MYSTY.LIGHTS

For over fifteen years, the Lalbhai family has patiently transformed a once barren land in Koteshwar into a dense, private forest. What began as untamed terrain gradually became a sanctuary shaped with care, intuition and perseverance by Mrs. Lalbhai, where nature and design now coexist in quiet harmony. When the family commissioned a new residence conceived to merge seamlessly with this expansive landscape, Atelier dada was invited to imagine a lighting design capable of enriching nighttime walks and gatherings, while preserving the forest’s serenity and depth.

The project unfolded as a collective exploration. With no formal drawings and only a handful of site surveys, the design process began with careful observation. Each tree, plant species and growth pattern was documented, allowing the team to identify moments worthy of light and others best left in shadow. The intention was not to illuminate the garden, but to accompany it, letting darkness remain an essential part of the experience.

Light gently guides movement along winding paths, revealing textures, volumes and subtle focal points that appear and disappear through the foliage. Shielded bollards, concealed projectors and custom-designed pendant lights are integrated with precision, their presence almost imperceptible. Each luminaire is positioned to respect the rhythm of the landscape, ensuring that the nocturnal atmosphere remains fluid, immersive and intact.

Through this restrained and attentive approach, the forest becomes a place of discovery after dusk. Light does not dominate the landscape; it listens to it. The result is a luminous haven where nature and light coexist in balance, offering moments of quiet wonder, reflection and shared presence beneath the trees.