Foreword 06

Contemporary Trend
THE NEW ERA OF INTERIOR DESIGN 08

Modern Home
THE ART OF LIGHT 12

Tips from the Expert

LET THERE BE LIGHT 14

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIGHTS 16

THE FUTURE OF LIGHTING DESIGN 20

THE LUXURY OF AMBIENCE CONTROL 22

MINIMAL LIGHTING 24

PLAYING TRICKS WITH LIGHTS 26

 Cover/Inside : dreamstime.com

Fine Lighting
FINE LIGHTING FOR NEW SPATIAL DIMENSION IN LIVING ROOM 28

3 PRINCIPLES FOR A PERFECT HOME THEATRE 30

EXUDING A SOFT AND PEACEFUL AURA IN THE BEDROOM 32

COOKING IN STYLE WITH PERFECT LIGHTING 34

SOFT LIGHTING FOR THAT LUXURIANT SOAK 36

DESIGN FOR AN IMPRESSIVE ENTRANCE 38

TIPS FOR PATIO LIGHTING DESIGN 39

Home of the Future

SMART HOME CONTROL FOR ULTIMATE LIVING 40

Useful Information 42

5
FORE WORD
7
Contemporary Trend
當代潮流

THE NEW ERA OF

INTERIOR DESIGN
Sitting high on a hill in eastern France, the Ronchamp Chapel by the father of
modern architecture, Le Corbusier, is a masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture
which plays with the magic of light. Japanese architect Tadao Ando was inspired by
Le Corbusier to fully utilize both natural and interior lighting in his signature work, the
Church of Light. He demonstrated and emphasized the holiness and solemnity of
the church by having light seeping through a cruciform cut in its concrete wall.
The Ronchamp Chapel
The Interplay of Shadows and Light
Natural light is beyond our control as it is dependent on the hour of day
or night and on weather conditions. Interior lighting, on the other hand, is
entirely within our control, and can revolutionize the look of a room instantly,
free of natural constraints.
You can achieve different scenes and moods at home by well
balanced design of ambient lighting and task lighting. Finding exactly the
right lamp for a room is an important task, as it will both contribute to
the overall feel of the space and offer the right shade of lighting.
Whether you choose the highly romantic Black Zenith Chandelier by
Philippe Starck, the extraordinary Ingo Maurer“Bulb”lamp or even the
nostalgic Verner Panton“Globe”collection, the lamp you pick will help you
create a range of different scenes and moods as well as decorating the room.
The LED lamps that have been widely used in recent years have gone
a long way to expanding the possibilities of interior lighting. The biennial
international lighting exhibition Euroluce, part of the international furniture
fair, Milano Salone del Mobile, is bringing to the design world a beautiful
array of lighting system of all kinds.
Euroluce was first held in 1976, and it showcases the entire gamut of
light fittings and technologies – an indeed bewildering array of light sources
– among which LED lamps are widely featured. German lighting designer
Ingo Maurer, also known as the“poet of light” , has collaborated with world-
famous designers including Ron Arad and Konstantin Grcic to present a
group installation of LED lamps; even crystal chandelier expert Swarovski has
branched into a range of fascinating products using LED lamps.

The key reasons for the current popularity of LED lamps are their
durability and versatility when used together with a dimmer. LED lamps are
the answer to the needs of contemporary architects and designers around
the globe who seek to create home intelligence platforms, ambience systems,
concept exhibitions, display systems, events and entertainment systems.
Lighting design is undoubtedly an essential part of interior design.
Only those who are able to manage lighting can master the art of vision
and create extraordinary lighting scenes, turning daily experiences into
harmonious, artful experiences.

The Beauty of Fine Lighting

Lighting design is playing an increasingly important role in the home,
where serious efforts are given to ensure that both interior and exterior
lighting meet the modern needs for comfort, aesthetics and decoration. The
look and form of a light fitting is also very important. Functionality apart, it
must also fulfill the designer’ s vision for aesthetics and ambience. That’ s
why Fine Lighting is always the synthesis of art and science, embracing both
modern technology and cultural distinctions. To put it simply, Fine Lighting
starts with identifying the right light sources and light fittings, coupled with
the appropriate brightness to create different moods and to suit different
needs. It’s where form and function meet to express individuality.

Lighting Glossary
Ambient Lighting – uniform background lighting for a whole room

Task Lighting – specific illumination for a set“task”

, for example, desk lamps
and dining room lights that need high illuminance

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Contemporary Trend

There are four emerging trends in interior design today:
“ Less construction, more decoration”
“Less construction, more decoration”is the modern maxim in home
interior design. Home owners can change the appeal of a room by placing
different adornments and furniture, changing the style of their homes
to suit different seasons, or even different moods. For instance, placing
a bamboo fence between the living and dining rooms is a simple way to
separate space while at the same time bringing natural aesthetics to the
home. The great thing about home decorations is that it is a lot cheaper
than constructing plaster arches, Roman columns and stone fireplaces. By
adopting simple interior design, decorating a space has become a much
easier task, at the same time lending greater fluidity, light, space and
design flexibility to the home. The home nowadays allow the owner greater
freedom to express his personal traits.
It's a“Material”World
To let the home speak for its owners, the wide range of new building
materials available today is especially welcomed by the young and hip.
From turning the bathroom into a sauna room with the help of waterproofed
woods, to using tempered glass to build room dividers or transparent
shower rooms, not to mention the introduction of stainless steel sinks, gold
paint effects, as well as mirrored, mottled, crossed and sanded textures,
the possibilities are multifarious, allowing individuality in every fixture.

Switching to Great Style

Not only do switches operate lighting systems, they can also be a stylish part of
the home decor. Wall mounted switches are usually located at eye level, which
is why appearance is as important as function. With some help, they can be
stylized to complement the design of the modern home.

For example:
1
1. Glass–plated switches are elegant statements by themselves.

2. Full, flat switches are stylish yet subtle, perfect for

minimalist designs.

More switch plates in various styles: 2

Lighting Up our Lives
The trend for lighting design is to express cultural heritages. The comfort
of the home goes hand in hand with humanized designs that evolve around
our daily needs and activities. Elaborate and fanciful lamp decorations give
way to simple, intelligent and environmentally friendly luminaries that fit
into the overall design theme of the home. The choice of lighting colour
is also important, since colours are known to affect moods and human
psychology: prolonged exposure to strong and bright lighting, for example,
can be extremely tiring and even slow down the absorption of calcium in the
human body! So choosing the right lighting is very important; LED lamps or
humanized dimming systems are leading the lighting trend as they offer tailor-
made possibilities to suit our various needs.

Tile Magic
Ceramic tiles being the most commonly used material in bathrooms
and kitchens today, there nevertheless lies differences in the choice of tile
patterns: kitchens are commonly displaying light, solid colours to portray
cleaniness; whereas bathrooms are allowed the luxury of decorative tiles,
featuring classic, retro or nature-inspired patterns to enhance the mood
for indulgence.
To allow yourself the comfort of the home, furniture and fittings must
work with lighting control systems. Technological breakthroughs in lighting
control bring us to a new realm of design, where limiting lighting to general
illumination is strictly a matter of the last century. Lighting redefines visual
rules to provide a more diversified, yet personalized, humanized experience.

