projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

in london and the rest of the world, old bond street is synonymous with elegance, style and beauty. it is in this street that we find some of the most prestigious fashions brands in england’s capital city. naturally, the search for excellence goes beyond the single shop windows and permeates every building in this area in the heart of mayfair, as proven by the recent renovation of a house by the richard bell architecture studio. the refurb took three years and combines simple shapes and subtle details, creating a relaxing and stylistically consistent space. these simple shapes and details express meticulous attention to the selection of the materials. the designers worked in close contact with the master woodworker, selecting the wood to use on the basis of the grain and the shade of colour. smoked eucalyptus wood was used extensively thanks to its “tobacco leaf” colour, while unlacquered patina-finished brass was used so that it will age beautifully. built with about 10,000 artisan-crafted bricks, the building includes space for entertaining, a bar, a cinema and a large spa. in this project, which owes its success to details and manual skill, the light of Viabizzuno plays an important role in the various parts of the building, giving each room an impalpable, delicate emotion. while the more technical light fittings have emphasized the features and materials, the more decorative fittings have conveyed emotions and charm to the various rooms. the bar area for example, is lit using some royal incasso, the light fitting designed by david chipperfield for the restoration of the cafè royal, one of the most prestigious hotels in London, overlooking piccadilly circus. at the entrance and throughout the ground floor, the wall version of the same light fitting (royal pr) has been installed, along with the elegant royal chandelier and royal grand chandelier, developed by mario nanni together with the english designer. equally elegant is the suspension lamp fitted in the cloakroom, where the light filtered by its numerous biconcave lenses produces a charming effect on the surrounding walls. the liveliest, most dynamic area of the building is the large living room. this is where the family meets during the day and in the evening, after the day’s work is done, or where each of them can spend time on their own, involved in their own interests. the lighting of this area is very precise, touching certain architectural details, emitted by the droid scomparsa totale, accompanied by the more diffused light of the barra d’oro, a suspension lamp with optic created using natural brass fins which emits a particularly warm light. the greatest variety of light fittings used for a single room was chosen for the spa. along with the droid scomparsa totale, the project envisaged the use of the n55 system which, as well as providing perfect lighting, allows the easy replacement of its glass diffusers, in both the technical and decorative versions. the spa also has systems capable of making this environment particularly seductive. thanks to the light source at the top of a slender post made of carbon fibre, the lucciola, a soft light is spread throughout the environment, while the beam of the clv2 parete soffitto creates seductive light patterns on the surfaces. as the real star of the spa is water, the shower cube merges this element beautifully with the light, while the candela di vals, with its natural brass finish, conveys a sense of warmth and intimacy to the space. it is a perfect mosaic of lights which fills the area with that perception of intense quiet that fills every space in the understated, elegant home.