Eurolight has developed the lighting design for outdoor spaces of this historic residence
Palazzo Grande is a seventeenth-century villa located in the heart of Umbria, near the medieval village of Corciano, immersed in an agricultural estate of about 30 hectares that includes a centuries-old forest, an olive grove, an orchard of cherry and walnut trees, and agricultural land. Company Eurolight – in Fossombrone, Italian Marche region – has developed the outdoor spaces of this historic residence’s lighting design, which, for over forty years, has been the company’s specialization with the resale of lighting fixtures.
Initial inspections and constructive discussions with the client led to the first lighting project to identify the most appropriate solutions for the structure. Lighting tests have been carried out on-site to optimize the project and enhance the architecture of the building. To respect the surrounding landscape, the choice of lighting fixtures had to have a common thread with the pre-existing materials. Thus, the finishes of the same “anthracite”, a colour already used in various building details. Another aspect that has been particularly paid attention to is the choice of light tone trying to create a warm and soft light with a 3000K shade.
The luminaires harmonize with the architecture of the farmhouse and highlight its distinctive features. The vast garden in front of the house has specific bollard lighting characterized by the head inclined by 45° for a controlled downward emission. On the edge of the flowerbeds, the devices illuminate the walkways, securing the paths leading to the residence entrance. As for the lighting of the modern sculptures positioned in the centre of the green areas and the lighting of the central fountain, the focal point of the garden, spike spots create contrasts of light and shadow that enhance their shapes.
The façade overlooking the garden has double lighting: recessed ground along the walls and double-emission wall lights on the central staircase, giving dynamism and momentum to the front structure of the building itself. The recessed floor luminaires have wall-washer optics for a homogeneous light distribution on the vertical surfaces. In contrast, the double-emission wall lights create a balanced light effect, enhancing the central staircase.
To complete the lighting project is the path leading to the swimming pool, where there are the same single-emission poles as in the garden, but with different heights that create plays of light and shadow and accompany guests from the main structure to the pool area. The bollards were chosen with an adequate height to ensure grazing light on the path, thus avoiding glare. The basic concept adopted in this project was to enhance the architectural structure and the materials used, such as stone, while respecting the historical integrity of the building and creating a harmonious balance between past and present. The latest generation of LED lighting fixtures has made it possible to achieve high standards of energy efficiency and durability, reducing maintenance to a minimum.
A skilful lighting intervention that enhances the historical and architectural features of Palazzo Grande and also improves the usability of the external and internal spaces, offering a unique visual and emotional experience for the residents and guests of the villa.
Architectural Design: Studio Marchingegno, (Cagli and Bologna) – Tel: +39 0721 787764/ Tel: +39 051 397632.
Lighting designer: Azienda Eurolight, Ing. Nicola Ordonselli, Fossombrone (PU) – Tel: +39 339 7833439.
Photographer: Francesco Conti, Fossombrone (PU)