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Modern Home

THE ART OF
LIGHT
The doorside lamp welcomes you home, the
living room floor lamp provides a romantic
setting, the patio lamp accompanies starry
nights, and the bedside lamp is essential for
reading bedtime stories. It takes more than
walls, floors and furnishings to make a home.
It takes atmosphere, ambience and emotion
to give a room soul. Lighting is the magic
wand that instantly enhances a space, bringing
comfort and imparting mood.
 In the early stages of interior design, most rooms only used a single
ceiling light bulb for illumination, but a light bulb’
s lack of direction can easily Is“Multiple Light Sources Design”
ruin the room’ s ambience. In fact, luminous efficiency is available in warm harmful to the environment?
and cool colour temperatures, with each and every colour projecting assorted
Many people have the misconception that using multiple light sources means
ambiences.“Multiple Light Sources Design”is the answer to fulfill different
using more power resources, but actually, using multiple light sources wisely,
ambience needs. This increasingly popular lighting design allows its owners
such as turning the lights on and off at specific times, switching off unnecessary
to change the mood of a room for different functions, portraying different
lighting, as well as working with natural light in lighting design, can all mean using
moods, making it a true exemplar of Fine Lighting.
less energy than turning on all the lights at home. Coupling with sensors and
dimmers allows illumination intensity to be varied according to the users’needs.
The Magical“Multiple Light Sources Design” While different settings and combinations can bring different degrees of energy
saving, a survey reveals that these fixtures normally can cut back about 10%
Furniture and home decorations are not the only elements that are
of energy usage. You can consult professional lighting designers on achieving
influenced by modern contemporary design. Ceiling lamps, desk lamps, reading
optimal lighting performance in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
lamps, etc. are also making trendy statements, such as the introduction of
more colours, lucid materials and edgy shapes. The eye-catching designs of
today’ s lighting fixtures are often the focus of attention.
Lighting designers are well aware of how lighting influences living.
Using a single light bulb or fluorescent tube to illuminate a room is no longer
an option.“Multiple Light Sources Design”can be adapted to suit every
inhabitant and all kinds of atmospheric needs. Ceiling pendant lamps and
ceiling mounts provide ambient lighting, giving even luminosity to a room;
wall lamps, table lamps and floor lamps provide task lighting and at the same
time enrich a space with depth, focus and definition. Take the living room for
example. This is a space that should feel homely, comfy and cozy, meaning to
say different light sources should be employed to create depth and layers. By
incorporating switches and dimmers into different lighting fixtures, such as
floor lamps, table lamps and illumination features, we can obtain the benefit
of multiple light sources, achieving ambient whole-room lighting or specific
partial illumination at different times of the day.
Generally speaking, a desk lamp makes it easier to work, a floor lamp
Natural Appeal or Artificial Intelligence?
is good for ambience, a bedside light is the reading companion, and a little A harmonious atmosphere is often achieved by combining natural
rotating globe is great for giving the home a partying atmosphere. The list of and artificial lighting. Apart from serving the single function of illumination,
specific lighting fixtures does not stop here. Spatial lighting apart, we also lighting plays the important role of changing the atmosphere of a room.
have student lamps, writing lamps, emergency lights, day lights, evening Artificial lighting is not only the complement to natural lighting, rather, its
lights, dining lights, and even floor lamps at varying heights. The introduction presence (and absence) is critical to bringing style and mood to a room, as
of“Multiple Light Sources Design”make it possible to incorporate all these seen in the interlay of shadows in architectural features. But lighting is not
fixtures into one single room. limited to creating and exemplifying style – rather, it displays the fusion of
modern technology and culture.
As seen at various home design expos, mixing natural and artificial
lighting has become a vital part of interior design. The increasing use of
multiple light sources guarantees perfect spatial illumination and offers a
multitude of lighting possibilities. In fact, employing different light sources
helps to pull an entire design scheme together, be the theme moody and
layered, airy and spacious. Home intelligence systems, after Multiple
Light Sources Design, are another important focus in the future of home
decoration.

Indirect Lighting
Use warm, ambient lighting or indirect lighting to suit your decorative needs.
For instance, a backlight from under a shoe cabinet can create a‘layered’
effect and give ambience and shape to the entrance area.

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Tips from the Expert
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LET THERE BE LIGHT

“Architecture is life”
, said master architect
Louis Kahn.
Light, space, bricks, concrete... Which is the
true foundation of architecture? Where do we
begin when“designing for our lifestyles” ?
Light and space can make up a world, bring
forth a performance, or merely being just the
simple concept between exterior and interior.
Lighting designer Arnold Chan tells us that
we don’ t have to contrive the performance
of lighting, rather, the art of lighting lies in its
being natural, blending in seamlessly into the
way we live, which should be as spontaneous
as breathing.

Some pictures are provided by the interviewee

 Arnold Chan was born in Hong Kong and educated in England. He has a Bachelor’
s
Degree and Diploma in architecture from London’
s Architectural Association, and
a Diploma in lighting design from South Bank Polytechnic. In 1986, Arnold founded
Isometrix in London. He now employs more than 35 full-time project, lighting
and product designers, providing tailor-made lighting and design services for a
broad clientele.

Arnold’ s innovative and versatile architectural approach to lighting “Whenever the houses I work on have a lawn or a garden, I always tell my
design distinguishes his work from traditional lighting engineers. His clients to make use of lighting and convert the outdoors into an extension
lighting design makes use of architectural elements to accentuate the of the indoors,”Arnold says.“In the past, lighting the yard was simply
impact of light within a 3-dimensional space, creating integrated lighting for security reasons, but now a landscape lighting scheme can effectively
effects that enhance interior spaciousness. Isometrix (founded by Arnold) transform it into a unique painting of nature.”Once you understand the
maximizes the full potential of lighting as a creative tool. art of lighting, you can make use of a dimming or scene control system to
As a leading architect and lighting designer, Arnold’ s impressive create various home scenes, bringing you higher standards of living.
portfolio includes Madrid’ s Hotel Puerta America (in conjunction with
designers Zaha Hadid, Jean Noveal, John Pawon, Mark Newson, Arata
Isozaki, Ron Arad, Richard Gluckman, David Chipperfield, Norman Foster
and Christian Liaigre), Minneapolis’ s Walker Art Centre (architecture by
Herzog de Mueron), New York’ s Morimoto (architecture by Tadao Ando),
and Nobu restaurants in USA, London and Hong Kong.“Light is an
essential element to design,”he explains,“but solely referring to lighting
is impractical. Light has to work with the architectural form; we need to
identify the subject before designing the light sources. I think the US is
currently the biggest market where people appreciate fine lighting to create
ambience.”
Many people bring in precious art objects and designer pieces to
decorate their homes, but often the beauty of these treasures are hidden
because of the lack of appropriate lighting effects.“In lighting design today,
I think Lighting Control Systems and Dimmer Systems can offer a variety
of ambience settings for different needs and situations.”Arnold says,“the
simpler the dimmer system, the more user-friendly it is.”
Lighting design is often neglected in interior design. Arnold explains,
“it’ s just a part of the whole architectural concept... But the wisdom behind
it is way more complicated than what people think. If your home gets plenty
of direct sunlight, for example, then the spatial harmony of the home is
disrupted. In such cases, it’ s always effective to balance interior lighting
with dimmers. Most of my clients are seasoned world travellers, embracing
broad visions for lighting design. And they are in fact very demanding
in specifying their choices of lighting. I would suggest to these clients
to decide on the kinds of lighting systems they want, as the first step to
designing their homes.”
Lighting design is not only restricted to indoors. Good lighting
concepts can be extended to the outdoors to enhance the aesthetics.

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TAKING CONTROL OF
YOUR LIGHTS
The concept of“Fine Lighting”has been popular in the US for years. The trend
has recently become prevalent in the interior design field, where demands are for
lighting control in both residential and commercial environments. Dimmers and
scene control systems are a must for lighting control and for creating different
moods and scenes.
Fine Lighting In Action
To achieve Fine Lighting effects, a variety of light sources and light
fittings are used to create different combination of illuminance for the right
ambience. To control the brilliance of the various light sources, dimming
systems are an integral part of the design.
Generally, there are 3 types of dimming controls, each suited for
different purposes and needs.

