9 minute read
Where Design Meets Purpose
Sustainable Design, Community Spirit, and Remarkable Lighting Solutions at Fox Point Farms
By Randy Reid
Editor’s note: This article would normally be our “The Business of Lighting Design” column, but for this article we have renamed the column “The Businesses—and Friendship—of Lighting Design.” You will see why at the end of the article.
Thirty miles north of San Diego lies Fox Point Farms. It is more than just an agricultural community—it is a beacon of sustainable design, community spirit, and remarkable lighting solutions. The project’s success lies in the seamless integration of interior and exterior lighting, crafted by two talented lighting designers who brought their unique skills to the farm table.
Diane Borys, Founding Principal of Noctiluca Lighting Design and Consulting, led the interior lighting efforts, while Kenny Perez Jr., Senior Project Manager and COO of Visual Concepts Lighting (VCL), was responsible for the exterior lighting. Both faced significant challenges during the project, but the result is a stunning example of how collaborative lighting design can elevate a project.
A Visionary Project
The project was initiated by Brian Grover of Nolen Communities, who envisioned Fox Point Farms as a sustainable, agri-centered community that harmonized modern amenities with its natural landscape. Initially, a distributor’s inhouse design team provided the interior lighting design, but the projected costs exceeded $2 million. Recognizing the need for expert guidance, Grover sought help from Visual Concepts Lighting, who then recommended Noctiluca for the interior lighting work.
Noctiluca joined the project during the construction document (CD) phase. Despite the late entry, Diane and her team’s impact was immediate and transformative. By meticulously re-evaluating the lighting plan, Noctiluca reduced the estimated lighting material costs by over $500K. Diane stated, "By carefully re-aligning the lighting plan, we were able to reduce the projected lighting costs significantly.”
Exterior Lighting: A Foundation for Design Excellence
VCL’s cohesive exterior lighting design balances dynamism with a welcoming atmosphere. Perez’s vision was to transform the outdoor space into something visually compelling and engaging. A standout feature is the series of arched wooden tunnels leading visitors from the parking lot to the restaurant. He viewed these structures not just as walkways but as sculptural forms deserving of thoughtful illumination. "These tunnels, arbors, and archways almost appeared like sculptures to me—forms that needed to be highlighted in a way that was unique and engaging for visitors," he shared.
To achieve this effect, he selected Inter-lux ORMA Blade fixtures, known for their precise two-degree beam and 180-degree dispersion. These fixtures create a striking "tunnel of light" that maintains a sharp, controlled glow while protecting the night sky and effortlessly guiding guests into the space.
Additionally, recessed step lights from Performance in Lighting were seamlessly integrated into the wooden beams using custom back boxes designed by Perez’s team.
Integrating lighting technology into the architectural elements posed significant challenges, particularly when installing the step lights. To address this, the VCL team collaborated closely with Performance in Lighting to develop a tailored back box that securely housed the fixtures while adhering to all code requirements. The result is a clean and elegant installation with no visible wiring, preserving the space’s aesthetic integrity and delivering a seamless lighting solution.
Interior Lighting: Warmth, Ambiance, and Precision
The interior lighting design presented its own set of challenges. Borys’s goal was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that captured the farm’s rustic charm while addressing the varied functions of the space and the significant amount of glass surfaces.
The upstairs area is home to a farm-to-table restaurant, while the downstairs features a harvest market and cafe. In the brewery, where an all-glass façade introduced unique obstacles, Borys skillfully integrated lighting that balanced day-time functionality with night-time visual appeal.
“In the brewery, I selected WAC Monopoints to create a sparkling effect that plays beautifully off the brewing tanks, making the tanks a focal point. It was essential to balance functionality with visual interest,” she explained. The monopoints were meticulously aimed to produce shimmering reflections, enhancing the depth and character of the tanks without washing them out.
Borys emphasized, "Throughout the interiors, we focused on selecting fixtures that offered both flexibility and precision." She chose WAC Lighting Paloma track lights for their compact size, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. These fixtures subtly accentuated architectural elements while blending seamlessly into the plethora of glass mullions. Additionally, Cooper Lighting Solutions wall mount uplights were strategically placed to indirectly wash the ceilings with light, highlighting the wood’s texture and enhancing the overall warm ambiance of the space.
