Vibia is a global architectural lighting company based in Barcelona that aims to improve the world by creating better spaces to live in. From time to time I've been lucky to include some of their minimalist designs in my styling work, and they are a brand that I have always admired. House in S’Agaró, a private Mediterranean villa designed by Cristina Soler from Barcelona-based studio, Arquemo, features a range of Vibia lighting that brings a sense of warmth and wellbeing to the beautiful, pared back spaces.
Deeply rooted in the Mediterranean architectural tradition, House in S’Agaró is composed of gentle forms with different dimensions that playfully adapt to the local climate and surrounding environment. Located in the heart of Costa Brava, as the light shifts throughout the day, sunlight dances across its many surfaces and deepens the contrasting shadows. Rich wooden details bring warmth to the predominantly white interior and the abundance of natural light further enhances the expressive quality of the spaces. The extensive range of Vibia lamps complement the space through their composition, colour and texture. Switched on or off they create an atmospheric experience, evoking a myriad of different moods and sensations.
For the open plan living room and kitchen area, Soler chose a mounted North wall lamp and two matching smaller-scale North pendants. The base of the wall lamp is fixed while its light source is suspended in space by a rod that reaches out into the living room. Flexible and versatile in height and rotation, it functions as both an ambient lamp and a reading light, offering a unique lighting effect with plenty of character.
Designed by Arik Levy, the pendants are composed of traditional shades of lacquered matt suspended from slim rods, adding warmth and sophistication to the bar area.
Designed by Lievore, Altherr and Molina, Skan is minimalism in its purest state. Combining purity of form and clean lines, the three terra-red luminaires extend delicately from the ceiling, illuminating the length of the dining table with a broad downlight that brings a sense of wellbeing and community to this familial space.
A Wireflow chandelier presides over the double height of the central core of the house, visually dominating the entrance hall and stimulating an immediate sense of wonder. The work of designer Arik Levy, the Wireflow reinterprets the traditional chandelier, exploring its essence and enhancing its silhouette through an exercise in graphic simplification.
In contrast, a dimmable Mayfair table lamp with a metallic finish neatly illuminates the entrance hall sideboard with a subtle glow. Diego Fortunato’s Mayfair updates the classic 19th Century lamp with innovative technology and understated elegance.
A timeless series from Japanese designer Ichiro Iwasaki, the Pin is both classic and contemporary, characterised by a graceful stem and subtle, functional expression. Small in scale but with exceptional lighting efficiency, both the Pin floor and table lamps are the perfect companion for quiet moments of reading or work.
The Palma hanging lamp, conceived by designer Antoni Arola, was chosen to both frame the bathroom window and be visible from the outside. Composed of a globe that appears to float independently, it is suspended by three almost imperceptible cables that support a plant beneath. Like a luminous hanging garden, its capacity to create ambience evolves with the growth of the plant, making it ideal for establishing the desired exterior-interior dialogue.
Available in two wooden finishes, the Dots wall lights are designed by Martín Azúa. Ideal for bedside reading, these circular sconces can be turned to trace a cone-shaped beam in any desired direction.
To complement this more functional application, Soler also creates an enchanting wall embellishment by grouping three Dots together in abstract formation, creating a melody of ambient light that radiates from each halo like a constellation.
The Musa table lamp was chosen for a set of contemporary wooden stools as a finishing touch for the communal areas. Created by Note Design Studio, Musa is poetic in design. Reminiscent of a shell cradling a pearl, the symbiotic relationship between the small hand blown opal glass sphere and the organic dish that holds and reflects it contrasts dramatically with the geometric density of the blocks.
And finally, bringing a touch of elegance to an otherwise understated hallway are the two Duo ceiling lamps designed by Ramos & Bassols. A lamp of contrasts, the Duo combines a warm wooden interior with a refined metal wrap, naturally integrating into the overall aesthetic of House in S’Agaró.