Standalone Dimming
To perform simple lighting control and create siimple ambience,
a single dimmer is connected to a single light source to control its
brightness. The choice of the dimmer depends on its capacity of
load, the type of the light source, and the way it is wired. Wrong
combinations can cause unstable lighting, interference or blinking,
and can even damage the light source and the dimmer. Therefore it
is crucial to choose an appropriate dimmer to ensure smooth and
effective operation.
Dimmer switches normally come in either as press or rotary
format. Some are equipped with remote control devices such as the IR
Remote Control Dimmer, using infrared to send signals to the switch;
and there is also the RF Remote Control Dimmer, using radio frequency
to send control signals, thus eliminating the need to point the remote
controller in the direction of the receiver.

Option A:

Press dimmer with indicator Rotary dimmer

Collective Dimming
Standalone dimming might not be able to satisfy the
needs of the modern home. Collective dimming uses one
or more dimmers to control different light sources, making
it possible to better enhance the home environment by a
multitude of lighting effects. However, collective dimming
requires adjusting each single dimmer individually to
The winner
最佳燈效得 我要多謝我太太
achieve the right effect, making it more time consuming I want to thank
of the best
and complicated to enact. 獎者是... my wife... for the
...多謝她每天在
lighting
daily training...
effect is... 家給我的訓練...

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Tips from the Expert

Scene Control
Scene control means that you can opt for preset lighting effects one-
touch of a button. The trick lies in linking up all the light sources to the scene
control system to build a unified dimming network. Scene control can also be
used with a remote control device, on which each button is pre-programmed
for different scene settings. You can rest in comfort and at the same time
bring forth your favourite home lighting scene, be it romantic dining, vivacious
partying or serene bedtime reading, all done simply at the push of a buttion
on your remote control device.
Today we care about home design, and lighting is no longer a trivial
issue. Light sources and space interplay to bring out the best chemistry,
playing little tricks to enhance our daily lives, creating different environments
and ambiences to suit different lifestyle needs. Fine lighting is fine living.

Scene Control Systems

Scene control systems are used to control different light sources at the same time,
allowing different combinations of light sources to be on/off or tunrs on to the
preset brightness. Scene control systems are created for user-friendliness, meaning
that you can summon your preset“home scene”at one-touch of a button. Systems
that come with RF remote control function is even more convenient. There are 2
types of scene control systems: the Retrofit that directly replaces existing 2-way
switch systems, offering scene control without rewiring; and the Interoperable
that is suited to cases where whole-house rewiring is done, offering more scene
options and compatible with upgrades to home intelligence systems.

How a Dimmer Works

A dimmer uses an electronic circuit to regulate the amount of average power applied to the load (e.g. light bulb). The lower the average power, the lower the light
intensity; the higher the power, the brighter the load becomes.

There are 3 main types of power control:

1. Leading Edge Dimmer

240V main input Light switched ON the dimmer setting changes the output to
dim the light

2. Trailing Edge Dimming

240V main input Light switched OFF the dimmer setting changes the output to
dim the light

3. Universal dimming
Phase control of sensor reaction that can be adjusted automatically or manually to leading edge dimming or trailing edge dimming.
Know Your Lights
In today’s best homes, the processes of interior design and
lighting design go hand in hand. To improve the home with the right
lighting you need to master the skill of choosing the right fixtures to
achieve the right effects.

Pendant Lamps – the most common fixture used in interiors, from living
room to dining room, bedroom to study room. A single pendant lamp
can provide complete spatial lighting in a room. When coupled with
dimmers, the lighting spectrum becomes more versatile. The style of
the lamp shade can also affect the lighting quality. Huge open shades,
for instance, are best matched with silver crown bulbs, offering the best
light distribution.

Wall lamps – great for spatial, feature or directional lighting. Wall lamps
also come in indirect lighting and dissipating lighting effects, giving
focus and making a room look more spacious. Illumination apart, wall
lamps can also be decorative, making them a crucial aesthetic factor in
interior design.

Torchiere – a movable fixture that projects light upward. The light

rebounds from the ceiling and creates a calm and peaceful aura. This
indirect lighting source creates softer lighting effects than pendant
lamps.

Floor lamps – independent and strong light source, best used for
emphasizing the lighting arrangement as a whole or in specific areas,
and especially appropriate for mood lighting in corners. Downward, direct
lighting is good for reading and other focal activities, whereas indirect
upward lighting is normally used for enhancing the overall lighting effect.
This mobile fixture offers portable lighting anywhere in the house.

Spotlights – lighting fixture that can be installed in ceilings, walls and

wood floorings, extending the realm of zonal lighting. It offers focal
lighting when installed at a desk or for illuminating specific items like
paintings or art pieces. Spotlights are also commonly used in the
kitchen, living room, work room and bathroom.

Cylindrical light fixtures – long fluorescent tubes are effective but

generally not considered attractive, and are therefore usually hidden in
shades. They are commonly used in the kitchen, bathroom and garage
where strong direct lighting is needed.

Matching dimmers

Light source Leading Edge Dimmer Trailing Edge Dimmer Universal Dimmer

240v light bulb

Wired transformer low voltage

Digital transformer low voltage

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THE FUTURE OF
LIGHTING DESIGN
Lighting technology has undergone a number of major advances
in the past half century, and lighting equipment is now both
playful and flexible, making it more than a mere tool for
general lighting. One of the pioneers in the field, James Law of
Cybertecture, believes that lighting is the key to future interior
design.“Only with light can we see the shape and colour of an
object,”he explains.“Without light, neither the wall nor the door
would exist.”

Some pictures are provided by the interviewee

 After graduating from the architecture faculty of University College
London, James was hired by top architecture firms. His passion for
technology and architecture inspired him to introduce an innovative design
concept, Cybertecture, in 2001. One of his most recent lighting works is
the world’ s first Electronic Arts Experience located in the Hong Kong Peak
Tower. The giant plastic bubble stimulation site is connected to LED digital
display screens, bringing the visitors into a digitally simulated world as in
computer games.
As well as in commercial projects, James says that high technology
lighting has been increasingly adapted for residential use.“Ten years ago,
the term Lighting only defined an illuminating system. You go home, turn
on the light then read a book. But now, Lighting means much more than
that: it brings ambience into a room. Many homes are equipped with home
entertainment systems, and the unique lighting system included gives
users a complete theatre experience.”
He predicts that LED lamps are going to be widely used in the future,
particularly in interior design styles that are minimalist or futuristic.
“LED’ s got so many advantages,”James explains.“First they use a much
lower voltage and current than filament bulbs, therefore saving more
energy. Second, the brightness is easy to control. Third, LED is a brighter
light source with less heat loss. Fourth, they have a longer life and are
less prone to breakage. Last but not least, they bring about limitless
possibilities.”
LED lamps used to be manufactured in western countries with
expensive costs, but now that China and India have developed the skill to
produce LEDs, the capital cost for LED production has decreased, making
them economically more competitive. He believes that LED lamps will
replace fluorescent lamps within five years,“because it’ s easy to control
LEDs’ brightness and colour.”
James works with top architects around the world, and constantly
utilises the most advanced technology. Three years ago, he put his
professional knowledge of LED into his home, with futuristic bearings. He
used a lighting control system to control the LEDs, which change colour
according to the genre of music being played. This futuristic cyber interior
design uses LED lamps extensively. For instance, the phone system is
wired to the lighting control system, so that the light changes colour when
the phone rings.“This means that,”James elaborates,“you can pick up the
phone while watching a movie, without having to listen to the disturbing
sound of the ringing tones” .
Designers take into consideration many aesthetic qualities to improve
“Some people might think that my home is too cyber, but
the quality of life.
I designed it for my lifestyle considerations. The effects are created with
indirect lighting, which is very stylish,”says James, pointing out that its LED
lighting system can cast 2.3 million colour combinations, (though only a
hundred of them are distinguishable to human eyes). It is more than enough
to create countless possibilities for a room’ s atmosphere.
Regarding the development of lighting technology, James’ insight
is that traditional architecture uses walls and doors to separate physical
space, but in the near future, people can easily incorporate lighting
technology into every facet of daily life through visionary design.“We are
able to use lighting to create screens and divide virtual spaces, whenever
they are needed,”he said.“Just like the spotlights in nightclubs, where light
is projected onto a foggy space to create a wall that doesn’ t actually exist.
It’s a very common lighting trick.”
“Le Corbusier defined architecture as‘the play of light in space’ , that
is absolutely what I believe,”James says. Using technology to embody both
physical and virtual architecture in symbiotic balance is the philosophy
behind lighting intelligence, and the way of 21st century living.

