The Aqua Apartments lighting solution was the result of a graceful combination of out-of-the-box design thinking, a highly skilled installation team, and a proactive corporate body willing to refresh and elevate the experience of coming home. An architectural gesture shaped by light, collaboration, and precision.
Aqua Apartments is a residential building located in a prime position along Wellington's iconic Oriental Parade. Residents felt that the time had come to enhance the experience of arriving home, starting with a refreshed and more welcoming lobby.
The initial phase began with a deep analysis of the architectural space and its existing lighting design. At first glance, it became clear that the original layout lacked a considered design approach, resulting in a lobby that did not fully support the experience of residents and visitors arriving on foot. The architectural design gives clear preference to the car access, to the detriment of the pedestrian entrance.
Our analysis revealed that the existing lighting consisted of a scattered collection of recessed fittings, positioned in various locations where direct and indirect light were expected to provide adequate illumination. This approach did not support the needs of the space. The wrong selection of fittings created noticeable glare that affected users negatively, reducing visual comfort and the accuracy of vision.
The material palette of the lobby intensified these issues. Grey cement-finished walls and a black tiled floor absorbed much of the available light while increasing contrast, resulting in a visually heavy environment. Rather than contributing to a positive arrival experience, these surfaces amplified glare and visual strain.
The old lighting system, based on halogen lamps, required a complete removal of the existing lighting units. One of the key requirements from the clients was that the new lighting system would operate 24/7, making energy efficiency and electrical power control essential design considerations.
Inlucem's team developed a bespoke LED lighting system that was not available on the market at the time. The proposed solution was based on customised recessed twin LED profiles, strategically positioned along the corridors to use the surrounding surfaces as reflectors.
One of the corridor walls was selected as the primary location for the lighting profiles, using the opposite wall as a pure reflector. This approach embraced the design concept while also simplifying and optimising the electrical installation, creating a playful and dynamic lighting effect that enriched the users' experience and enhanced the perception of the space.
Throughout the process, Inlucem worked closely with both the electrician and the builders to ensure seamless integration of the system. This collaboration was essential to achieving a high-quality result that aligned with the technical requirements and the intended visual impact.
The space is now filled with soft, reflected light, creating a three-dimensional display that uniquely welcomes residents and visitors. The new lighting solution delivers a spectacular yet calm and refined experience, transforming the lobby into a memorable place of arrival where light enhances comfort, identity and perception.
Another key decision was the replacement of the original black floor finish with a white stone surface. This material change plays an essential role in expanding the perceived volume of the space, while actively reflecting the bespoke lighting layout. The result is a more welcoming, luminous environment that supports the experience of coming home.
