Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

With a trend toward natural lighting, homeowners can create a pleasant ambiance in both their indoor and outdoor spaces. T hough architecturally different, both residences have state-of-the-art technology installations which control customized lighting. According to Michael, the lighting never pops on—it always fades on gently. The lawn’s irrigation system, the security system, and the communication and A-V systems are all computerized. Michael is quick to add that “the technology adds to the sense of luxury and convenience and lets you know you’re dealing with 21st century technology but without the scary dramatics.” Landscape lighting comes on when the sun goes down (with the aid of a photocell.) It dims to a lower level at 11 pm until the sun rises. The owners never come home to a dark house. According to Michael, small halogen lights called MR-16s are now a firmly accepted tool. “We use it when we want the source to be less noticeable than what is being illuminated,” he explains. “They complement the overall sense of visual comfort in the home for tasks, easy conversation, and enjoyment of the spaces and art.” Aside from floor and table lamps and antique and reproduction wall sconces, the remainder of the illumination comes from adjustable accent fixtures. In both of these Texas residences, the spaces are comfortably revealed with glare-free lighting. “Visual comfort has always been the prime motivator in my practice,” Michael says. “By far the biggest trend our clients are requesting is natural lighting,” Kevin says. Given the brightness of the Louisiana sun, natural lighting is best enjoyed when shaded by a roof extension or a colonnade. He illustrates his vision in the home of Maria Bhacca and Ben Elder in Baton Rouge, situated across from the LSU lakes. The living room’s large open windows are shaded from direct sunlight with roof overhangs and a colonnade walkway which gives the room an even, ambient glow during the day. Reflected light from 28 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m the lake and pool create a pleasant pulsating rhythm of light on the ceilings, similar to looking at the bottom of a swimming pool. Task lighting is provided by floor lamps, while recessed can lights lend an even glow to the room in the evening. The south-facing facade, while wide open to the views of the lake, features large overhangs and covered walkways that shade the interiors from too much sunlight. Decorative gas lamps scattered about the facade lend a great deal of atmosphere and a gentle light that emphasizes the stone and textured finishes of the exterior. The kitchen illustrates the even, ambient glow of natural illumination on the house while multiple recessed cans on dimmers provide supplemental light. Dimmers, according to Kevin, are the second biggest component his clients request. “Using dimmers allows a room to be customized theatrically to suit the desired mood,” he says. Xenon lamps—also on dimmers—are used for counter top task lighting and do not get as hot as halogen lamps. “For now we’re using xenon lights, which are very similar to halogens except they don’t generate the heat that the halogens do,” Kevin explains. He adds that the xenon lamps are especially effective under kitchen cabinets. “I can’t tell you how many clients have had their coffee pots melt because they put it under halogen lamps,” he says. “They were lucky they didn’t burn the house down!” Roslyn Lowe is fascinated by the lifestyle on the Gulf Coast with its sense of relaxation; the opposite of the hustle and bustle of New York City, where she lives and works writing both freelance and for a local publication. TOP IMAGE BY EYE WANDER PHOTO, BOTTOM IMAGE BY PAUL BARDAGJY http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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