Renowned architect James Law has won the prestigious Royal Institute of Architect Award for Design and subsequently became a member of the Royal
Institute of British Architects. He is also a member of several think tanks on the issues of future technology, design and Cybertecture. As the chief Cybertect
and chairman of James Law Cybertecture International, he has been invited to guest speak at universities in England, Hong Kong, Japan and China.

James has designed some of the most innovative Cybertecture projects in the world, including the world's first artificial intelligence media
laboratory for the Hong Kong Government; the world's first Bricks & Clicks shopping mall - Dickson Cyber Express; and the world’
s first
"morphable" house in partnership with IBM in Denmark. He is also the designer for China Telecom's largest interactive Cybertecture centre in
China and a new chain of automated cyber post offices for the Hong Kong Post Office. Recently, James has been involved in the conceptual design
of a Cybertecture Memorial Plaza at the site of the fallen World Trade Center Towers in the United States. His newest project is the IPAD Tower in
Dubai, the world’
s first Cybertecture apartment tower.

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THE LUXURY OF
AMBIENCE CONTROL
A multi-ray lighting system can be applied in different parts of a home, creating a Fine Lighting effect
with wise use of luminaries and illumination spectrum combinations. High quality lighting control
products can even implement energy-saving in our daily lives.
 Human eyes are not extremely sensitive to changes in brightness,
meaning that using a dimmer to make a 10% reduction in brightness level
is not noticeable. For that reason, we can take advantage of dimmers or
dimmer control systems to save energy and money. Dimmers provide
illumination control according to the principles of correct lighting practice
for optimal performance. However, with all the various types and brands of
dimmers on the market, all with different functions and qualities, how do
we choose the right one to fit a particular application?
High Quality Dimmers
Serenity
Dimmers adjust the power flow for prolonged periods. For dimmers
using iron coils to adjust the power, resonance will occur between the
components inside thus producing a humming sound. Different brands use
different components, hence generating different levels of humming. High
quality dimmers controlled by electrical circuit boards are less likely to
cause humming. And the level of humming should be one of the factors to
consider when making a purchase.
Suitability for multiple light sources
High quality dimmers are applicable to various types of light sources.
The universal dimmers mentioned in the previous chapter, for example,
detect the types of light sources being used, and then automatically adjust
to appropriate dimming technologies – leading edge or trailing edge – to
avoid problems caused by dimmer and light source mismatching.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional dimmers adjust the light intensity by reducing electric
flow through resistance. This type of dimming has low efficiency since
energy is transformed to heat and sound (humming), which is not truly
energy saving.
High quality electronic dimmers, on the contrary, precisely control
the power consumption by its circuit board, hence reducing energy
wastage. It has higher energy efficiency compared to traditional dimmers.
Adjusting a room’ s brightness wisely is the key to Fine Lighting as well as
saving energy and reducing the amount of heat generated by the bulbs,
consequently lowering the cost of air conditioning. Of every 3 watts of
electricity saved, 1 watt is cut down via the air conditioners.
Safety
High quality dimmers have short-circuit protection and heat-detection
systems to automatically adjust the brightness and voltage for the best and
safest lighting performances.
For truly atmospheric, harmonious and energy efficient home lighting,
look to the long-term basis and you’ll realize that high quality dimmers are
your best bet.
Infra-Red Remote Control Silent Dimmer Full-Flat Silent Dimmer
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MINIMAL LIGHTING
Effective home styling is what gives a dwelling
soul. A good design is not only a comfort, but also
a reflection of the designer’
s and residents’taste.
Each designer has his own style and presentation
methods. Steve Leung is a dedicated advocate
of minimalist styles. His works reflect the strong
and unique character of minimalism, with skillful
adoption of Asian culture and arts.

Some pictures are provided by the interviewee

 Steve is famous for his modern and minimalistic interior design.
Though some may claim that minimalism is easy to handle -- simply use
clean lines, a plain color theme and natural lights – they often end up with
results that are boring and cold. Steve does not fall into this trap. All his
projects have a lasting impact on the eye and the mind. We ask Steve how
he would define minimalism and the use of lighting in interior design.
“Lighting plays an important role in architecture,”he says.“I was
trained as an architect, therefore I take lighting and spatial concepts
seriously. Light is incorporated in the architectural whole.
“For example, bright and comfortable lighting is suitable for mass
restaurants like fast food restaurants, while moody high-class restaurants
carry softer lighting. There’re cases in which the restaurants keep the same
interior and décor, but change the ambience totally simply by modifying
the lighting. So the restaurants can provide a cozy lunchtime environment
in the afternoon under natural light, and then a romantic atmosphere for a
more intimate dining experience in the evening by using dimmed lighting or
candlelight. Lighting certainly impacts on the atmosphere of a room. With
some assistance from dimmers or a dimming control system, a space can be
instantly transformed from a quiet cozy area into a party room.”
Steve explains that he likes to use light sources to convey
minimalism.“For me, minimalism is not only a lifestyle, but also an attitude can cause a sense of insecurity, but also curiosity. Most office reception
towards life. It doesn’ t mean simple, but instead it makes use of simple areas use very bright lighting, but my own company's reception area
lines and lights to create a harmonious environment, which is much more doesn’ t have any windows, which inspired me to go along with the
sophisticated.” inherent environment to create a dark space that is both mysterious and
On expressing personal style, he says:“The most important point to hi-tech. That aroused much impressiveness and curiosity from our clients.
note in any room or space is natural light sources, especially in common That’ s why I would say Mood Expression can also apply to home lighting,
areas like the living room and the garden. So my designs use a lot of which is a good way to express the dwellers’ distinctive characters.”
natural light, as well as various styles of lighting fixtures to give a room He concludes,“From the very beginning, my designs have been
an attitude. Private or relaxing areas such as bedrooms need soft and modern and minimal, because that’ s my attitude towards life. I seek
adjustable lighting to suit the dwellers’ moods. Personally, dim lighting decency and neatness in work and in life, as well as quality. A minimal
is a good choice for such adjustments. As for rooms with other specific and high quality concept is similar to the traditional Chinese idea of
functions, it would be up to the dwellers’ liking and activities.” moderation; they both advocate a principle of modesty, which is about
When asked why the importance of good lighting is often neglected, using the most suitable means to achieve the best ends.”
Steve suggests that this has to do with a room’ s size and its practical “As I’ ve said, lighting has always been the most essential element in
uses.“Dim lighting usually gives a mysterious aura. Unexpected darkness my designs.”

Born in Hong Kong, Steve Leung graduated from HKU with Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1981. After qualifying as a Hong Kong-registered
Architect in 1983, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Urban Planning from HKU in 1986. In 1988 he established his own architectural and
urban planning consultancy, and in 1997 restructured it into Steve Leung Architects Ltd and Steve Leung Designers Ltd, working on a wide range of
projects including residences, show flats, clubs, hotels, shops and restaurants.

