Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company AM Light Studio
Lead Designers Andre Medina
Architecture Company Winn Wittman Architecture & Hamida Architects
Interior Design Company Nina Magon Studio
Client Ash Patel
Photo Credits Bradon Shigeta
Completion Date 5/30/2025
Project Location California
Entry DescriptionNestled into the hillside, this home comes to life through a thoughtful balance of architecture and light. As you approach the residence, the lighting integrated within the landscape and hardscape guides the eye through the natural surroundings as you make your passage into the residence. Once you arrive at the home, you are greeted with lighting that is integrated into the architectural facade that highlights the home's form and materials, adding depth and elegance without competing with the hillside's natural beauty. As you move into the interior of the residence layered interior lighting elevates each space providing comfort, functionality, and atmosphere that adapts seamlessly to the homeowner's lifestyle. This home is meant to be a hillside sanctuary, allowing the homeowner to have a sacred space of prayer, a sustainable workplace, and most importantly a space of family gathering. The carefully procured lighting allows the family to celebrate, worship, and relax in their beautiful home.
Sustainability ApproachIn this project we focused on 3 tactics in order to be as sustainable as possible. Our first approach started with our design; we optimized fixture placement to avoid over-lighting while ensuring that each fixture contributed effectively to both task and ambient needs. By designing with proper spacing, we reduced the total number of fixtures required without compromising visual comfort or design intent, lowering both upfront material use. When specifying fixtures, we prioritized selecting fixtures with high efficacy with long lifespans, and carefully selected optics, which further reduced overall energy consumption. Our final tactic was working with a smart lighting control system, which gave us dimming capabilities, allowed for occupancy sensors, and daylight response so the system adapts to natural light and homeowner activity. The result is a home that feels comfortable and beautiful.
