Spatial dynamics reinvented with lighting from Vibia
This project by Catalan interior design studio A&P Interiorisme, Casa in Sabadell, is an exemplary representation of Vibia’s new approach to lighting design. The basic idea of the renovation was to transform a semi-detached house into a bright open-plan living space by combining the kitchen, dining room and living room into a single space connected to the terrace. The project features Meridiano wall lights, Top ceiling lights and Plusminus, a hybrid system designed by Diez Office that serves not only as an impressive aesthetic accessory but also as an innovative creative toolkit. Directly under the roof, the ceiling of the semi-detached house is wrought-iron. Plusminus provided the ideal lighting solution. With its simple connection technology and unique textile strip, the design allowed A&P Interiorisme to install various lamps in several rooms from a single connection point. The textile ribbon draws a line in the centre of the kitchen ceiling, dividing the cooking area from the dining area with an elegant linear diffuser, which is also fitted with a stylish conical pendant lamp, and finally, equipped with a single spherical light at the end, strives vertically downwards above a work surface. The tautness of the transverse textile band is softened by the fact that it hangs gently in a loose loop in one corner of the room.
Apart from its composition, Plusminus uses different lighting effects to demarcate different activity zones. Above the dining table, the pendant lamp evokes a sense of community with its enveloping warmth. In contrast, the intense glow of the linear diffuser clearly defines a workstation for cooking. The diffuse light of the sphere also creates an intimate atmosphere, which is complemented by the wide glow of the conical pendant lamp. In the living room, another Plusminus composition was installed to delineate the staircase area and illuminate the library, creating a decorative yet functional geometric interplay. The textile strip extends in a large cross from the ceiling to the floor, creating a false wall, which both reduces the volume of the room and brings the light closer to the desired activity zone. Some spotlights are strategically placed to emphasise specific features, such as the potted plants and books decorating the shelves, or to provide directional lighting, such as a reading light next to the sofa. The linear architecture of the system fits perfectly with the fresh interior design, while its criss-cross configuration speaks an intriguing visual language. At the entrance, A&P Interiorisme opted for a Top ceiling light, a modern reissue of the timeless ceiling canopy. Two of these concentric circles, designed by Ramos & Bassols for Vibia, cast a uniform light that emphasises the texture and colour of the solid oak staircase. The central diffuser creates a focal point of LED light, which is reflected by the larger disc to create a glow of indirect lighting. Limited by the diameter of the outer ring, Top’s soft lamp provides a strong contrast to the solid wooden floor and the rich green of the wallpaper.
The Vibia Meridiano wall light illuminates the second corridor, adding depth to the foot of the stairs and utilising the glass-covered corridor to the washroom. This design by Jordi Vilardell and Meritxell Vidal for Vibia has a magical lighting effect that adds a whole new dynamic to the project. It also functions as an ambient light as well as an impressive sculpture. Like a solar eclipse, a diffuse glow emanates from an invisible, spherical structure with corrugated steel rods. From the living area, you can see how this pleasant star motif projects an appealing spoke pattern onto the wall.