“Oscars”of the Architectural

Steve has been recognized 5 times as world renowned interior designer by the Andrew Martin International Awards, the
s prestigious“50 of the World’
industry. In 2003, his residential project was listed in Images Publishing’ s Best Apartments”, as well as adding a
number of Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards to his accolade. Shortly after, he was awarded the iF design award for his second furniture series
“Cube”
. The success story continued as his third furniture series“Ling-Long”won the 1st Prize at the Annual Industry Awards, UK Birmingham
Fair. In 2006, he gained more global recognition by winning a Gold Medal in the Hospitality Design Awards (US) as well as a Gold Key Awards
(US) nomination with his design for the Maxim Group restaurants. He has also been named one of the Ten Most Outstanding Innovative Chinese
Entrepreneurs in China.

25
Tips from the Expert

PLAYING TRICKS
WITH LIGHTS
As interior designer and architect Steve Leung says, knowledge of lighting
design and its uses makes a fascinating topic.
When putting lighting design into practice, there are several factors to consider:
the choice of light sources, how to make use of natural light, the choice of
digital stabilizers, the wiring system and the choice of quality dimming and
scene control systems.
The maintenance of light fixtures and stabilizers – as well as their eventual
and timely replacement – is also important, since it can improve the lighting
system’ s efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while ease of installation and
cleaning, as well as product safety, are also important considerations.
 Fine Lighting is an indispensable element in a modern home, as it can
alter the lighting atmosphere according to the inhabitants’moods and needs.
The idea is to use dimmers or dimming control systems to complement
appropriate light sources to enhance the quality of our living, work or study
environment. The ultimate goal is to create an efficient, comfortable, safe,
economic and cozy atmosphere with the help of modern lighting technology.

Different Lighting for Different Needs Silent Dimmers – Digitalized for Quality Dimming
Thanks to their precise circuit board control, silent dimmers allow bulbs to
Living rooms generally call for a welcoming atmosphere and so a stately
perform at their optimum level to minimize humming noise and reduce the
and bright ceiling lamp or multi-head pendant lamp is the ideal choice. Pendant
amount of heat generated. Silent dimmers can provide brighter, more
lamps are recommended for ceiling heights of 2.8m or above, and to be
efficient and cost-effective lighting than traditional mechanical dimmers –
avoided for ceiling heights of less than 2.5m; or if it is a necessary choice, the
while consuming less amount of energy.
pendant lamp should be confined to a maximum height of 30cm to maximize
spaciousness. A floor lamp can be added behind the sofa, of course of a style The Schneider Electric ZENcelo silent dimmer is one of the best. Coming in

and colour that fits in with other interior fixtures. By combining these light an exquisite full flat design, it is available as Full-Flat Silent Dimmer and IR

sources with dimmers and electricity circuit control, the end-user can easily Remote Control Silent Dimmer, the latter also built with a brightness level

adjust lighting distribution and brightness to soften the mood of the room. indicator for easy reference.

In bedrooms, opt for a silent dimmer to achieve fine lighting. As a

bedroom is sometimes used as a powder room or a reading room, additional
task lighting is often installed for functional purposes, while complementing
the room's relaxing atmosphere. Remember to opt for reading lights that
are mobile and adjustable, so that users can alter illumination angles when
necessary. Reading spaces call for unimpaired vision, so it is essential to
ensure that the ambient lighting and task lighting are harmonious. Task
lighting should be bright yet soft, movable, adjustable and easy to operate, so Full-Flat Silent Dimmer IR Remote Control Silent Dimmer
as to protect the eyes. The right lighting design not only soothes our sensory (white / sliver bronze) (white / sliver bronze)
nerves, but also enhances spaciousness and allow versatility.

27
Fine Lighting：Living and Dining Rooms

NEW SPATIAL DIMENSION IN

LIVING ROOM
The living and dining areas are the centre of the household, being the social hub for friends and
family as well as serving visual and audio entertainment, reading and guest entertaining needs. No
other room has to serve so many common purposes, so it is essential to complement the living and
dining areas by fine lighting, not only to meet its multi-functional demands, but also to expand the
space and provide the right ambience for the right functions.
A Double Mission: to Illuminate and to Adorn
Light troughs and false ceilings in the living and dining areas can create
a powerful yet poetic feeling in the room. The hidden light sources ensure
that lighting is absolutely glare-free, while subtly unifying the entire space
and providing warmth in a subtle way. Since light troughs and false ceilings
are normally built alongside the walls, they provide subtle illumination along
the edges of the room and give the illusion that the ceiling is receding
upwards, towards the centre of the room, hence a feeling of spaciousness.
Artistic lighting comes in two forms: one uses an opaque shield aligned
with the wall, reflecting the lights to give the perfect backdrop for imaginative
décor; the other involves a top-opening light trough which directs light
upwards to then bounce back from the ceiling, creating a floating sensation.
It is worthwhile to note that home design should not be treated as
an art; rather, it should be a practical form of communication. Art, on the
other hand, is expressive and creative. For that reason, we should always
consider the balance between function and appearance. For example, just
as crystal, glass, stainless steel or other metallic materials complement
modern minimalist designs, a black, grey or white monotone environment
with sensor-operated soft lighting are the recipe for a cool and hip setting.
the hallway – they all have different purposes and so lighting must be set up
Simple Solutions for Multi-functions accordingly, and harmoniously, to bring out the best in every feature.
Apart from dimmers, the use of scene control systems further
The latest dimming technology can bring out the harmony between
enhances the ambience and function of the room to serve different purposes
different zones in the same space, whereas discrete lighting can separate
at different times.
the space into different areas.
The living room is the hub of the household and it is multifunctional.
Soft lighting for small areas is suitable for casual family chats and it is Hints for Choosing Light Fixtures
important that lighting should not directly bounce off faces; bright lighting, High intensity light sources such as ceiling lamps, pendant lamps, floor
offering high illumination in a large area, can boost the fun for a friendly lamps, table lamps, spotlights and wall lamps are suitable for illumination in
gathering; and task lighting, giving high intensity with medium colour the living room area. Each different type of lamp has its own unique function,
temperature, is ideal for reading. In general, glare-free products with optimal and you can mix and match for a palette of different ambiences. Ceiling
softness and enough power to retain sufficient brightness should be used lamps give the home a trendy vibe while floor lamps bring coziness to the
in the living room. room. Spotlights show paintings or art pieces to their best advantage, and
Lighting control is essential for accentuating the multifunctional nature table lamps beside the television screen offer protective lighting by reducing
of the living and dining areas. That’s why lighting experts recommend lighting strain on the eyes.
controls that utilize high quality dimmers and lighting control systems to In the dining room, a wall lamp, table lamp, ceiling lamp as well as
achieve a fine lighting effect, so that the corresponding sets of lights can be chandelier and spotlights above the dining table can transform the dining
called into action when certain activities are performed in the room. The sofa, experience. A high intensity ceiling lamp imparts the perfect hue to food,
the entertainment system, the cabinet, the wine cabinet, the wall painting, while a low-intensity table lamp will conjure up a romantic atmosphere.

