Beech House (featured on Grand Designs)

For this high-profile project, featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, South London based architects Architecturall required lighting design that would overcome the challenges of the layout and location of the site.

Architecturall’s client, Corinne Rowe, is a chef who wanted to convert the vacant corner plot next to her end of terrace home into a new property. Her new home was to be built to accommodate all year-round cooking and entertaining, so as well as a high specification kitchen, there was to be an outdoor terrace with extra kitchen facilities.

The small plot for the build was wedge-shaped and located adjacent to protected woodland in a strict conservation area.

The brief for lighting design included limiting light pollution to avoid affecting wildlife and trees, providing ample task lighting for cooking and other activities, and optimising the stunning architecture, all within an open plan layout.

Detail Lighting often collaborate with fellow professionals on projects to deliver innovative lighting design concepts. For the Beech House project we collaborated with Lighting Design Studio on the overall lighting design. We then supplied the range of products to implement those designs.

Along the full length of the corridor we installed the contemporary Cortes 48V System. This low voltage track system can be controlled as on/off or dimmable, giving the client flexibility depending on time of day or weather conditions. For additional versatility we installed two contemporary pendant lights between the Cortes track and the wall.

In the bedroom we developed a layered lighting design concept of recessed downlights, pendants and lamps. The anti-glare Mini Allegro IP67 Niche recessed downlights are discreet with a medium or narrow beam, therefore ideal for relaxation.

For the bathroom we combined Voleos directional, recessed downlights in the ceiling with stylish gold wall lights, and spotlights in the shower enclosure.

To facilitate suitable task lighting, in the kitchen we installed Voleos directional, recessed downlights in the ceiling and over the food preparation area and sink. Above the island we positioned another Cortes 48V track system for ehanced visibility. Over the dining table we suspended high-end specification multi-length pendants.

Outside on the terrace, Jay Deep LED wall downlights in a matt grey finish were mounted on the walls to complement the doorframes and provide subtle, unobtrusive lighting that wouldn’t impose upon the woodland, for when dining outside or entertaining. Mini Allegro recessed downlights were installed outside the main entrance to the property.

VEE glare-free orientation lighting was installed to facilitate safe movement within the property, and Volans trimless profiles offered discreet, ambient lighting throughout.

Detail Lighting are proud to have been involved in this project that received nationwide attention when featured on Grand Designs. A small open plan layout can be challenging for lighting design but our concepts created a versatile space of subtle zones for the home owner.

Director of Detail Lighting, Piero De Marchis, said:

“This was an intricate project with a multifaceted brief for a small, open plan space. Our lighting designs fulfilled the true potential of the beautiful architecture and facilitated the variety of uses required of the property.

We’re very proud of our contribution to this high-profile build that was so well received by thousands of television viewers.”