Tony and Ara's Grand Design Lighting, Henley-on-Thames
Residential Lighting including Circadian Lighting
In Henley, Oxfordshire, Tony and Ara are pushing the boundaries of modern home design, blending wellness-focused architecture with cutting-edge technology. Their unique home project is featured on Grand Designs, Channel 4 on October 16th 2024, where it will showcase Tony's pioneering approach to integrating health-promoting features into residential spaces. Central to this vision is a collaboration with Kazzar Lighting, whose expertise has helped transform his home into a beacon of innovative, wellness-oriented living.
A Visionary Project with Purpose
The journey began eight years ago when Tony and Ara decided to rebuild on the site of Tony's childhood home. The original house, designed by his father, was perfect for its time but no longer aligned with modern standards of energy efficiency or Tony's future-focused goals. His ambition was to create a home that not only met modern needs but also promoted health and well-being.
The Lighting Partnership: Kazzar Lighting’s Expertise
A major turning point in the project was Tony and Ara’s collaboration with Kazzar Lighting, whose technical expertise proved invaluable in bringing his vision to life. “Kam and his team knew exactly what I was trying to achieve,” Tony recalls. Their involvement ensured the home was equipped with state-of-the-art lighting solutions, tailored to support well-being through innovative design.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the kitchen, where Tony and Ara and Kazzar Lighting installed a full artificial sun and sky system—designed to replicate the natural light cycle throughout the day. This extraordinary feature, which mimics both the brightness of a sunny sky and the gradual changes in light from dawn to dusk, has left a lasting impression on everyone who visits, including Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.
The kitchen has become the standout space in the home, demonstrating the profound impact that lighting can have on how we experience our surroundings.
Health and Sustainability at the Core
Beyond the lighting, Tony and Ara’s home incorporates numerous elements of sustainable design. While not a certified passive house, it incorporates many of the principles, including high levels of insulation and energy-efficient heating systems. But for Tony and Ara, the focus has always remained on health, with every design decision aimed at improving the well-being of its occupants.
The design of the house revolves around circular patterns—a concept meant to create harmony and balance in the living space. “We designed the house with concentric rings, from the interior layout to the landscaping, to create a sense of calm and flow throughout,” Tony explains. This approach complements the advanced lighting system, reinforcing the overall theme of wellness and balance.
A Grand Designs Milestone
As Tony and Ara’s project displays, the collaboration with Kazzar Lighting and the revolutionary kitchen lighting system is undoubtedly the highlight of the episode. The installation of the artificial sun and sky system sets a new standard for home lighting, demonstrating how technology can be used to mimic the benefits of natural light in spaces that might otherwise be devoid of it.
“I believe we are only at the beginning of understanding the impact that lighting has on our health,” Tony says. “This project is proof that thoughtful design and technological innovation can work together to create homes that enhance our quality of life.”
Tony and Ara's home stands as a testament to the future of health-conscious design, a concept that Grand Designs will bring to a wider audience. As homes increasingly become more than just places to live, but environments that actively promote well-being, Tony’s vision—brought to life with the help of Kazzar Lighting—paves the way for a new era in homebuilding.
Products used:
Lighting Designer: Kazzar Lighting & Controls