29
Fine Lighting：Home Theatre

A PERFECT HOME THEATRE

There’ s nothing better than relaxing at home and indulging in the home theatre or music. The
locations and settings of the equipment, the spatial ratios between different elements and the
interior design of this area are all equally important. The home theatre today calls for trendy design,
which translates into good lighting design to match the cutting-edge audio-visual equipment. To
achieve perfect audio and visual effects at home, three key words must be observed: darkness,
spaciousness, and serenity.
The Right Lighting for Good Visual
Performance
Darkness is the desired ambience created by lighting set-up. In dark
surroundings, visual images become more vivid and detailed. Too much
brightness in a room distorts contrasts in the colour and sharpness of
the image, which is why manipulated darkness is the right choice for the
home theatre.
However, the environment needn’ t be pitch-black. Unlike the real
cinema screen, which is larger than our visual field, a TV screen is smaller
than our visual field. So it overtaxes our eyes to switch our line of sight
between dark surroundings and a bright screen. Subtle lighting between
the TV screen and the dark background alleviates eye strain even after
long periods of time; it also brings out the best colour resolution. On the
other hand, the best contrast is achieved in a pitch-black environment.
Since high definition TV and multimedia computers feature extremely
fine definition of the visual image, backlights are not necessary. Dimmed
rooms are perfect for enjoying the home theatre – the lighting should not
exceed 10% of the intensity of the screen’ s brightness. And happily the
remote control is easy to use under dimmed lighting, as compared to in
a complete blackout!
An adequate level of lighting and the elimination of disturbing glare
are the prime requirements for good visual performance. Reflections on
screen are particularly distracting but can be avoided by ensuring that the
monitor and any direct lights are properly positioned in relation to each
other, bouncing reflections of the wall or ceiling instead, for instance.
Backlights directed towards the wall or ceiling can also help to minimise
these reflections. In normal settings, using a light source of less than 15W
on each side of the television is recommended, with no need for additional
direct lighting. It is also important to block out natural lighting from the
outside. Dense, dark drapes or light-blocking blinds can be installed. Mastering Spaciousness and Serenity for
the Best Audio Enjoyment
Spaciousness and serenity refer to the auditory aspect of the home
theatre. Spaciousness means avoiding furniture and light fixtures that are
too large for the room; minimalism is a good philosophy to ensure the
acoustics are at an optimum level. Serenity means blocking out all external
and irrelevant sound or noise, so as to make the perfect environment for the
audience to enjoy their movies.
In a city where every square foot costs thousands of dollars, most
living rooms double as a home theatre area. The impact of normal daily
activities and natural lighting on the home theatre’ s audio and video quality
is significant, so it is essential to take into play the design of the walls, the
choice of flooring materials and colours, the selection of sound absorption
curtains, etc., when transforming a living space into a home theatre. To
maximize space usage, try installing a projector screen that can be rolled
up to the ceiling or into a light trough, thereby cancelling the need for a TV
Scene Control Systems stand. With some creativity in fixture design and lighting control, a peaceful
Small spaces usually cannot afford to have a separate entertainment room, setting of darkness and silence can be created for an excellent home
and the living room doubles as a home theatre. That’
s why a scene control theatre experience.
system for fine lighting is ideal for transforming the living room into a home
theatre. One-touch scene control enables you to recall any pre-programmed
combination of lights and light intensity to create the desired scene,
intensify the mood and bring out the absolute best in your home theatre.
The intelligent system can also integrate the TV, DVD player and drape
control platforms together with the lighting system, and users can derive
ultimate convenience from this leading technology.
ULTI scene control system NEO-X scene control system

31
Fine Lighting：Bedrooms

EXUDING A SOFT AND

PEACEFUL AURA IN
One third of our lives is spent in bed – correct lighting in the bedroom
is therefore extremely important as it improves the quality of our sleep.
Apart from sleeping, the bedroom is a space where we also enjoy reading,
listening to music or watching TV. The space often doubles as a wardrobe
area or even a powder room. To serve these different purposes, bedroom
lighting should be relaxing and peaceful, with task lighting for specific
functions.
 Transformation from Bedroom to Dressing Room
The closet is considered a utility area of the bedroom and should be
treated with task lighting so that you have enough light to find your clothes
or accessories - and of course to be able to see properly what colours those
clothes are! Dimmers can also be installed to give flexibility, and specific
lighting scenes can be set for various uses.
Coupled with a good quality dimming system, lighting in the bedroom can
have a profound effect on the overall enjoyment of a living environment.

Soft Lighting in Bedrooms

Lighting in the bedroom should be warm and soft. This room needs to
provide a safe haven from the daily grind under harsh white light, and the
solution is subtle lighting with a yellow tone which provides a comfortable
environment for sleeping and rejuvenating the body and mind. Avoid using
a ceiling fixture as the core or sole light source. If you must use a ceiling Nightlights
fixture, opt for one with a warm-tone bulb and a lampshade, but bear in Nightlights give a soft glow which
mind that a heavy fixture will be a hindrance to the relaxing ambience in eases sleep. Some are equipped
the room. You can use a wall lamp or a cylinder lamp at the makeup table to with a sensor system which is
complement any overhead lighting. perfect for when you wake up in
Remember to use light of a colour tone in keeping with your décor the middle of the night. Presetting
or personal preferences: yellow, red and purple tones can make a world of the brightness of these lamps
difference in the bedroom. Note that while a light source with high colour helps relieve any discomfort
temperature can lend freshness to this personal space, it tends to make the from contrasts in lighting; this is
room stark in dim lighting. On a final note, little nightlights are better than an especially handy feature for
bedside crystal lamps: they give enough glow for night vision but won’ t spoil children's rooms.
the ambience for sleeping.

33
Fine Lighting：Kitchen

WITH PERFECT LIGHTING

The kitchen in a modern home is not only for cooking. Nowadays most families
spend a lot of time in this room so it’ s essential that it is beautiful, functional and
comfortable. The increasingly popular practice of open kitchen design calls for better
and more flexible lighting systems. Soft lighting can make food look more appetising,
and turn the cooking process into an enjoyable task.
Task-specific and easy to clean
Regardless of size, most kitchens use ceiling lamps or pendant lamps
for illumination. Some bigger kitchens use discrete track lights to ensure
enough brightness in every corner for different tasks. When choosing a light
fixture for what is a notoriously oily area, the key words are“easy to clean” .
Pick fixtures that are made from stainless materials or have a protective
layer. Most kitchen designs include inlay or semi-inlay diffusing lamps above
the work surfaces. These embedded areas are made of a transparent glass
or plastic material which is easy to clean and can summon a pure and
pristine aura free of dust and oil. A range hood is usually installed above the
stove, with internal lighting that should be sufficient for cooking.

Multiple lighting functions typical ease, a space that’

To match the trend for combining cooking and dining within a single
location, lighting in the kitchen needs to be planned according to the
functions of different areas. The lighting for the cooking area should be bright
and sharp to accommodate all kinds of food preparation procedures. In the
dining area however, lighting should be gentle, allowing for a comfortable
and relaxing dining environment. Dimmers have a role in this area too
because users may want to switch between moods. In open kitchens, an
array of cabinets (I-shape, L-shape or U-shape) is generally complemented
by track lights, usually in a set of 6 to 10 warm tone lights which make the
space seem clean and fresh.
Nowadays cabinets often come equipped with LED lights as well, which
brings a playfulness into this small space: it’ s simply a matter of pressing
a button on the glass panel frontage to change lighting colours. So with
s often associated with grease and fumes can be
transformed into a welcoming and adaptable space, thanks to the flexibility
of the lighting system.
How to prevent tripping of an MCB?
When the total current flow is over the total current limit of an MCB (Miniature
Circuit Breaker: a modern replacement for a fuse), the MCB will trip to
isolate the power supply, hence avoids overloading and protects cables and
components. To avoid tripping, damage of appliances, fire or even explosion,
you should consult a licensed electrical engineer for a suitable MCB to
meet your total power needs. Write down clear instructions for safety and
maintenance, and do not place any items in front of the MCB. Some MCBs
are installed and concealed in the walls for aesthetic purposes.

