A Lighting Project by Eurolight, Eng. Nicola Ordonselli
In the heart of the Italian Marche landscape stands a farmhouse that captures the essence of the fusion between tradition and contemporaneity. In this article, we will explore the lighting project developed by Eurolight company located in Fossombrone in the Marche region, specialized in the lighting design and resale of lighting fixtures for over forty years.
The house is characterized by the typical features of the house in the Marche countryside, with traditional materials such as bricks, exposed beams and terracotta floors combined with contemporary minimal taste. When looking through its large windows, the eye is constantly captured by the landscapes: a vast, quiet and uninhabited panorama which, in the evening hours, is revealed in its entire depth; in this context, the lights highlight the architectural structure without disturbing the calm of the night.
Following this concept, lighting this modern rural house emphasizes its structure and distinctive features. In rural homes and farmhouses, the predominant characteristic lies in using natural materials; wood must be highlighted in every detail, from the walls to the ceiling beams and furnishing elements, to underline the beauty of its grain. The design of the home’s internal lighting adapts to the functional needs of each space, still keeping a close connection between the inside and outside. The lighting fixtures harmonize with the architecture of the farmhouse and highlight its distinctive features. For example, to minimize glare and reduce any annoying reflections on the large glass surface, indirect-light lighting fixtures. This choice was fundamental to preserving the pleasant view of the garden, which constituted an essential element of the architectural project.
Architectural lighting is a complex discipline beyond simply turning on lights; understanding its principles is essential for transforming spaces into engaging experiences. Lighting can emphasize, conceal and guide the eye through an environment. In particular, the designer’s idea was to create a lighting system capable of evoking a feeling of well-being, transforming the house into a welcoming and comfortable place to take refuge at the end of a long working day. Lighting design should always consider these aspects, placing the person’s psycho-physical well-being as a main target. During the implementation of the project, there were unique challenges to overcome. For example, the windows’ position and the house orientation to maximize the lighting effect.
In addition, the choice of energy-efficient lighting fixtures to reduce environmental impact. In this lighting project, a mix of direct and indirect lights creates a welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing the architectural elements. Indirect lighting fixtures have been installed in the passage and hallways to enhance the distinctive features of the house. In particular, the ceiling with exposed beam fixtures in the dining area and bathroom suspended luminaires try to create lighting that combines aesthetics with functionality. One of the points that the designer wanted to highlight was the staircase that creates a connection between the ground floor and the first floor, defined by relevant heights, where a suspension system makes the environment unique.
For the main lighting of the living area, however, double-emission wall lamps with indirect light with asymmetric optics were installed, allowing the light to be pushed into the front with greater intensity, with a wide light diffusion, enveloping the environment with welcoming light. These wall lights can adjust the light intensity via a dimmer that adds comfort, allowing to adapt the light to the time of day and the activity in progress. In addition, there is the possibility of customizing the spaces with their dimmable function and spreading pleasant, warm lighting in every corner, also offering a significant advantage in terms of energy efficiency and contributing to savings. As far as the kitchen is concerned, the lighting covers the two main areas: the worktops, or the actual operational part, where directional wall lamps with large and diffused optics have been installed to embrace the entire area uniformly. In the dining area, instead, suspended lighting fixtures combine functionality with a captivating design at a colour temperature of 3000k warm white, using different lighting fixtures and emissions.
A single room that includes a living and dining area features the entrance. To create a bright atmosphere and a decoration to the environment, the designer opted for design chandeliers, revealing an insightful choice as they integrate with the different furnishing styles. Specifically, suspended lighting fixtures and chandeliers produced by the Karman company were installed, revisiting the traditional chandelier in a modern way.
Lighting is much more than just a functional aspect. It can transform architectural order into visual poetry. This modern rural home lighting project demonstrated the potential of architectural lighting to enhance the beauty of modern homes nestled in the countryside. Lighting in rural spaces, in short, follows a few set rules, but the main one is to treat with great respect the natural elements present inside and the fascinating surrounding landscapes.
Lighting designer: Eurolight, Eng. Nicola Ordonselli
Photographer: Francesco Conti
Architectural Designer: Arch. Michele Contini
