Header: Michael Moran / Peiheng Tsai
Nestled discreetly behind a screen of foliage, this Michigan home, recognized as a winner in Residential Lighting Design at the LIT Lighting Design Awards, by PHT Lighting Design, led by Peiheng Tsai, harmonizes light and architecture to craft a serene yet dynamic living environment.
Lighting as an invisible art
The architectural composition by Khanna Schultz is defined by bold materials: weathered steel, unpainted plaster, and polished concrete. These muted tones posed a unique challenge for the lighting team: softening the austere palette while maintaining the home’s modernist aesthetic. The solution was a thoughtfully concealed lighting strategy.
Miniature low-glare recessed fixtures and hidden architectural coves provide subtle illumination that enhances the materials without overtaking the space. At 2700K, the warm light tempers the starkness of steel and concrete, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Strategic wall washing highlights expansive concrete and plaster surfaces, drawing the eye through the home’s open-plan layout and stimulating a sense of movement. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, accentuating the textures and fostering an environment of tranquility and contemplation.
Expanding the home’s boundaries
Lighting plays a pivotal role in merging the home’s interior and exterior. Spotlights hidden within a trellis illuminate the front yard, creating a warm and inviting entryway while preserving privacy. Uplighting showcases the surrounding foliage and sculptures, extending the visual footprint of the home and blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
The evening glow transforms the residence into a beacon of subdued elegance, with continuous exterior wall lighting softening the monolithic entrance and providing a sense of safety.
Sustainability at the forefront
The lighting design incorporates high-efficacy LED fixtures and an advanced control system, allowing the residents to adjust the ambiance while conserving energy. Timers, wall keypads, and occupancy sensors ensure efficiency, while an astronomic time clock moderates exterior lighting based on seasonal changes.
Project info
Company: PHT Lighting Design
Lead Designers: Peiheng Tsai
Architecture Company: Khanna Schultz
Interior Design Company: Khanna Schultz
Landscape Design: Michael J. Dul and Associates, General Contractor: Mosher Dolan
Photo Credits: Michael Moran, Peiheng Tsai
Project Location: Michigan, USA