35
Fine Lighting：Bathroom

SOFT LIGHTING FOR

THAT
The bathroom is increasingly acknowledged as a
place to relax and recharge, and modern design and
equipment are trendy and high tech. The lighting for
this space therefore requires extra thought. When
it's done right, the payoff is great, offering a spa
experience and making you feel pampered every
time you close the door on the world.
Decorating for Bath-time Pleasures
Proper lighting is of fundamental importance in every bathroom. A
properly lit bathroom helps to make you and your private space look as good
as possible, while also ensuring your safety. Take the spa salons for example:
those dimmed rooms are yearned for because of their soft and romantic
environment. Most bathrooms have limited space and lack natural light, so
artificial lighting is necessary. A good lighting plan involves a series of layers,
with ample light where it is needed for showers, shaving or putting on makeup,
for instance, in addition to other light sources which make the room look crisp
and clean.
Bathrooms with false ceilings make use of indirect light to cast pools
of warm illumination downwards through perforations and semi-transparent
materials.
Frosted glass makes wonderful lampshades for the bathroom. It’ s
heavy though, so extra attention must be paid during installation to ensure
safety. Organic luminous glass plates that feature engraved patterns assists
the diffusion of light rays. However this material is sensitive to heat and
easily distorted, so a low-temperature fluorescent light must be used with
any shade made from this glass, with a certain distance kept between the
bulb and the shade.
In addition to providing the utmost in functionality, mirror-side or above-
sink bathroom lighting also adds great style. Ideal lighting positions are
above the sink, toilet seat, bathtub and shower case, so as to supply enough
lighting for each area. Note that the bathroom fittings must be completely
encased to avoid short circuits and electric shocks due to the presence of
water or moisture. They should also be double insulated, with the bulb and all
metal parts covered to ensure that they are waterproof, moisture-proof and
anti-corrosion treated for easy cleaning.

Practical and Safe Fixtures

With the advances in technology used for housing, bathroom ventilation
systems now come equipped with health-conscious features like dual-speed
motors, exhaust fans and anion generators to provide new experiences of
comfort, convenience and hygiene. The dual-speed motor provides heating
functions and improves airflow, keeping the space dry and killing the
mould and bacteria that grow in damp environments. The built-in exhaust
fan efficiently and quietly removes moisture, carbon dioxide and bathroom
odours. The anion generator provides fresh air in the bathroom, which can
help hair growth and has possible curative effects. Concealed waterproof
light switches of a particular specification can mean that there are no water
pipes, electric wires or switches visible on the wall; this aspect of the design
is not only pleasing to the eye but is also a significant safety feature.

Using a Motion Sensor Sockets for Bathrooms

Special light switches are used in the bathroom to
enhance the practicability and safety of the lighting
system. For example, a motion sensor can be connected
Locator
to the lighting system for instant illumination whenever
people enter the room. Another option is installing a
switch with a locator function – this will guide users
through the dark to the exact location of the switch.
Motion sensor
If you need to use high voltage electric appliances like
hair dryers in the bathroom, you need to use RCD
(Residual Current Device) sockets which prevent short
Safety cover
circuits in a moist environment. The alternative is using
safety covers for sockets to ensure they are waterproof,
dust-proof and shock-proof. For low voltage devices such
as shavers, shaver units like those in hotel bathrooms will
suffice – but remember these are not suitable for hair
dryers and other high voltage appliances.
RCD Socket

37
Fine Lighting：Entrance Area

DESIGN FOR AN
If your home has an entrance area or hallway, then a few little tricks can greatly enhance both the
design’ s best features and the practical aspects of the space.

Nicely Lit for Big Impact adopt a light, bright colour theme in these hallways. Alternatively, installing
embellished glass, mirror or other transparent materials adjacent to the door
To bring out the best qualities and practical use of the entrance area, a
frame can help bring external lighting into the area.
wisely designed lighting control system plays an important role. A carefully
Considering the high usage of the entrance area, fogged tiles or stone
balanced distribution of lights is used.
materials are suitable, because they are durable and easy to clean.
Most entrance areas do not have windows; therefore it’ s necessary
to have suitable lighting design for this space, which ties in with the
atmosphere of the rest of the house. There are a number of ways to light the Savvy switch use
entrance area, such as using a big chandelier or pendant light as the main
Have you ever forgotten to turn off the living room lights before going into
light source, paired with spotlights, wall lamps and LED lights as assisting
the bedroom? Or had to walk around in the dark after switching off the
lights. Up-light floor lamps are also an option here.
hallway lights? To avoid these situations, you can install 2-way switches.
These are useful for switching lights on and off from the entrance as well as
A Fusion of Lights and Materials from outside the bedroom. This practical solution brings convenience and
The entrance areas of modern metropolitan residential flats are safety to the home.
usually very restricted in terms of space and natural light, and so it’
s best to
 Fine Lighting：Patio

TIPS FOR
LIGHTING DESIGN
The wisdom of home design sometimes springs from a single idea. Most designs only focus on
existing physical spaces, neglecting the possible spatial connection between the interior and the
patio or garden. With good lighting design, space can be extended.

Spatial Extension
When designing a home, the patio can be used as an extension of the
flat to make connections between the indoor living space and the outdoors.
Outdoor lighting can assist in opening up the space. For instance, an
expansive floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door admits a flood of natural light
while dissolving the boundary between inside and outside. LED lamps can also
contribute to landscape design, bringing the beautiful image of the outdoors
into the home during the evenings, and creating an illusion of spaciousness.
With good use of lighting, a sizeable patio can draw the eyes outside,
extending the home outwards, while simultaneously bringing the outdoor
scenario into the home. Why not adjust some furniture and enjoy the
splendid views from your favourite perch?
Sockets for Outdoors
Opt for waterproof and humid-proof sockets for any external
electricity supply.

39
Home of the Future
40

e
ov
fL
SMART HOME CONTROL
do
o
Mo
the

FOR
In

Intelligent systems are becoming prevalent in today’ s technological era.

Smart identity cards and e-passages are used in immigration procedures;
electronic payment systems and the Octopus Card offer alternatives to
cash payment; transportation systems and facilities in malls are also
becoming automated; and the movement is sweeping into our homes.
With the rapid development of wireless networking technology, Smart
Home is no longer confined to science fiction. It already exists in our
daily lives and attracts increasing public attention, especially from those
pursuing better living standards. As technology becomes more significant,
Smart Home Control will be widespread in the future.
Centralized Home Control Systems
Notwithstanding the recent increasing popularity of the Smart Home,
many people still have the misconception that it costs hundreds of thousands,
or even a million dollars, to install a household intelligence system. Yet
as designer James Law comments,“Smart Home Control isn’ t a bunch of
products but a system which connects electronic appliances and furniture
in the home through a wireless network. Operating through just a remote
control device, it brings you a simpler, safer and more comfortable lifestyle.”
Smart Home Control and intelligent electronic appliances are often
considered as interdependent. Yet electronic appliances in a Smart Home
Control are not necessarily“intelligent” . Existing appliances can be connected
into a single platform through a Smart Home Control System, sparing us the
trouble of having to use different switches for different electronic appliances.
With a preset program, the simple touch of one button can switch the home
to the TV mode, which automatically and simultaneously switch on the TV
and DVD player, dim the lights and draw the curtains. Existing air-conditioners,
DVD players, TVs, computers and even curtains can all be easily connected to
the Smart Home system for centralized control.
For kitchens and bathrooms, connecting electric stoves, water heaters
and drying machines to a single system is the safest and most convenient
set-up.
In addition, the Smart Home system can complement various security
devices, such as various types of sensors, to increase the level of security.
Automated control of the curtains according to the amount of daylight can
help to reduce energy use for lighting and air-conditioning.

Enhanced Convenience through

Remote Control
At a more sophisticated level, users can control and monitor their homes
from a distance through devices such as computers, mobile phones and PDAs
connected to the wireless network, making the home more“transparent”.
Functions include turning on and off lighting, TVs, hi-fis, air-conditioners, DVD
players and the security system.
Smart Home Control means that all electrical appliances and lighting
fixtures are brought under control with one single remote control device. For
instance, you can turn off the kitchen, bathroom and/or the bedroom lights
without moving a step from your favourite armchair. An intelligent centralized
remote access system also allows air-conditioners to be switched on well
before you get home on a hot summer’ s day.
The great news for those always on the go is that: you no longer need to
search for that mysteriously displaced remote control device amidst a pile of
others – cause all you have is one!

