Lighting integrated into the water runnel leads the eye to the residence.
Roger Davies Lighting integrated into the water runnel leads the eye to the residence.

“There’s this beautiful consistency in the way the ceilings and vertical surfaces are treated.” —Juror Dawn Hollingsworth, Darkhorse Lightworks

Given the breathtaking location and layering of forms and textures of this private residence in Pacific Palisades, Calif., HLB Lighting Design aimed to underscore the finer points of the architecture while preserving the integrity of its natural environment. The concept of indoor–outdoor living is integral to both the flow and composition of the project.

Integrated luminaires, path lights, and indirect lighting demarcate feature elements of the residence’s exterior and enhance the warmth of its surroundings. Inside, a streamlined lighting vocabulary showcases the owner’s extensive artwork collection. By closely collaborating with the owner, ShubinDonaldson, Magni Kalman Design, and AHBE | MIG, HLB crafted layers of indirect lighting and custom mounting details to complement architectural forms and accentuate the textural palettes in every room, including the restrooms and garage. The patio area lighting decreases in scale and intensity to create ambiance as well as to encourage visual adaptation to the coastal vistas. Given the property’s size, exterior lighting beyond the main areas is triggered by occupancy sensors to limit energy consumption and light trespass. The residence also relies on a programmable preset controls system.

Over the seven-year design process, the team transitioned all exterior and linear lighting systems to LED and tested the dimming compatibility of native and retrofit LEDs to facilitate future upgrades.

Integrated fixtures provide dimension to the wood paneling. A custom cove detail accentuates the texture of the stone wall.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Integrated fixtures provide dimension to the wood paneling. A custom cove detail accentuates the texture of the stone wall.
Using LEDs enabled details like the graze of light at the wood screen and water’s edge.
Roger Davies Using LEDs enabled details like the graze of light at the wood screen and water’s edge.
Integrated luminaires bring out the warmth of multi-layered architectural forms, enhancing the processional arrival experience.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Integrated luminaires bring out the warmth of multi-layered architectural forms, enhancing the processional arrival experience.
The lighting vocabulary is streamlined to showcase the artwork and focal point elements.
Roger Davies The lighting vocabulary is streamlined to showcase the artwork and focal point elements.
Integrated fixtures highlight the wine casework and mosaic wall, and silhouette and provide soft lighting for the wine bottles.
Roger Davies Integrated fixtures highlight the wine casework and mosaic wall, and silhouette and provide soft lighting for the wine bottles.
Red cove lighting on the ceiling heightens the immersive “red” experience, offset by white highlights in the reveals.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Red cove lighting on the ceiling heightens the immersive “red” experience, offset by white highlights in the reveals.
When daylighting is not available, indirect light sources illuminate the sinuous coves in the garage, supported by a crisp layer of down lights.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG When daylighting is not available, indirect light sources illuminate the sinuous coves in the garage, supported by a crisp layer of down lights.
Skylights and a subtle lighting of landscape elements against a glowing interior promote seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Skylights and a subtle lighting of landscape elements against a glowing interior promote seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Lighting details provide visibility for safety and dining activities while preserving views of the coastline.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Lighting details provide visibility for safety and dining activities while preserving views of the coastline.
Subtle exterior lighting allows the architectural forms and textures to take center stage as the glowing interiors create a lantern-like effect.
Fernando Guerra/FG+SG Subtle exterior lighting allows the architectural forms and textures to take center stage as the glowing interiors create a lantern-like effect.

Details
Project Name: Pacific Palisades Residence
Location: Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Client/Owner: Private
Lighting Designer: HLB Lighting Design, Culver City, Calif. • Tina Aghassian, Teal Brogden, Clifton Manahan, Adam Levine, Landon Roberts
Architect: Shubin + Donaldson, Culver City, Calif. • Bradford Kelley, Audrey McEwen
Interior Design: Magni Kalman Design, Los Angeles • Jason Kalman
Landscape Architect: AHBE | MIG, Los Angeles • Nicholas Vular
Photographers: FG+SG Architectural Photography • Fernando Guerra; Roger Davies Photography

Project Size: 17,426 square feet
Project Cost: Withheld
Lighting Cost: Withheld
Watts per Square Foot: 1.58
Code Compliance: Title 24: Building Energy Efficiency Standards, California Energy Code 2008
Lighting Product Manufacturers: Lucifer Lighting Co., Econsense, Prudential Lighting Co., Gammalux Lighting Systems, Selux, Paramount Industries, Amerlux, Tivoli, Artemide, Hera Lighting, Dreamscape Lighting Manufacturing, MP Lighting, Creative Systems Lighting, Lumascape, Prometheus/Optic Arts, Savi Blanco Pro, B-K Lighting, Hevi Lite, Inter-lux Filix Flex, Bega, Core Lighting, Crestron Electronics (control system)