Matakana House is a beautiful, newly-refurbished holiday home transformed from a derelict woolshed, situated in Matakana, New Zealand. The getaway retreat provides a distinctive presence as a secluded and private haven of uncommon design and unparalleled luxury. The Matakana area is renowned for its home-grown delicacies and wineries and is a popular getaway spot for locals and visitors to Auckland.

The project saw Glamunzina Architects, Paterson Architecture Collective and Switch Lighting closely collaborating together with Versalux, looking for a tailor-made lighting solution to turn their concept into reality. Versalux was essential in realising the vision, assisting in creating an abode that is a pioneer in stature, and creating a positive environment and experience for all guests.

The dwelling’s layout presents a collection of modern open spaces and cosy nooks and embraces its natural setting with expansive views on architectural agriculture. The overall lighting design was in harmony with the contemporary décor, whilst keeping a focus on practicality and functionality.

The lighting system features the renowned VENICE 3 DOWNLIGHT, which is highly-respected for its durability and efficiency, for the interiors including the dual living room and kitchen zone. Installed as recessed luminaires into the ceiling, with minimal exposed trim and black textured finish. The lighting design of these two spaces is invitingly illuminated by a warm white 2700K LED module with a colour rendering index CRI97, ensuring a rich and distinctive visual experience for the guests.

The VENICE 7 DOWNLIGHT was chosen for the exterior outdoor ceiling area of the home’s backyard space. The adjustable version was selected, allowing the primary and secondary optics to tilt and deliver their illumination where it was most needed. Highlighting and connecting the lighting between the inside and outside of the holiday home, by the uber-cool aesthetics of the L-shaped courtyard, the solution invites guests outdoors to experience the house’s terrace and patio facilities surrounded by natural bush parkland views.

The TRIXIE series is mounted on the low concrete walls as an exterior luminaire that illuminates the walkway. The luminaire produces effective accent lighting, highlighting exquisite architectural elements unmatched in quality and design, encouraging guests to explore the veranda, courtyard, and pool zones. In addition to its excellent optical properties and minimal aspect, the TRIXIE was selected for its natural resistance to adverse weather and its sturdy construction.

The Matakana House project won the following award:

• 2017 home of the year