Challenges faced 

For Lighting By Plum, the skylights created challenges of how to ensure maximum daylight enters the space but ensuring illumination in the evening.  The skylights were an important part of the sustainability of the build, making sure the use of natural light was maximised to the fullest.  The use of recessed channels solved this issue by providing artificial light in the evening while ensuring daylight was not impeded from entering.  Due to the need to remain as concealed as possible within the space, Lighting By Plum used integrated lighting where possible. By using plaster-in channels, it allowed seamless lighting in the open plan living area while uplights recessed into the floor highlight the brickwork.  The external lighting was provided by the iGuzzini Trick fitting, which highlights the façade at night but is hidden from view during the daytime.

Project Background

Making its presence felt on the Essex coastline is a stunning new home, which perfectly merges modern structural design with the raw power and beauty of the sea. During the day this contemporary property complements surrounding buildings while at night-time it truly stands out from the crowd thanks to its imaginative lighting scheme designed by Lighting By Plum and managed by a sophisticated Rako control system. 

Located on the Dovercourt seafront, near Harwich, the building was designed by Cambridgeshire-based Harvey Norman Architects to a specific brief from the client. They wanted a modern two-bedroom home that would maximise the incredible views, with an emphasis on maritime design in terms of the materials used and architectural references to its local context. It also needed to deliver on sustainability with insulation, airtightness and ventilation being key considerations. 

The result was an upside-down house that has the bedrooms and bathroom on the lower level with an open plan living space on the floor above. A nod to seafarers was created with a projected viewing platform for a telescope on the second floor and full length windows ensure an uncompromised view out to the sea.  

With the design agreed, Harvey Norman Architects invited Lighting By Plum to produce a lighting scheme that would keep the ceiling lines clear, accentuate the vaulted ceiling detail and highlight the grandeur of the structure both internally and externally.