Case Study: Manhattan Residence / Private Art Gallery
Flexible Lighting & Invisible Technology for a Dynamic Art Collection
Project Background
A Manhattan client — a private art collector — asked us to design a custom Lutron lighting system for a residence that also serves as a gallery. The challenge: the space was highly dynamic, with sculptures and wall art changing frequently. The solution needed to provide museum-quality flexibility while preserving the elegance of a luxury residence.
Objectives
Adaptive Lighting: Create a system that could be reprogrammed to showcase new art installations, no matter their size, placement, or medium.
Invisible Technology: Integrate Lutron shades, audio, and security in ways that disappear into the architecture.
Luxury Comfort: Ensure the space functioned seamlessly as both a gallery and a home.
Challenges & Solutions
Legacy Compatibility
The project required legacy Lutron Ecosystem drivers to work with third-party fixtures. The architect proactively sourced and registered these discontinued components before installation, ensuring perfect integration with the sophisticated design.
Dynamic, Addressable Lighting
The client’s collection was to be constantly evolving, so the lighting couldn’t be static. Using Lutron Ecosystem drivers that are individually addressable, each light could be repositioned in software to highlight a new installation. Whether a large sculpture or a smaller wall piece, the lighting was easily adapted — delivering a flexible, gallery-grade solution that grows with the collection.
On-Site Collaboration
Near completion, wiring misinterpretations by a third-party electrician caused fixture malfunctions. Instead of placing blame, our team spent three days on-site collaborating to resolve the issue, ensuring every fixture was perfectly powered and controllable.
Implementation
Lighting & Shades: Individually addressable Lutron drivers within a custom Lutron system, plus motorized shades for natural light control.
Invisible Audio: Sonance invisible speakers blended seamlessly into the architecture.
Media Room: Artcoustic custom theater speakers paired with a Control4 system for dedicated AV performance.
Discreet Security: Covert surveillance integrated without disrupting the aesthetics.
Results
The result was a living, breathing gallery system. The addressable lighting allows the space to evolve fluidly with the client’s collection, while invisible speakers and discreet technology ensure the art remains the centerpiece. The client was thrilled with how easily the environment can now transform, remarking on the balance of museum-quality precision with residential ease.
Conclusion
This project showcases our ability to merge adaptive technology with architectural sensitivity. By implementing individually addressable fixtures, we delivered a lighting system that’s as dynamic as the art it illuminates. The Manhattan residence now stands as both a world-class gallery and a luxurious home — a testament to the power of design-led technology integration.
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