Griff Electric partnered with Ikaria to create a unique waterfront home in Cranston, RI. Lighting a waterfront home is such an exciting and gratifying project! We want to share a bit more about it. Architect Mark Lawton discusses some of the energy and electrical features of the home in this Q&A below.
Mark combines leading edge technologies with timeless design principles used by ancient cultures.
Moreover, he highlights the integration of natural surroundings with the home’s interior and exterior lighting designs; important in lighting a waterfront home. Strategic lighting fixtures create a style.
Q&A with Marc Lawton
The home has very large windows and doors. How does this impact lighting design?
We conceptualized the house as a “view camera” to capture the views of the ocean on one side, and the yachting channel on the other. There’s also the desire to gather as much natural light as possible. The large windows frame views, afford ample sunlight, and create cross ventilation for cooling the house.
The lighting scheme compliments this by having dimmers on all the lights to react to the ever-changing daylight. The centralized stair atrium window is designed to be a “window” into the circulation of the house and to showcase the modern chandelier at the top of the landing.
What are your considerations designing the outdoor lighting scheme?
The house has a rich texture to it: deep red/brown western red cedar siding and modulated painted cement board. As such, the lighting is used to highlight this. However, there are also several outdoor patios and decks that become quite amazing when illuminated at night, creating a real sense of place outside. The carport is also envisioned as an actively used space so the lighting is bright and energetic.
Are there any unique or custom aspects to the home that guide the lighting design?
In general, it is a very minimalistic modern house with all white walls. The lighting evenly illuminates the spaces, really to just present them as well-proportioned compositions.
Bringing It Together
Is there an aspect of the lighting design that you are most fond of?
I particularly like the modern globe chandelier at the top of the stairs. It reminds me of earth at night as seen from space.
Does the home owner have any specific needs or requests to accommodate through custom design?
We designed a minimalistic recessed tray ceiling in the main living space. To make it appear to float, we use a continuous hidden LED strip to illuminate the perimeter.
Going Green
Do you use LED lighting throughout the house, or only in specific areas?
LEDs are used almost exclusively in the house. This is because it just makes sense to utilize energy saving fixtures in a new house. They also last longer and give off less heat than conventional lighting.