At the intricate back-bar area, where wooden shelves and displays with a mirrored backing dominate, Noctiluca concealed LED tape lights into the shelving. This subtle but effective lighting accentuates the natural wood texture while ensuring the products are well-lit, creating a visually appealing and functional backdrop to the space.
Stargazer Bulbs and the Exterior Canopy
Noctiluca’s contribution extended to the exterior canopies, where they coordinated with VCL to use the same lamps across the entire project, selecting Targetti Stargazer bulbs operating at 2200K. These bulbs emit a warm, cozy glow that adds a magical quality to the outdoor space. The choice aligned with the project’s philosophy of creating welcoming environments that connect with the natural surroundings.
Beyond the tunnels, the heart of Fox Point Farms features a festive outdoor market area where families gather to enjoy food, drinks, and a communal atmosphere. To maintain a cozy vibe in this area, Perez selected 2700K strand lights.
These lights are far from ordinary. Perez explained, "We wanted something cleaner and more refined for the market area. The custom brass 'hats' over the string lights not only prevent light pollution but add a character that’s missing from more generic options." These fixtures also used Stargazer bulbs, equipped with LEDs that mimic the twinkling effect of fireflies, further enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.
Attention to Detail in Every Fixture
Both Borys and Perez were meticulous in their fixture selections. For the outdoor lighting, Perez chose National Lighting Solutions' Sea Side Bollards, with their 90-degree cutoff grill that eliminates upward light spill while ensuring safety. For the building exteriors, he specified Barn Light Electric’s Original Outdoor Wooden Swing Lights with crook arms, which blend traditional aesthetics with modern technology. These fixtures, along with Farm Field flood lights from NLS, contribute to the farmhouse theme while providing functional lighting.
Crafting Emotional and Engaging Spaces
VCL has built its reputation on creating exterior environments that evoke strong emotional responses. By focusing on outdoor spaces—a niche often overlooked—Perez and his team have refined their approach to make these areas more than just functional. For instance, Ralph Suspension pendant lights from ZANEEN EXTERIOR are hung from tree branches throughout the site, adding a whimsical element that encourages visitors to explore and linger.
Seamlessly Integrated Technology
Another example of thoughtful integration is the strategic use of type 3 light distribution. Perez’s design was somewhat unconventional as he called for the fixtures to be installed backward. This rotation allowed the fixtures to focus light primarily on pathways while preventing light from spilling into residential areas.
Bringing Farmhouse Warmth to Life
The lighting at Fox Point Farms strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and sophisticated technology. From customized strand lights to strategically placed bollards and pendant lights, every element contributes to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Visitors feel welcomed and engaged as the lighting draws them in and enhances their experience at every turn.
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Diane Borys’s Health Challenge
The lighting design journey at Fox Point Farms was not without its trials. Earlier this year, Borys was suddenly hospitalized with a severe spinal bone infection that left her septic and temporarily unable to walk. During her three weeks in the hospital and subsequent rehabilitation, she was unable to oversee the finishing touches of the interior lighting. In a remarkable show of camaraderie within the lighting community, a friend, Tyler Ezell, from Syska Hennessy Group, stepped in to handle the final aiming of the lighting, ensuring Borys’s vision was fully realized despite her being in the hospital. This act of support highlights the close-knit nature of San Diego’s lighting industry.
Sustainability and Recognition
Sustainability was a core consideration throughout the lighting design. Borys and Perez ensured that all specified fixtures were the latest technology to maximize the energy efficiency and longevity of the project. The design also minimized unnecessary lighting to reduce energy consumption and light pollution, aligning with the farm’s sustainable vision.
The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. Fox Point Farms is a contender for the prestigious ORIT Awards, the SDAF Orchid awards, and has been featured in several high-profile tours organized by AIA, SDAF, and Women in Green. The project is also under consideration for international awards like the LIT Awards, which honor outstanding lighting designs worldwide.
Fox Point Farms is a shining example of how thoughtful, well-executed lighting design can transform a space. Through a combination of expertise, resilience, and collaboration, Diane Borys and Kenny Perez Jr. have created a lighting scheme that feels both timeless and modern—a place where design meets purpose in the most illuminating way possible.
As both designers continue to push the boundaries of what lighting can achieve, Fox Point Farms stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of well-crafted design. With its blend of interior warmth and exterior allure, the project is not just a farm—it’s an experience.
