The entire lighting system was designed, engineered, and installed by Frank Torres Construction in Lake Forest, California. President Frank Torres, and Landscape Designer Bill Rose, combined their talents and created a low voltage lighting system that features a variety of uses and effects.

The company initially became involved with the project when they were hired to build the seven car parking garage basement located at the property. After the completion of that original project, they began the landscape design for the home. The agenda for the landscape portion of the project was to create an appropriate design that would adhere to the requirements of the site, in addition to the needs of the client. As part of this process, the team developed a lighting plan that would easily fit into the landscape.

As with all lighting plans, the issue of voltage drop was calculated early in the conceptual stages of the design. Since the team installed the system during construction, they were able to significantly reduce the likelihood of voltage drop because they had the ability to modify and fine-tune the system as needed.

The lighting scheme was intended to be a cohesive melding of various effects, as opposed to many separate, individual features. The design composition was planned to use intentional lighting as a way of acknowledging and changing perspectives and viewpoints. An absence of glare was accomplished by properly aiming and shielding light sources so that they didn't detract from the various effects.

Working closely with the homeowner's interior designer, the team devised a three-part lighting system for the estate: Everyday lighting was combined with moonlighting capabilities, along with a Christmas lighting system. The different lighting plans were installed simultaneously at an early stage in the construction of the home. All systems are on separate circuits and are individually controlled from three separate control panels located inside the house by a computerized Jandy "Aqua-Link" system.

Functional Lighting

The primary reason most clients purchase a lighting system is to provide adequate safety lighting for their residential structures. The typical designer doesn't pay as much attention to the ambiance that the chosen lighting fixtures can create. Instead, they make many of their decisions based on a very narrow definition of the purpose for lighting residential landscapes. Even unintentional mistakes in the layout of the design can enormously affect the safety of the area, as well as negatively effecting the features at the site.

In order to create a great lighting plan, designers should remember that functional lighting has a wide range of applications that can greatly increase the beauty of the surrounding area. Not only can a lighted pathway provide safety to visitors, but it can also add a subtle amount of drama to the area.

The designers of the Schreyer residence created a plan that combines the grace and elegance of the home, with more practical lighting techniques. In addition to the necessary illumination, the team created a lighting plan that would truly showcase the unique landscape. Fortunately, the designers weren't limited by budget restrictions. "The client let us do what we do best," said Torres. The result was a lighting design that maximized the beauty of the home.

The main lighting system at the location acts as the daily, practical aspect of the project. This system consists of over 200 regular 12 volt fixtures spilt into 2 separate systems. The first portion of the main system is the "everyday" use of subtle, accent lights. Many of these lights are hidden in various planted pots throughout the landscape. The second portion of the functional lighting is a special system which can be activated for parties and other occasions.

The patio in the backyard of the site is equipped with a table and chairs next to a wall fountain (right). The fountain sits in between two lighted Guava trees. A row of Italian Cypress trees stand behind the fountain. The path leads to an extensive garden area. The main lighting system used on this area contains over 200 regular 12 volt fixtures split into 2 separate systems. Many of these lights are hidden in various planted pots throughout the landscape.

The lush and informal Koi pond contains lights that showcase the waterfall in the back of the pond. Using a three tank system, the unique pond is built into the side of a hill. Next to the Koi pond is a concrete arbor gazebo with overhead lights. The structure was designed and built especially for the location and houses an outside restroom. Faux rock is used throughout the two areas to visually connect the pond and the gazebo together.

The swimming pool consists of mosaic tile and is highlighted by the three identical cast bronze rams heads. A nearby fireplace contains a larger replica of the rams heads made out of concrete. The accompanying lighting is used to highlight these unique site features and attractions in a subtle, non-intrusive manner. The designer's chose Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting of Simi Valley, California, to provide lighting products for the everyday system at the estate.

The lush greenery (above) at the site is showcased with subtle accent lighting. Composite lighting was used on some portions of the landscape in order to increase the longevity of the equipment. The plastic fixtures have a better rate of survival and won't rust due to dampness caused by ocean breezes. The composite lighting at the residence was placed to highlight the beautiful flower beds of white impatiens (left).

In addition to the practical applications, extra lighting systems were installed to give the home a more dramatic look. A 120 volt "moonlighting" system consisting of 36 mercury vapor fixtures are located in the large specimen trees. The wires were carefully hidden in an effort to avoid obstructing the look of the design. The moonlighting fixtures were manufactured by Greenlee Lighting, Inc. in Carollton, Texas.

The main challenge for this portion of the project was to keep the design intact amidst the large amount of cords needed to provide the light. The crew accomplished this by strapping the wires to the branches of the trees and hiding them with the leaves. Extra attention was given to ensuring that every wire and conduit was hidden. The moonlighting were placed on various trees throughout the estate, including giant cedars. The lights on the trees provide a striking visual effect that can be seen from a distance by onlookers.

The composite lighting accent some of the beautiful plantings at the property, including a bed of Asparagus ferns (right). The "moonlighting" fixtures are placed throughout the lush tropical side yard area (above). The moonlighting lighting fixtures were manufactured by Greenlee Lighting, Inc. in Carollton, Texas.

The homeowners also requested a system to be put in place for Christmas lights. The home now has the capacity to turn into a holiday extravaganza with the installation of an extensive 120 volt system with GFI outlets located throughout the landscape. The system in place can be used throughout the year.

Challenges of the Project

Bill Rose says that the most challenging part of the lighting design was to create the right balance. "We wanted all of the systems to provide the right amount of light, without looking garish," said Rose. Even in the best designed lighting systems, too much excess can ruin the look of the area. The team made sure that they used the correct amount of light by fine-tuning the system in order to avoid unattractive excess. Rose says that a tremendous amount of thought was put into this aspect of the design. "We didn't want the everyday lighting to glow like Disneyland," said Rose.

By completing the lighting installation during the time of construction, the designers had more options when it came time to solve various problems that arose. One difficult task of the project was to make sure that the homeowner's maintenance concerns were addressed. To combat these issues and to provide protection, the transformers were installed during the framing phase of construction. The owner didn't want the transformers to rust, so the crew encased them in custom designed and fabricated copper enclosures with cast bronze "rain tight" doors. For full protection, the transformers are recessed into the exterior walls of the residence. This example is one reason why taking proactive measures can turn a difficult situation into an easily solved task.

A properly designed lighting system utilizes all of the elements found at the site and the surrounding area. The design must satisfy the practical needs of the location, while simultaneously utilizing all of the artistic possibilities of the area. When done properly, the combination of the two elements is a sure way to satisfy any client.

Longevity is another important consideration in a great lighting design. A lighting system should be able to highlight the best aspects of the home for years to come. The mark of a good landscape lighting design is the use of various fixture types that offer a wide range of effects which will allow the lighting to grow along with the landscape.

Creating a balance between function and refinement is the hallmark of a great design. For the Schreyer residence, the team of designers created the right amount of drama and elegance. The everyday lighting combines efficiency with elegance, while the moonlighting system adds a touch of drama and theatre to the home. The landscape lighting brings the glamour of the Riviera to the coastal streets of California. LASN

The "everyday" system provides the more functional portion of the lighting plan. Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting of Simi Valley, California, provided the lighting products for the everyday system at the estate. Additionally, the homeowners requested a system to be put in place for Christmas lights. The home now has the capacity to turn into a holiday extravaganza with the installation of an extensive 120 volt system with GFI outlets located throughout the landscape, including in the giant Cedar Atlantica trees located in the front yard.