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BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

Commission for New Farm Cookery School

For New Farm Cookery School, I designed a site-specific lighting installation that translated the building’s agricultural rooflines and interior floor tones into a cohesive terrazzo lighting scheme. Seven curved wall sconces and a bespoke ceiling feature conceal existing lighting while enhancing atmosphere. The result is architectural, functional lighting rooted in place — designed to strengthen brand identity while maintaining warmth and usability.

PROJECT GOALS

The aim was to create a collection of wall and ceiling shades that felt rooted in their surroundings. Set within a rural farm building, the space already carried strong architectural character — exposed timber beams, brickwork and soft plaster walls. The lighting needed to complement that presence rather than compete with it. The brief centred on:

  • Bringing the outside in, reflecting natural textures and tones

  • Creating eye-catching features that still allowed light to pass through beautifully

  • Designing seven wall sconces and a long ceiling shade that felt cohesive without feeling repetitive

  • It was about atmosphere as much as aesthetics — lighting that enhanced the dining experience and honoured the setting.

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CREATIVE APPROACH

The building itself became the starting point. Strong rooflines and gentle agricultural curves informed the silhouette of every piece. Each wall sconce was shaped to echo that sweep, creating a subtle architectural rhythm across the plaster walls.

 

The long blue terrazzo shade was designed specifically to conceal a modern strip light. Rather than disguising it awkwardly, I wrapped it in the same curved form as the sconces, allowing it to feel intentional and sculptural. What was once purely functional became a considered feature.

 

Interestingly, the final colour palettes evolved from the floor tiles in the main restaurant room. Pulling tones directly from underfoot ensured the installation felt grounded within the space. Greens, teals, warm ambers and softer stone tones now connect vertically and horizontally throughout the interior.

Using my terrazzo technique, I fused fragments into organic, layered compositions. The spacing between fragments was carefully considered to allow light to travel through the surface, keeping the shades expressive but never heavy.

 

Every piece is unique, yet clearly part of the same conversation.

Lighting should never feel like an afterthought.

A SIGNATURE TOUCH

Each wall sconce carries a single word:​ JOY. HOPE. ZEST. GROW. BLISS. RICH.

 

Subtle in daylight. Radiant when illuminated. The words are embedded within the terrazzo surface rather than applied on top. As the light passes through, they reveal themselves from within — softly glowing against the plaster walls. They reflect the spirit of the space: growth, flavour, abundance, creativity and connection. A cookery school rooted in the land, celebrating seasonal produce and shared experiences. Typography becomes part of the atmosphere.

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CHALLENGES AND HIGHLIGHTS

  • Working within an existing rural structure meant respecting its character at every stage.

  • The scale and curve of the sconces needed to sit comfortably against clean white walls while aligning visually with strong timber beams. Achieving that balance between impact and restraint was key.

  • The ceiling shade presented a different challenge — concealing a modern strip light while ensuring the terrazzo surface remained light enough to allow illumination to pass through effectively. Careful spacing and controlled layering ensured the glow felt warm and atmospheric rather than blocked or dense.

  • A highlight was seeing the pieces installed against timber and brick. The contrast between reclaimed architectural elements and fused plastic created a quiet dialogue between old and new — heritage structure meeting contemporary circular design.

THE RESULT

  • By day, the shades read as sculptural forms — textured panels adding depth and colour to the walls.

  • By night, they transform. Light travels through the terrazzo compositions, intensifying colour and casting a warm glow upwards and downwards. The curves soften the space, enhancing plaster, brick and beam.

  • The words woven into the walls — JOY, HOPE, ZEST, GROW, BLISS, RICH — quietly reinforce the dining experience. They speak to flavour, to fresh ingredients, to abundance, to shared tables and seasonal produce. As guests dine beneath them, the language becomes part of the atmosphere — subtle affirmations glowing softly in the background.

  • The finished installation feels cohesive, architectural and grounded in place.

  • Lighting that reflects the landscape. Honours the building. And adds warmth to a space designed for creativity and connection.

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