Project overview
Perched on a hillside in Napier with panoramic views to the ocean, White House is a bold renovation of a 1990s home, transformed into a refined coastal residence. The interior, curated by Bibby + Brady, features a calm, understated palette and natural materials that enhance the connection between the indoors and the spectacular north-west orientation.
Design intent
The primary goal of the lighting design was to enhance the home’s natural materials — particularly the Hinuera stone walls — while creating atmosphere and maintaining unobstructed views. Working alongside Bibby + Brady’s interior team and with architectural oversight from Citrus Studio Architects, Moth Light developed a lighting scheme that integrates seamlessly into the architecture, subtly highlighting textures and defining space without drawing attention away from the panoramic coastal vistas.
Early collaboration allowed us to plan recesses, mounting positions, and lighting distribution during the design phase, ensuring the luminaires are part of the architectural story rather than an afterthought.
Materials, views and integration
A key consideration was preserving the integrity of the home’s materials and coastal outlook. The lighting subtly accentuates textures such as stone, timber, and textiles while remaining unobtrusive to the expansive ocean views. Each luminaire was selected and positioned to enhance architectural features and artwork, ensuring the lighting contributes to the home’s serene, inviting interior.
Lighting control and usability
All luminaires are integrated with a Casambi Bluetooth mesh control system. This provides intuitive scene-setting and flexible operation, allowing the homeowners to adjust the lighting to suit the time of day, activity, or mood. While technology remains discreet, it enhances usability and ensures the lighting supports both lifestyle and architectural intent.
Lighting strategy and product highlights
Gracie Grazer 23 – Wall Grazing
The award-winning, patented Gracie Grazer 23 continuous LED profile was specified to accentuate Hinuera stone walls. Its built-in lens optics provide precise wall grazing, while two-axis flexibility and various mounting accessories allow adaptation to complex architectural forms. Available in 2700 K, 3000 K, or 4000 K, the warm 2700 K setting was selected to complement the stone’s natural hues, bringing out texture and depth while reflecting light into adjacent spaces.
Flat Freddie 14 – Ceiling Perimeter Lighting
In the living area, the Flat Freddie 14 recessed ceiling profile runs around the perimeter to define spaces subtly. This unobtrusive linear solution adds gentle ambient light, contributing to layered lighting that supports both atmosphere and functional illumination.
Tiny Tim 11 – Display and Feature Lighting
Recessed into bespoke display cases, Tiny Tim 11 provides precise, discreet accent lighting for artworks and objects, highlighting key features without overpowering the surrounding spaces.
Bob Each Way 65 – Kitchen Lighting
Rod-suspended above the kitchen island and powder-coated in black, Bob Each Way 65 offers independently dimmable up and down lighting. This dual optic provides flexibility for cooking, entertaining, and daily use, while integrating seamlessly into the kitchen’s architectural lines.
Dado Dave 20 – Foyer and Master Bedroom
In the foyer and master bedroom, Dado Dave 20 uplights bulkhead edges and ceilings, providing soft, indirect illumination that defines space and creates a welcoming, calming atmosphere without glare.
Conclusion
White House demonstrates how considered architectural lighting can elevate a residential project. By enhancing natural materials, defining spaces, and preserving the visual connection to the outdoors, Moth Light delivered a lighting solution that is functional, atmospheric, and beautifully integrated into the home’s architecture. The result is a calm, inviting interior where lighting enriches both experience and design.
Partners:
Lighting Design: Moth Light
Architect: Citrus Studio Architecture
Interior Designer: Bibby + Brady
Photographer: Eva Bradley Photography
