• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Project Name: House X

Location: Singapore

Date Completed: March 2016

Company Name: Limelight Atelier

Architect: RedBean Architect

Limelight Atelier have created a lighting scheme for a brilliant low carbon home for a multi generation family. Nestled atop a sloping hill in Singapore, the architect, RedBean Architects, have introduced extensive natural stones, Corten steel for the facade, and finished with recycled teak planks of old houses from Thailand, for the interior.

In respond to the low carbon and maintenance requirement, Limelight Atelier introduced an efficient lighting scheme to show how illumination can be used with dual usage, of feature enhancements and practicality. The outdoor landscape lights are powered by photovoltaic cells on the roof. During dusk, the cantilever protrusion of the main block facing the road is uplifted by the lighting of the landscape planters beneath. The interior corridor lighting radiates out warm white light through the rhythmic perforations of the facade, giving a different character as compared to the day, with a shifting kaleidoscope display of lighted abstracts at varied times.

The symmetrical pleated timber features entry to the house and are articulated with in-ground up-lights. The ceiling skylight is back-lighted through an outdoor fabric that is disguised amongst the vertical surfaces; for an intriguing diffuse moonlight effect. An open sky enclosed courtyard greets upon entering the space. The textured timber walls of the walkways are complemented to carry the vista towards the living room. Meticulously co-ordinated through lighting details on the angled cut timber ceiling of the living room, adds tints of accentuation to the furniture and space. As a counterpoint to the rich communal spaces, the bedrooms are an oasis of simplicity aided by hassle free controls of lighting scenes, designed as a servant for performance and ambience. One level below, is the kitchen and dining space that opens outwards to the external terrace and swimming pool. The rear exterior lighting is meant to exalt its masculine geometrical shape and provide illumination to the balconies.

The designer’s favourite aspect of the House X project is the use of light to express the architecture and the space itself, having a dual usage of the interior lighting that serves not only through function but also architecturally. It is not excessively illuminated, and careful thoughts are considered during the design about light pollution and causing unnecessary light spill onto the neighbours’ houses. The meticulous detailing and co-ordination with the architect, allows the light fixtures to blend in with the architecture and the space, forming a pure and integral low carbon lighting scheme.