Vouliagmeni Art Penthouse, Greece

The lighting of this amazing project plays a vital role in defining the property’s character and value. The penthouse is developed via three levels and was conceived by the owner as an “art & design gallery” with stunning views overlooking the magnificent bay of Vouliagmeni, the most exclusive neighbourhood on the Athenian Riviera.

As the property was created by demolishing and integrating five adjacent apartments into a single penthouse, the lighting scheme had a lot of competing parameters to reconcile, acting as the connective tissue between the different areas while being able to create visual hierarchy and intimacy, without hindering the marvelous vistas towards the sea and mediterranean sunset.

The design approach consisted of 3 fundamental design strategies.

1. Recessed, trimless, minimally intrusive fittings and linear systems to provide general lighting for circulation and ambience
2. Directional projectors on recessed tracks to provide the required focal points on the art pieces distributed in the space.
3. “Light art” pieces that act both as decorative light fittings as well as blurring the distinction between luminaire and artwork, in order to be an integral part of the “gallery” enhancing the visual interest through customized shapes and a subtle play of colour.

All luminaires were customized with CRI97+, full spectrum, 2 Macadam step LED chips, in order to enhance the vibrancy of the colourful art pieces. A 3000K colour temperature was preferred so that the light did not distort the cool surface colours of the walls, floor, ceiling and general ambience and to also provide for a relatively neutral background light against which the artworks can stand out better.

Glare was minimized through the choice of reflectors, beams, accessories and hidden sources and the luminance contrasts were programmed on detail in the DALI/KNX system, giving the owner different lighting scenarios for different hours and activities, while maintaining the desired ambience and contrasts between the artworks and the interior elements.

A touch of colour was ‘sprinkled’ on top as an additional, playful, layer of light, via innovative colour changing luminaires that were integrated into the lighting scenarios scheme in order to seamlessly blend with each lighting atmosphere. Custom installations were used for the dining table and the main entrance with a 20m flexible luminaire acting as the precursor to the art-filled penthouse inviting and hinting to guests as to what they are about to experience!