Prize(s) Winners in Exterior Architectural Illumination
Lighting Design/Product Company Black Box
Lead Designers Lara Ghazal
Other Designer's names Anthony Baroud
Architecture Company Simone Kosremelli
Interior Design Company Antoine Maalouf
Client Bahjat Darwiche
Photo Credits Bahaa Ghoussainy
Completion Date 2021
Project Location Zefta, Lebanon
Entry DescriptionIn 2014, a fire ravaged Dar Zefta, threatening the history of a 100 Year old architectural gem conceived in 1911 by Hussein Beik El Darwiche with the help of Italian and Oriental Architects.
Thanks to the efforts of Simone Kosremelli, an architect and urban planner, the house was restored using durable, natural materials, bringing the garden inside the house and prioritizing natural light.
Black Box was hired by its current owner Bahjat El Darwiche to bring life at night to the vast history of the façade and its intricate details.
To illuminate the arches, uplights from the London based brand Phos were chosen due to their small size yet powerful light. The optic was carefully selected to highlight the arches, the ornamented stone ceiling and to wash the back wall.
In order to achieve the desired effect, the beam angle and intensity had to be tested and re-tested countless times.
For the remaining walls of the facade, a dramatic play of light and shadows coming from bushes and trees was achieved with spike projectors from the Brand Exenia.
Sustainability ApproachThe minimalistic approach to lighting at Dar Zefta significantly reduces emissions by optimizing energy usage and minimizing light pollution. With only 13 uplights and 8 spikes strategically illuminating the façade, the design ensures that light is directed precisely where needed, minimizing unnecessary dispersion and wastage. By utilizing energy-efficient fixtures with lower power outputs (9W for uplights and 6W for spikes), the project reduces overall electricity consumption compared to traditional lighting setups. This not only lowers carbon emissions associated with energy production but also contributes to cost savings over the long term.
