece imported from Indonesia that acts in stark juxtaposition to the strong vertical and horizontal lines featured throughout the home. Clever lighting design was required to bring these features to life at night.
As we enter the double height main hall we are flooded with rays of sunshine from the cleverly designed skylights and slatted ceilings, however in the evening the lighting appears almost invisibly from within the vertical wooden details and adds a soft yet delicate warmth to the space also. The room is instantly transformed from fresh and vast, to intimate and cosy. Lucca 30 uplights highlight the wooden wall details at night.
The staircase continues the same theming and shows delicate floating leaves with pops of colour falling through them. Interestingly, one of the key details for the staircase was to avoid a typical and familiar detail repeated in many homes, and look to create a subtle addition to the floating staircase. By carefully concealing the Contour LED strip, we were able to allow the chandelier to continue to be the main feature whilst softly lighting the steps with a halo effect. The two elements combined complemented each other perfectly.
Designing with the talented Helen Skea, Design Director of Infinite Designers in Dubai, UAE, was always met with fun creativity and allowed for plenty of clever details and concepts to be conceived whilst working together on the project, effectively bringing together the interior design and lighting design. Her attention to the materiality of the space and expertly understanding the client brief, meant for endless opportunities to explore new fun ways to incorporate lighting throughout. This included how best to backlight multiple whisky barrels imported from the United States and shelf details with the thinnest of metal sheets.
The softness of the lighting was indeed very prevalent, however it was interspersed with strong linear lighting details using Contour linear strip to create drama and intensify vistas in the home.
One thing is for certain, this exciting new home created for a young family is unique and with its subtle use of natural materials shall forever remain a treasure.
Lighting Design – John Cullen Lighting
Interior Designer – Helen Skea Infinite Designers
Architect – Russell Skea Infinite Designers
Contractor – BW Interiors
Photography – Duncan Chard
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your latest project and how we can enhance the space with effective architectural lighting. Alternatively read more about our interactive Dubai Showroom and Design Team.
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