mondo*arcindia-NovDec15-Snapshot-SPKValo.pdf

THE MAGAZINE FOR DESIGNERS WITH LIGHT

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DETAILS

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Sureka Residence Hyderabad

With a mission to create expressive and responsible visual environments, Kunal Shah heads the lighting design practice SPK Valo towards meritable use of energy. The young and passionate design team pushes beyond the aesthetic into deeper consideration of the physical, biological and psychological reasoning. They are driven by ‘thinking global, acting local’. Highlands Whiskey Bar Hyderabad

Pics: Kunal Shah

The posh single malt bar demanded a lighting scheme that would perfectly compliment the Irish dark wood and leather interiors. Keeping the ambience intimate, reflecting high-end exclusivity, Shah’s intention was to provide pools of light where functionally required, and accentuate focal points in the space that commanded attention. The islands of seating are illuminated using 10° halogens that offer precise detailing of the pristine cutlery and glasses, while giving enough light to read the menu. The bar is accentuated in horizontal bands as the shelves are lined with concealed LED strips that make the bottles glow from within. Further, strip lighting hidden in the cove of the counter gently reveals its contours. While the ceiling houses a few recessed downlights to augment the ambient illumination, considerately placed decorative suspensions made of deer antlers and 40W halogens, add to the old world charm of the space. A careful mix of LED and halogen fittings are used to determine a warm and intimate atmosphere, highlighting artwork and display cases.

Lighting for the home of an art collector requires as much care and thought as the art that is displayed. Shah’s lighting intent was clear and unparalleled, in that he wanted to illuminate the artwork, without overpowering the presence of light in the space. Thus, the lighting is kept subdued, with minimal interference, except when the light source itself becomes a work of art. There are a number of crystal chandeliers that share the place of pride with excusive pieces of art in the house. They offer a general and unifrom glow in the space. To accentuate specific artworks, Shah uses ceiling recessed directional spots that cast a gentle light on the vertical surface of the paintings. While the emphasis lays on the artworks and delicately completed interiors, the verticality of the volume is emphasised

with concealed coves that run along the top edge of the drapes, carefully highlighting the undulating fabric.

Madhu Residence Hyderabad The residence takes its design precedence from a modest space, but also an extroverted space enjoying abundant natural light in the day and rendered in a calm intimacy by night. Almond shaped artwork sourced from Pondicherry is installed on a large empty wall. The dramatic mural turns into a series of light sources after dark. Complimented by an array of ceiling mounted downlights, the space is illuminated with a warm and cozy glow. Dividing the space into distinct areas is a large slanted exposed concrete wall imprinted with leaf patterns. While the overall lighting levels are kept low, the textured surface is accentuated by track mounted directional spotlights. The bedrooms follow a similar language, wherein the ambience is dim and decorative light fixtures made of banana fibers add to the intimacy of the rustic environment. The linearity of the tropical landscape surrounding the the house is accentuated by emphasising the perimeter wall and uplighting the foliage with ground buried LED fittings. Without a consolidated automated system, the lighting is kept simple and hassle free for ease of adjustment.

Bhandari Residence Hyderabad With a conscious sensitivity to refrain from excess light, Shah focuses on highlighting special design elements in the residence. While natural light streams through the large windows in the family room during the day, a combination of concealed cove lights emphasise the volume edge and track mounted spotlights provide for

flexible lighting. Decorative lamps are peppered around the room, with a delicate suspension housed in a corner. The lighting intent was to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for repose. Shah takes a similar subdued approach in lighting the landscape with ground buried LED fittings placed within the foliage creating

an interesting play of light and shadow, and a rectangular niche in the far wall accentuated with concealed LED strips. The fully automated system offers varying scenes through a careful collection of technical lighting that is 100% LED, while the decorative fittings use halogen lamps.

SPK VALO • Principal Designer: Kunal Shah • Head Office: Hyderabad • Established: 2011 • Employees: 2 • Current Projects: Diverse High end residences, Farm Houses, Boutique Hotels and Night Clubs www.spkvalo.com