Lighting design for a villa
The Pihlaksen family’s dream of a lakeside villa came true when they built a 108m2 two-bedroom, pent-roofed lakeside villa in Puumala on a beautiful pine-clad rocky plot. A lighting design was needed.
“LedStore was chosen as our lighting design partner because, among other reasons, we got both design expertise and technical lighting knowledge from the same supplier. In integrated lighting, it is essential that the vendor knows the product well,” says Petteri Pihlas.
Get started by exploring the range
The Pihlakes started their lighting design by looking at various websites and searching for lights from the Pluspuu collection that would fit the Nauvo home: “We were looking for recessed spots for general lighting, preferably with a black inner frame. We spent a lot of time in the initial research phase and LedStore seemed to have a wide range, plenty of product information and their website gave a good impression of longevity and quality.”
During the mapping phase, a LINJA spotlight was found to be the general lighting, where the black luminaire base is illuminated by efficient small spots with a small opening angle. The combination of a small 15-degree light opening angle and a black inner frame effectively reduces side glare, just as the Pihlaxes 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.
Dialogue with the client is part of lighting design
The Pihlaxes were in contact with LedStore and the plan was handled with Janne and Liisa. For the lighting design, ground, facade and site plans were needed. LedStore’s lighting design takes into account the client’s wishes, and designs enough light for the space to serve as both mood lighting and bright general lighting. 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.
The combined effect of general lighting and mood lighting creates a whole
A suitable amount of LINJA 5 spotlights were designed for general lighting in the villa according to the clients’ wishes.
“The options were 4W LINJA 2 spots and 10W LINJA 5 spots, but the LINJA 5 spots provided a reasonable number of lights and a symmetrical layout. Symmetrical alignment is particularly important in areas with a uniform ceiling surface, where luminaires are all visible at the same time. A suitable number of readers were also provided for general lighting. The LINJA5 spots were designed for the living-dining room, kitchen, hallway and bedrooms, keeping the overall visual appearance simple,” says designer Liisa Korhonen about the choice of lights.
“When the lighting design was being made, there were discussions about where the Led strip lighting would fit into the overall design. In the end, we decided that LED strip lighting would complement the living room well as indirect lighting from the ceiling, where it would provide additional light output and also work well in the evening alongside lights mood lighting,” says Liisa, and continues:
“To create the atmosphere at the site, the HELMEILE 7.2W/m LED strip was suitable for the effect lighting, which was made to the required dimensions and fixed to the black aluminium profile at our LedPajda. During the installation phase, the lateral displacement was smoothed out with moulding. When the wall surface is white, it gives good reflection even with a lower power strip. In addition, the more efficient LED strip HELMEILE 14.4 W/m in aluminium profile was a natural choice for the kitchen worktop light. The transformers were chosen according to whether the lights were to be dimmed, or whether an on/off light switch would suffice. In the design, we also took into account that the chosen luminaires and power supplies would fit the customer’s range of electrical equipment, in this case ABB’s Impressivo chimneys.”
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 lighting, the aim was to have glare-free FUNK Pillar luminaires 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.
“FUNK Pillars bring just the right amount of indirect light into the garden. A very pleasant light to use,” confirms Petteri.
Wall FUNK luminaires were designed to provide wall illumination at the end of the house, but with high efficiency. Their opening angle can be adjusted in a variety of ways, making it easy to set the beam to your liking.
Successful lighting brings out the best in a house
The Pihlaxes are happy with the design and the lighting that was implemented with the help of 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.
Lighting plan clarifies electrical design
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
