The Ashwamedha Lighting Layers Framework
Five layers, applied in order, to design any architectural space.
A disciplined progression we use on every project, from a 200 sqm villa to a 200-room hotel. Each layer answers a specific question and is locked before the next begins.
01Architectural Layer
Light the architecture itself. Surfaces, materials, volumes, geometry. Wall washing, grazing, cove lighting. Establishes the visual structure of the space.
02Ambient Layer
Set the base illuminance that allows the room to function. Indirect or diffuse sources sized to lux targets for the typology.
03Task Layer
Add focused light where work happens. Desk, counter, mirror, reading area. Sized to EN/IS lux levels with controlled glare.
04Accent Layer
Hierarchy. Direct attention to art, objects, materials and architectural features at a 3:1 to 10:1 contrast ratio against ambient.
05Atmosphere Layer
Decorative and emotional light. Pendants, lamps, candle-mimicking sources. The signature of the space.
When we use it: Every project. This is our default starting point.
The Residential Lighting Hierarchy
A scene-based hierarchy for designing how a home feels through the day.
Residential lighting is not about lux. It is about scenes. This hierarchy ensures every room offers the right light at the right time, for the right person.
01Welcome
First impression scene. Warm, low, layered. Foyer, entry, formal living. CCT 2700K, low ambient, accent on art and material.
02Live
Daytime functional scene. Higher ambient + task. Kitchen, study, family living. CCT 3000K, full output, low glare.
03Gather
Evening social scene. Dining, lounge, bar. Dimmed ambient, sharp accent on the table, decorative pendants centred.
04Retreat
Pre-sleep scene. Bedroom, reading, bath. CCT 2700K, dimmed to 5-20%, no overhead glare in line of sight.
05Off
Night and circulation scene. Pathway lighting at floor level, ≤ 50 lx. Astronomical schedule, motion-triggered.
When we use it: Villas, apartments, farmhouses, premium residences.
The Hospitality Atmosphere Framework
Lighting as a guest journey, not a floor plan.
Used on every hotel, resort, restaurant and bar project. The framework tracks the guest through the property and assigns a lighting intent to each moment.
01Arrival
Drive, porte-cochere, entrance. Facade reads as a destination. Warm, bright enough to feel safe, gentle enough to feel welcoming.
02Reveal
Lobby and first interior view. The single moment that defines the brand. Architectural light dominates; ambient is low and layered.
03Linger
Bar, lounge, all-day dining. Long-stay zones. Low ambient, strong table accent, decorative anchors.
04Indulge
Fine dining, spa, signature experiences. The lowest light levels in the property. 20-50 lx ambient with surgical accent.
05Retreat
Guest room. Total dimming control, no glare from the bed, separate scenes for bathroom, vanity, wardrobe, reading.
06Depart
Lobby on exit, drive at night. Quietly memorable. The framework closes the loop.
When we use it: Hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, lounges, spas.
The Visual Comfort Framework
Five engineering checks that determine whether a space actually feels good to be in.
Visual comfort is measurable. We apply five checks to every interior project before sign-off. Failing any one of them is grounds for redesign.
01Uniformity (Uo)
Minimum / average illuminance ratio ≥ 0.6 across the task area. Patchy light is the most common visual comfort failure.
02UGR (Unified Glare Rating)
Within EN 12464-1 limits for every observer position. ≤ 19 for offices, ≤ 22 for circulation.
03Contrast
3:1 to 10:1 ratio between accent and ambient. Higher than 10:1 is theatrical and tiring; lower than 3:1 is flat.
04Vertical / Horizontal Balance
Vertical illuminance on walls and faces at minimum 30-50% of horizontal. Spaces with only horizontal light feel cave-like.
05CRI / R9
CRI ≥ 90 and R9 ≥ 50 for any space where people, food, fabric or skin are looked at. Non-negotiable.
When we use it: Every interior project. Particularly critical for offices, classrooms, hospitality and homes for older occupants.
The Experience-First Lighting Method
Our overall design method. Start with the experience, end with the cut sheet.
The Experience-First Method is how we structure a lighting project from brief to handover. It places human experience above fixture selection and is the reason our designs are simulation-validated but never feel engineered.
011. Experience
Describe how the space should feel, scene by scene, before any fixture is named. Words first, drawings second, fixtures last.
022. Architecture
Map the experience onto the architecture. Identify the surfaces, volumes and materials that carry the design.
033. Layers
Apply the Lighting Layers Framework. Lock each layer before adding the next.
044. Calculation
Validate in DIALux. Lux levels, uniformity, UGR, energy density. The design must pass on numbers, not just renders.
055. Specification
Translate the design into fixture schedules, BOQs and control narratives. Tier-1 drivers, matched binning, photometric data on file.
066. Site
Aiming, focusing, scene programming on site. Lighting design is finished under load, not in software.
When we use it: Every Ashwamedha project. This is the studio operating system.