Project
The Upside Down Apartment
Site
The Upside Down Apartment
Location
Nelson, New Zealand
Electrical
Tasman Sparky
Builders
Clinton
Lighting Design & Supply
Switch Lighting
Casambi Commissioning Partner
Switch Lighting
Number of Nodes
25
Photography
Oliver Weber
Transforming the basement apartment required a complete redesign to address uneven floors, sloped ceilings, and structural challenges, resulting in a clean, cohesive space with a new dropped ceiling. The bold boudoir-inspired interior features rich textures, burnt orange tones, a psychedelic mural, and dramatic lighting that can be adjusted through Casambi-controlled, colour-tunable fixtures to shift the mood and atmosphere. Sustainability and smart lighting were central to the project, with energy-efficient LEDs, automated controls, and thoughtful design choices creating a versatile, low-impact luxury space now used as a holiday rental.
Transforming this basement apartment was a true design challenge. Uneven floors, sloped ceilings, and structural beams meant the space needed a complete overhaul, including a new dropped ceiling to create a clean, cohesive environment.
The design draws inspiration from a boudoir theme, blending rich textures, deep colours, and dramatic artwork. Burnt orange walls and ceilings provide a warm backdrop for a psychedelic mural that stretches across the lounge, while black countertops and appliances in the kitchenette complete a bold, stylish, and unique interior.
Lighting was central to the experience. Casambi-controlled colour-tunable luminaires bring the space to life, with automated scenes that turn the mural from cool blues at 4000K to deep, warm reds at 1800K. Timber floors, textured walls, and architectural details are softly highlighted, creating depth and atmosphere without glare. Every fixture, from indoor and outdoor lighting to indirect wall and ceiling illumination, can be controlled via the Casambi app or wall-mounted buttons, allowing the homeowner to adjust scenes instantly to match mood, time of day, or activity.
Sustainability was an integral part of the project. LED luminaires are rated for up to 60,000 hours, minimizing maintenance, while automated dimming and scene control reduce energy consumption and limit light pollution. Outdoor lights blend seamlessly with the surrounding bush, and every scene is programmed to provide maximum comfort with minimal waste.
The result is a luxurious, versatile apartment that adapts effortlessly from quiet evenings to social gatherings. The space has since been transformed into a holiday rental, delighting global visitors and showcasing the transformative power of smart lighting with Casambi.
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