Sitting high up through the hilltop trees of the Adirondacks, the stunning context is everything – lighting merely serves to illuminate the space and its use.

A family of just four techniques cost effectively and beautifully illuminate the space. Within the stair volume, the bannister railing is constructed of conductive tension wires, to which a scatter of low wattage lamps create a cloud of stars when viewed from within, and simply glow out the bold yellow space when viewed from without. In the living room, with its panoramic views, extremely low glare baffled downlights illuminate the space without reflection in the glass. Bedrooms are lit with simple indirect fluorescent light shelves, and the bathrooms and kitchen benefit from integrated cabinet lighting.

Simplicity was key – in this cost effective yet dramatic building, honest construction was the goal – luminaires are placed purposefully, where needed and are simple technical products.

Great beauty arises from the simple decisions in this home – decisions which in essence boiled down to one guiding principle. No fuss.

Stunning views are best left untouched by light.