projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

in renovating this chalet in valle d'aosta, an early decision was taken as regards the overall sustainability of the building: to heat it by means of a geothermal system. it was also decided to use mainly low power light sources, principally fluorescent tubes and leds. starting with these requirements, the next step was to select light fittings that were efficient and of limited size. the natural materials used to clad the chalet affect the colour of the artificial light internally but the natural lighting was also considered very carefully: when considering the surface finishes, the orientation of the building and the incidence of sunlight were taken into account, leaving most of the ceiling structure exposed so that, at the end of the day, the light strikes the light-coloured surface of the plaster and is more easily reflected internally. the circulation spaces are lit with c2 ceiling fittings while, at certain specific points in the house, preference was given to narrow beam, led powered leis fittings. the dining room was lit indirectly using a barra d’oro fitting suspended above a long table made of larch. when switched off, the barra d' oro, like the leis, is completely opaque and creates a strong contrast with the surrounding timber walls. outside, the terrace, the pavements surrounding the building and some of the garden paths are lit from above by a series of p2 fittings on the façades of the house and in the garden. the aim was to cancel out the impact of the building, emphasising only the horizontal surfaces. at dusk the house dissolves into the trees and its existence is revealed only by the appearance of the windows.