How do you design the lighting of an apartment or a villa?
Good lighting is designed at the planning stage, not at the end of the works. It starts from natural light, then layers general light, task lighting and ambient light. We produce a lighting plan with the engineers and can integrate circadian lighting that follows the natural rhythm of the day.
Renata Koglin · Interior architect, founder of RK InteriorsUpdated on
Light shapes how we perceive volumes, colours and materials, and it also affects the well-being of the people living in a space. It is a central part of our neuroarchitecture approach. Successful lighting is decided early, when partitions, built-in furniture and electrical points are being placed.
Starting from natural light
Before choosing any fittings, we analyse orientation, openings and how daylight moves through the rooms. The layout aims to bring it as far inside as possible, as in Bois-Ecard 2 in Geneva, where custom wood and a library work with the natural light.
Layering light
- Soft, even general lighting.
- Precise task lighting: kitchen worktop, desk, reading, bathroom mirror.
- Ambient light for the evening: wall lights, lamps, lighting built into furniture.
- Switches and dimmers planned around your habits.
Circadian lighting
Circadian lighting changes the intensity and colour temperature of light through the day, cooler in the morning and warmer in the evening. In the Grancy apartment in Lausanne, it is part of a project centred on well-being and nature.
The lighting plan is part of our technical plans, drawn up with engineers and passed on to the electricians.
Key takeaways
- Lighting is designed at the planning stage, starting from natural light.
- Several layers of light answer the needs of each room.
- Circadian lighting follows the natural rhythm of the day.
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