41
 Useful Information
Useful Information
1. What are CE and IEC? environment without generating any interference effects, hence avoiding
the emission of harmful radiation. EMC standards are now part of the
The CE mark is used on products that conform to the health and requirements of many international safety standards.
safety requirements set by the European Union. Products bearing the
CE stamp do not need further safety standard testing to be accessible to 3. What is the difference between an
consumers in the EU.
“adaptor”and a“transformer”?
IEC standards are the international standards for electrotechnologies
set and issued by the International Electrical Commission, a standards An adaptor is used to“transform the form of a plug”, and it is commonly
organization composed of committees from various countries representing mixed up with the word“transformer”.
the electrotechnical interests of each nation. The IEC prepares and A transformer consists of 2 or more coils of wire. Its main use is to alter
publishes international standards for electrical and electronic products voltage and electrical resistance and to transfer electricity from one circuit
worldwide. As the world’ s first international standards organization, to another. It allows electrical appliances manufactured to work with 110V
the IEC was founded in 1906, based on a decision made during the to operate in Hong Kong’ s 220V system.
International Electrical Congress held in St. Louis, USA in 1904.
4. IP Rating
The IEC mission Recognized by most countries in Europe, the IP Rating provides a
The IEC mission is to improve standardization and international useful system for classifying electronic enclosures into categories based on
cooperation in electrotechnology through its national committees. Concrete their protection against collision and the intrusion of dust and water.
actions include testing the conformity of products to international standards, The IP Rating is defined by the IP Code in the IEC 529 (BSEN 60529:
and cooperation in the field of electrical, electronic and related technologies. 1992). Two digits following the letters“IP”indicate the levels of protection.
The first digit indicates the equipment’ s level of protection against dust and
Structure of the IEC users’ safety level against hazards inside an enclosed environment. The second
digit indicates the equipment’ s level of protection against water.
At present, there are 60 IEC members, also known as IEC national
committees. Some national committees are constituted by the public sector Number: 1st digit Solid
only, some are a combination of public and private sectors, and some are 2nd digit Liquid
private sector only. Each country has only one organization that can be
accepted as her national committee. 0 No protection

There are 2 types of membership: full membership and associate No protection

1 Protected against solid objects larger than 50mm, such as accidental hand contact
membership. Full membership allows countries to actively participate in IEC
Protected against vertical drips
activities and grants voting rights. Full members must agree to open access
2 Protected against solid objects with a diameter exceeding 12mm and a length less
and balanced representation from all private and public electrotechnical
than 80mm, such as fingers
interests in its country. Associate membership allows for limited participation
Protected against water spraying at an angle of 15o
for countries with limited resources. They can attend IEC meetings as
3 Protected against solid objects larger than 2.5mm, such as tools and metal wires
observers, but have no voting rights.
Protected against water spraying at an angle of 60o
Finally, the Affiliated Country Programme allows the participation of
4 Protected against solid objects larger than 1mm, such as thin metal wires
countries whose national committees are usually formed through the help of
Protected against water splashing from any direction with limited ingress of water
the IEC Central Office or neighbouring IEC members; they become eligible for 5 Protected against dust. Ingress of dust is not entirely eliminated but there is no
IEC associate membership after 5 years. harmful accumulation

Korea recognizes EM Mark/ the US recognizes UL Mark/ the UK recognizes Protected against water jets from any direction with limited ingress of water
6 Dust-tight. No ingress of dust
the ISO9001 Certification
Protected against powerful water jets from any direction with limited ingress of water

2. What are EMC standards? 7 Not applicable

Allows temporary immersion in water from 15cm up to 1m for up to 30 minutes
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) refers to the ability of a unit, 8 Not applicable
product or system to operate properly in pre-decided electromagnetic Allows continuous immersion in water under pressure

43
Useful Information

Countries Voltage and Types of Plugs

Asia Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type
Afghanistan AC 200V, 50Hz D Malaysia AC 240V, 50Hz G
Bangladesh AC 220V, 50Hz A/C/D Maldives AC 230V, 50Hz C/E
Brunei AC 220-240V, 50Hz G Mongolia AC 220V, 50Hz C/E
Burma AC 230V, 50Hz C/D/F Nepal AC 220V, 50Hz C/D
Cambodia AC 230V, 50Hz A/C Philippines AC 220V, 60Hz A/C
China AC 220V, 50Hz I Saudi Arabia AC 127/220V, 60Hz A/B/G
Hong Kong AC 220V, 50Hz G Singapore AC 230V, 50Hz G
India AC 230V, 50Hz C/D South Korea AC 220V, 60Hz F
Indonesia AC 220V, 50Hz C Sri Lanka AC 220V, 50Hz D
Israel AC 220V, 50Hz C/H Taiwan AC 110V, 60Hz B
Japan AC 100V, 50Hz B Thailand AC 220V, 50Hz A
Jordan AC 220V, 50Hz C/F/G/L Turkey AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Kuwait AC 240V, 50Hz C/G Vietnam AC 220V, 50Hz A/C
Macau AC 220V, 50Hz D

Europe Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type

Austria AC 220V, 50Hz C Italy AC 220V, 50Hz L
Belgium AC 220V, 50Hz A/C/F Luxembourg AC 220V, 50Hz F
Bulgaria AC 220V, 50Hz F Netherlands AC 220V, 50Hz F
Czech AC 220V, 50Hz E Norway AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Denmark AC 220V, 50Hz C/K Portugal AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Finland AC 220V, 50Hz C/F Poland AC 220V, 50Hz C/E
France AC 220V, 50Hz E Russia AC 220V, 50Hz C
Germany AC 220V, 50Hz F Romania AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Greece AC 220V, 50Hz C/F Spain AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Hungary AC 220V, 50Hz C/F Sweden AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Iceland AC 220V, 50Hz B Switzerland AC 220V, 50Hz C/E/J
Ireland AC 220V, 50Hz G U.K. AC 240V, 50Hz A/C/H

Type A Type C
Type E

Type F
Type B Type D
 America Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type
America AC 120V, 60Hz A Guatemala AC 120/240V, 60Hz A/B/G/H/I
Argentina AC 220V, 50Hz C/I Guyana AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/H
Belize AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/B/G/H Haiti AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/B/H
Bolivia AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/C Honduras AC 110V, 60Hz A/B
Brazil AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/B/C Mexico AC 127/220V, 60Hz A/B
Canada AC 110V, 60Hz B Nicaragua AC 110V, 60Hz A
Chile AC 220V, 50Hz C/F/L Panama AC 120/240V, 60Hz A/B/I
Colombia AC 110V, 60Hz A/B Paraguay AC 220V, 50Hz C
Costa Rica AC 110V, 60Hz A/B Peru AC 220V, 60Hz A/C
Dominica AC 230V, 50Hz D/G Salvador AC 110V, 60Hz A/B
Dominican Rep. AC 120V, 60Hz A Surinam AC 127/220V, 60Hz C/F
Ecuador AC 120/220V, 60Hz A/B/C/D Ukraine AC 220V, 50Hz C/F
Franch Guiana AC 220V, 60Hz C Venezuela AC 110/220V, 60Hz A/B/H

Pacific Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type

Ocean Australia AC 240V, 50Hz I Papua New Guinea AC 240V, 50Hz I
Fiji AC 240V, 50Hz I Sapiens AC 110V, 60Hz A
Guam AC 120V, 60Hz A/B Solomon Islands AC 220-250V, 50Hz C/D
New Zealand AC 230V, 50Hz I Tonga AC 240V, 50Hz I
Palau AC 110V, 60Hz B

Africa Country Voltage／Frequency Plug Type Frequency Plug Type

Central Africa AC 220V, 50Hz C/E Morocco AC 220V, 50Hz C/E
Egypt AC 220V, 50Hz C South Africa AC 220V, 50Hz D
Libya AC 230V, 50Hz D/Loltage／ Swaziland AC 220V, 50Hz D

*The above specifications are for reference only.

Type K Type M
Type G Type I

Type H Type J Type L

45
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