Summarize
- When the Pihlas family built their dream villa in Puumala, thoughtful lighting design was a must.
- LedStore was selected as the lighting design partner thanks to its extensive range of products and professional expertise.
- LINJA spotlights were selected for the general lighting due to their ability to minimize side glare.
- Glare-free FUNK Pillar fixtures were selected for the outdoor lighting.
- The lighting plan streamlined the electrical design and helped save time during construction.
Lighting design for a villa
The Pihlas family’s dream of a lakeside villa came true with their 108m², two-bedroom home in Puumala on a scenic rocky plot. The lighting design played a key role in selecting the ideal lighting.
“We chose LedStore as our lighting design partner for their blend of design expertise and technical lighting knowledge. In integrated lighting, it is essential that the vendor knows the product well,” says Petteri Pihlas.
Get started by exploring the range
The Pihlas family started their lighting design by browsing various websites and searching for lights that would suit the Pluspuu collection’s Nauvo villa in terms of style: ‘We were looking for recessed spotlights for general lighting, preferably with a black inner ring. We spent a lot of time in the research phase, and LedStore stood out with its wide selection, detailed product info, and a strong reputation for quality lighting.
In the research phase, the LINJA spotlight was chosen for general lighting, with efficient small spots emitting light from a black fixture base and a narrow beam angle. The combination of a small 15-degree light angle and a black inner frame effectively reduces side glare, just as the Pihlas had hoped. Another light that stood out from the range was the FUNK wall light. The FUNK Pillar light seemed to be the right choice for lighting the courtyard.
Lighting design is a dialogue with the client
The Pihlas got in touch with LedStore, and the lighting design was handled efficiently with Janne and Liisa. For the lighting design, ground, facade and site plans were needed. LedStore’s lighting design balances the client’s wishes, providing both mood and bright general lighting for the space. The lighting expertise is top-notch, as LedStore designs its luminaires together with manufacturers and acts as their importer. So you always have first-hand information about the products.
Lighting design combines general and mood lighting
A suitable amount of LINJA 5 spotlights were designed for general lighting in the villa according to the clients’ wishes.
The options included 4W LINJA 2 spotlights and 10W LINJA 5 spotlights. The LINJA 5 spotlights offered an ideal number of fixtures and a symmetrical layout for the space, when light output was considered. Symmetrical alignment is particularly important in areas with a uniform ceiling surface. There all the lights are visible at the same time. The general lighting also provided the ideal amount of lux. The LINJA 5 spotlights were designed for the living-dining area, kitchen, hallway, and bedrooms, ensuring a minimalist visual appearance,” says designer Liisa Korhonen, reflecting on the choice of fixtures.
Mood lighting and ambience with LED strips
During the lighting design process, there were discussions about where LED strip lighting would best fit within the overall design. Ultimately, we concluded that the LED strip lighting would complement the living room as an indirect light along the ceiling, adding extra brightness while also serving as ambient lighting alongside the FUNK fixtures in the evening,” says Liisa, and continues:
For creating ambiance in the space, the HELMI 7.2W/m LED strip was used as an accent light. It was custom-sized and mounted in a black aluminum profile at our LedPaja workshop. During the installation phase, lateral glare was reduced with a trim. When the wall surface is white, it reflects light well, even with a lower-wattage strip.
A more powerful LED strip, the HELMI 14.4 W/m, mounted in an aluminum profile, was a natural choice for the kitchen countertop lighting. The drivers were chosen based on whether dimming was desired or if a simple on/off switch would suffice. In the lighting design, we also took into account that the selected fixtures and power sources were compatible with the client’s electrical equipment, in this case, ABB’s Impressivo dimmers.
For indirect lighting, black FUNK luminaires with adjustable light angle and clear light and shadow lines on the wall were chosen. They fit in well with the black-framed windows and the atmosphere of the space. These luminaires are also dimmable. Wall-mounted Funk luminaires are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Outdoor lighting was designed to be glare-free
When designing the outdoor lighting, the aim was to have glare-free FUNK Pillar lights that provide the right amount of light indirectly. “They don’t glare at all in the evening, because the light comes down from a hidden light source. Because the villa has large windows facing the lake, the terrace lighting is also visible from the inside when it is on. Our work includes considering the functionality of the lighting from different angles,” says Liisa, describing the lighting design work.
The FUNK Pillars provide the perfect indirect light for the yard. It’s a really pleasant fixture to use,” confirms Petteri.
For the pathways at the ends of the house, wall-mounted, yet powerful, FUNK wall lights were designed to provide illumination. The beam angle can be adjusted freely, allowing you to easily position the light angle as desired.
Great lighting design brings out the best in a summer home
The Pihlas are satisfied with the lighting design and the lighting that was implemented according to the plan.
“Our cottage became very bright but at the same time atmospheric, even with all the lights on at the same time. LINJA5 luminaires are small but efficient. When we first entered the space after installing the lights, we wondered if the lights were on at all. That’s actually what we were hoping for. The luminaire is bright and atmospheric at the same time: it doesn’t reflect off to the side and creates a wedge-shaped spotlight down to the floor.”
LedStore’s lighting design service was just what the family needed.
“The design process was easy and straightforward. We quickly received a first proposal, which together with the designer resulted in a good end result. We implemented almost everything the designer suggested. Not too much fiddling was required, but practical design was definitely needed. It is good that the service is not overpriced. We can recommend the lighting design”, sums up Petteri.
A well-thought-out lighting design streamlines the electrical planning process
The LedStore lighting plan should be done before or hand in hand with the electrical plan. A proper lighting plan saves time on site and clarifies electrical planning. He also appreciated this aspect:
“You have to have an electrical plan when you build and many people know that, but in technical terms you don’t have to have a lighting plan. But when you have a proper lighting plan, it’s easier to put the electrical work out to tender,” says Petteri.
Check out LedStore’s lighting design service on our website: ledstore.fi/valaistussuunnittelu
