Project Olive, Cyprus

Project Olive is a family residence in Paphos, Cyprus, enjoying panoramic west-facing views over the city. The three-level home is organised with the main living areas at the top, while the garage and bedroom wing are located at the lower levels. The residence features an internal courtyard and a series of terraces at different levels.

The project was realised in close collaboration with the clients and architect over a period of three years. Lighting was part of the design agenda from the project’s inception and became a key design tool, enriching the architectural vision after dark.

Interior and exterior lighting were designed in unison to ensure seamless integration between the interior and exterior spaces. Much of the lighting “bleeds” outward from within the residence; the large arched windows and curtain walls create a soft nighttime animation across the façades.

Exterior lighting is intentionally minimal and applied only where necessary. It is used selectively to enhance key architectural elements such as the dining lounge arches, the pool overflow wall, and the staircase leading to the rooftop terrace. All lighting is carefully integrated into architectural details or concealed within the building fabric to minimise skyglow. The goal is to achieve a soft, discreet, low-level exterior illumination with concealed light sources.

The landscape plays an important role in the overall design, with terraces offering opportunities for relaxation and family gatherings. At night, the pool becomes a reflective surface, mirroring the architecture and enhancing the views for residents and visitors alike.

The atrium connecting to the bedroom wing also serves as the entrance to the sauna and evokes an almost tropical garden atmosphere, with planting carefully selected by the clients. The cactus garden, olive trees, and other landscape elements are subtly highlighted; however, the primary focus of the lighting remains the promotion of western views. All exterior illumination is therefore discreet, using indirect low-level lighting, anti-glare accessories, and near-invisible light sources.

Flexible lighting scenes allow for different moods while highlighting key architectural and landscape features. Lighting supports circulation and wayfinding while maintaining privacy and reinforcing the residence’s connection to its surroundings.