In the process of engineering lighting for various spaces, there exist scientific and empirical principles that designers must leverage to the fullest extent to ensure the project outcome satisfies the client to the highest degree. Villa lighting design is one of the branches of illumination in today’s world that sees considerable demand.
By definition, a villa is a house built away from the city in a natural and pristine environment. The form of these structures has evolved over time, and their locations have shifted to houses on the outskirts of cities, or even urban environments within garden-like settings. In the design of modern villas, open-plan styles have become very popular.
This means being able to seamlessly transition outdoor spaces into the interior of the house. In this architectural design approach, maximizing the connection between the natural outdoor space and the interior of the villa is one of the primary goals of designers. Lighting plays a significant and central role in the artistic manifestation of modern villa architecture. Therefore, in line with the aforementioned goals, the working pattern of lighting engineers should also align with the thinking of architectural designers.
Various Sections of a Villa
An experienced and professional designer understands the scientific principles of lighting and uses them to illuminate the various sections of a villa, giving each element a unique identity at night and creating a pleasant environment for the client. It is evident that every villa structure consists of multiple sections. In scenario writing and checklist preparation for lighting design for these sections, they can be divided into three main parts:
Interior Spaces
Building Facades
Outdoor Spaces (Courtyards)
Each of these sections has specific details that differ in nuances, but in the general process of lighting design, fundamental principles can be implemented across them.
Interior Lighting Design
The interior architecture of villas, depending on the needs and requests of the client, is highly diverse and varied. However, the general structure of villa spaces resembles residential complexes, consisting of three main divisions: the private zone, the public zone, and the kitchen. The private zone includes the bedroom, private living room, and private bathroom. The public zone comprises the living room and dining area, while the kitchen, being one of the most crucial areas in villa usage, is present in both zones. The primary objective of lighting in all these areas is to create a warm and intimate atmosphere for the users. Lighting in these areas should assist users in spending their time away from urban spaces and daily routines in the best possible manner.
When selecting light color, the use of warm color temperatures, for example, around 2700 to 3000 Kelvin, is recommended for spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, reception areas, and dining rooms. Read this article: what is kelvin?
In terms of brightness intensity and techniques, it is recommended to use a combination of general and localized lighting with a brightness level of 200 to 250 lux. Localized lighting helps create a balance of light and shadow, resulting in a pleasant and tranquil environment. However, in areas such as kitchens and service areas, functionality takes precedence. Considering this, brightness intensity should be around 500 lux for workstations, according to standards.
Facade lighting design of a villa
The facade lighting design of a villa directly depends on the design style of the facade and the details incorporated into it. For example, in modern villa designs, due to the use of new materials, the exterior has a transparent appearance. However, alongside these considerations, the mindset and preferences of the client also play a role in facade lighting. Some individuals prefer their villa to shine brightly at night like a luminous object, while others prefer it to be illuminated only as needed. Nevertheless, as mentioned, the most influential factor in illuminating the facade is its design style.
For modern facades, it is preferable to use wall lights (both one-sided and multi-sided). Additionally, light strips are highly recommended for emphasizing the powerful vertical and horizontal lines in modern facades. Other fixtures such as linear lights or luminous stones can also be very modern and attractive for facade lighting design.
Classic facades
In classic facades characterized by multiple intricate details and ornamentation, lighting fixtures such as wall washers and jet lights are better recommendations for showcasing these elements. The volume of lighting, as mentioned, is largely influenced by the client’s preferences, but factors such as the building’s dimensions also play a role. The selection of light color should be linked to the material color of the facade, the design style, and the client’s taste.
An important consideration in choosing lighting fixtures and their technical features for facade lighting is their Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This is because they are constantly exposed to natural elements such as rain.
Outdoor Spaces (Courtyards)
The lighting design of the villa’s outdoor spaces, which is as important to most clients as the facade and interior, has fewer rules and standards compared to the other two sections. This section, due to the extent of the project site, includes smaller divisions and is predominantly used in the summer season, depending on the geographical location. Terraces, pergolas, barbecues, stairs, gardens, playgrounds, swimming pools, etc., are all small areas that are considered part of the villa’s outdoor space and should be considered by lighting designers.
In sections such as playgrounds, intense lighting of around 200 to 300 lux is required. For lighting these areas, the best type of equipment is projector lights installed on poles around the grounds. The preferred technology for these projectors is LED lights. The most suitable height for installation is poles averaging 3 to 5 meters. However, the number of lights and their installation height depend on the dimensions of the grounds. The best light color for this section of the courtyard is 5000 Kelvin lights.
Pathways, corridors, and stairs
In pathways, corridors, and stairs, the best form of lighting is fixtures that provide minimum glare for individuals. This can be managed by selecting the best equipment and the most suitable angle for light distribution. Recessed lights with side-directed beams for pathways and light strips for under-step illumination are suitable for lighting and brightening these areas. The recommended illuminance level for these areas is a minimum of 100 lux. The light color is a parameter that depends on the color of the surface materials and the client’s preference.
For green spaces and gardens in villa courtyards, various types of lighting fixtures can be used depending on the designer’s assessment and the type of design. Projectors, recessed lights, rope lights, and spike lights are all among the most commonly used tools for illuminating green spaces. The power level and angle of light distribution depend on the size of the plants. The choice of light color is entirely at the discretion of the designer.