The Mother Lode is an award-winning residential lighting design project located in Aspen, Colorado, recognized for its innovative approach to addressing challenging lighting design issues in spaces with large, flat ceilings. Designers Gregg Mackell and Adam Beck utilized square downlights and a sophisticated home control system to create a warm and intimate atmosphere while adhering to energy efficiency and safety codes. The project emphasizes the importance of layering lighting and optimizing architectural features to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

1. www.IESLightLogic.org
Light Logic aims to help
consumers learn about
residential lighting best practices,
design, energy efficiency and all
topics regarding lighting a home.
Visit Light Logic at:
www.IESLightLogic.org

2. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
Project: Mother Lode
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Award: Award of Recognition in Professional
Residential Category in Cooper Lighting’s
34th Annual SOURCE Awards
Lighting Designers: Gregg Mackell,
principal designer and Adam Beck, associate
designer of 186 Lighting Design Group, Inc.
Photography: Brent Moss
Read the full article at
IESLightLogic.org

3. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
Some of the most daunting lighting design
challenges present themselves in spaces with
large, flat ceilings.
Although it is easy to provide functional lighting
in this type of space, it is difficult to layer it and
create an intimate atmosphere.

4. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
For the Mother Lode Residence, the lighting
designers spent hours working with the interior
architect to break up ceiling planes with coves,
reverse coves, skylights and varied ceiling
elevations.
Once this as achieved, square downlights were
meticulously arranged with the architecture,
furniture, built-ins and art locations.

5. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
Why square downlights?
Every architectural junction in the space is a
right angle. This made square apertures an ideal
choice for recessed lighting.
The selected product also offered a high degree
of ease in aiming, relamping and adding media.

6. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
Compact fluorescent downlights and wall
washers were used to meet all energy, emergency
and egress codes in the lobby and public
corridors.
A home control system provides simple control
of the multiple layers of daylighting and electric
lighting throughout the home.
Choices of long-life light sources and dimmed
settings minimize maintenance. Home control
dimmed “scenes” accentuate the rich materials
and create a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

7. “The Mother Lode” Award Winning,
Lighting Design Project
Project: Mother Lode
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Award: Award of Recognition in Professional
Residential Category in Cooper Lighting’s
34th Annual SOURCE Awards
Lighting Designers: Gregg Mackell,
principal designer and Adam Beck, associate
designer of 186 Lighting Design Group, Inc.
Photography: Brent Moss
Read the full article at
IESLightLogic.org

8. www.IESLightLogic.org
Light Logic aims to help
consumers learn about
residential lighting best practices,
design, energy efficiency and all
topics regarding lighting a home.
Visit Light Logic at:
www.IESLightLogic.org