12 October 2026
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MODERN LIGHTING DESIGN
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LIGHTING DESIGN FOR KEY AREAS IN PREMIUM RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES

Lead design engineer Alevtina Kalinina discussed the specifics of lighting key areas in premium residential complexes
12 October 2026
Source
MODERN LIGHTING DESIGN
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Modern premium residential complexes can be distinguished from others at first glance. These properties feature original architectural solutions, high-quality finishing materials, thoughtful landscaping, and well-organized infrastructure and grounds. In the last five years, premium residential complexes have shifted from huge glass high-rises to more modest buildings offering an intimate atmosphere, partly due to their private enclosed grounds. Modern premium residential complexes are designed for specific locations and with historical context in mind. Sometimes they appear as part of the renovation of historic buildings, which receive not only a renewed appearance but also a new lease of life. Thus, the renovation of historic buildings has resulted in the creation of unique mansions or two-level apartments nestled within the original walls and iconic locations.

The evening life of premium residential complexes is impossible without light, so lighting solutions are developed for them, including facade, landscape, and grounds illumination. With the help of lighting, lighting designers not only create a striking, recognizable evening image but also create a comfortable and safe environment. Lighting should not irritate or disturb residents; it should be an integral part of the architectural evening appearance, allowing for comfort, safety, and well-being.

Modern lighting design solutions for premium residential complexes must meet the following general parameters:
– Reliability/Quality
– Ease of Use
– Energy Efficiency
– Electrical Safety
– Impact Resistance
– Scenario/Control Systems
– Compliance with Temperature Conditions
– Visual Integrity of Architecture
– Aesthetic Perception

To ensure a well-thought-out and comfortable lighting design project for a premium property, it’s important to consider the entire property as a whole and pay attention to its various zones. Below is a list of key zones, highlighting some of their features that should be considered when developing lighting solutions:

1 – FACADE LIGHTING
Lighting design solutions for facades must be consistent with the building’s architectural features, the characteristics of the finishing materials, and the color scheme. The primary factor in residential complex lighting is the comfort of residents, which means that no matter how creative the solution, light should not spill into windows. Also, lighting fixtures should be as unobtrusive as possible during the day to avoid creating visual noise and distracting the viewer from the architecture and its details.
Lighting solutions serve as a tool for denoting the building’s status, enhancing its aesthetics, and improving the overall quality of the lighting environment. Therefore, every detail must be carefully considered: from the color of the lighting fixture housing to the cable routing and subsequent maintenance.
Lighting in residential buildings must reflect the architectural significance of the building and blend seamlessly into the surrounding urban environment, taking into account the context and characteristics of the location.

2 – ENTRANCE AREA
Entrance area lighting not only ensures security and makes it visible, but also serves as a calling card, inviting visitors in. Often, to maintain a sense of intimacy and privacy in courtyards, building facades are not illuminated, leaving only the entrance areas or stylobate areas illuminated. Brightness in the entrance area can be regulated by time or altered by motion or presence sensors. For example, the lights can be dimmed to 50% after midnight, but turn on fully when a person is detected. Nowadays, darkness is a true luxury and privilege, as large cities remain open at night, and few people have the opportunity to completely relax and unwind in complete darkness without heavy curtains or blinds.

3 – STYLOBATE SECTION
To reduce glare into windows, a lighting scenario can be developed whereby the lighting in the upper part of the facade is dimmed or turned off completely at night, leaving only the stylobate section illuminated. The light in the lower part of the building will be sufficient for orientation and safe navigation at night.

4 – BALCONIES AND EXTERNAL GALLERIES
The presence of external galleries, walkways, or balconies can influence the choice of lighting solutions. Lighting can draw attention to these architectural features. Unconventional facade lighting techniques can create a unique building appearance. This approach is common in Europe. By abandoning traditional facade lighting and instead creating lighting accents on balconies or extended stairwells, a striking and unique appearance can be achieved. This preserves the architecture’s individuality, reduces energy costs, and provides residents with a more intimate, pleasant lighting environment.

5 – STAIRWAYS AND EMERGENCY EXITS
Proper lighting in stairways is crucial for safe movement. Lighting solutions can be adapted to specific usage patterns. For example, with motion sensors, the lighting will turn on at full power when a person ascends or descends the stairs. Then, after a programmed period of time, the lighting will dim to a minimum level. This system ensures the required safety and saves energy.

Emergency exits should be equipped with emergency luminaires, as an emergency in a building can lead to confusion and disorientation. Clearly marked evacuation routes and exits are essential to ensure people can quickly exit the building and reach safety.

6 – CORRIDORS AND HALLWAYS
Corridors are typically interior spaces of a building without access to natural light, so proper lighting is essential in these areas. Like stairwells, corridors aren’t used 24/7, so there’s no need to maintain bright lighting. Energy consumption can be reduced without compromising comfort and safety by using a control system that turns lights on, off, or dims them as needed.

7 – LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS
Landscape lighting in premium residential complexes combines functional and decorative applications. Typically, for comfort and safety, pole-mounted luminaires are used on main paths or areas, creating sufficient illumination levels and uniformity. Secondary paths and promenade areas are typically illuminated with “low” lighting (bollards) or recessed spotlights, creating an intimate atmosphere, allowing for viewing of the surrounding landscape and comfortable movement.
Decorative landscape lighting features include miniature luminaires for highlighting trees and vegetation, lighting fixtures that imitate natural plants, and dim, diffused light fixtures reminiscent of home decor (floor lamps, spheres of various sizes, and other illuminated objects). The undersides of benches, flowerbed contours, fountains, gazebos, and exclusive illuminated art objects can also be illuminated.

8 – PARKING
You won’t see any parked cars in these premium residential complexes; they’re all located in underground parking. The courtyards are meticulously designed, with recreation and walking areas, playgrounds, sports areas, and water features. There’s no room for cars here, only a healthy environment for maximum comfort for residents.
Underground parking spaces require bright, uniform lighting to ensure good visibility without shadows. It’s important to ensure safe entry and exit in this area, as well as comfortable parking conditions. Smart lighting is recommended for underground parking, turning on and off as needed.

Modern premium residential complexes require lighting scenarios and a comprehensive lighting control system. Lighting scenarios help transform and adapt the lighting environment to suit needs. Today, the following scenarios are considered basic: everyday, weekend, and holiday. With a control system, you can truly enjoy premium living and a comfortable lighting environment.

 

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