The Runway House, a private penthouse spanning the top three floors of a building, is named for the small airstrip running alongside the property. Designed for a family of four with an active social life, the residence balances luxurious, artsy interiors with spaces dedicated to entertaining friends and enjoying private family moments.

The layout separates private quarters from the entertainment area. The private zone includes an open-plan kitchen and dining space connected to a double-height living room, large decks, three bedrooms, and a small den overlooking the runway. The entertainment area features a lounge and a large deck, with a section that can be converted into a guest bedroom. Exposed trusses add architectural character while providing opportunities to integrate lighting seamlessly into the design.

Lighting Design

Expansive living and deck areas feature large glass partitions that required careful planning to minimize reflections. Narrow-beam spotlights highlight décor and structural accents, while ambient light is kept minimal through customized techno-decorative fixtures. Ceilings painted dark grey allow fixtures to blend into the structure, creating pockets of light that feel natural and almost invisible. Areas with false ceilings feature track lights and adjustable spots, complementing the overall minimalistic aesthetic.

Casambi enables precise control over layers of light, creating seamless transitions between the living areas, private quarters, and entertainment zones. Homeowners can easily adjust lighting levels to suit tasks, moods, or gatherings, while preserving the elegance and clean lines of the interiors.

Lighting Control & Automation

The clients initially had reservations about lighting controls due to previous experiences, but the complexity and layered design of the home made automation essential. Casambi provided the perfect solution, delivering:

• Reliable Bluetooth control across large, connected spaces without dedicated control rooms
• Minimal site changes with no major rewiring required
• Simple, intuitive operation via keypads and mobile devices
• Unified control of track and spotlights, decorative lighting, linear profiles, and curtain motors
• Optimized energy use through dimming, schedules, and sensors

The system is scalable, allowing the homeowners to expand automation over time, including additional sensors and motorized curtains, while maintaining the home’s aesthetics.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

• Overall estimated load: 1.8KW
• Energy savings with dimming and sensors: ~400W daily
• Rewiring cost savings: ₹0.5 million ≈ $5,500 USD 
• Labour cost savings: ₹0.2 million ≈ $2,200 USD

The lighting design reduces energy use, optimizes the overall experience, and lowers labor costs, all without compromising the home’s aesthetic.

Outcome

The Runway House demonstrates how smart lighting automation can be elegantly implemented in a challenging environment, balancing lifestyle, functionality, and design. Its success in delivering seamless control, energy efficiency, and immersive ambience makes it a standout example in residential lighting innovation.