CASE STUDY: PROJECT BANKSIA - LIGHT MEETS LIFESTYLE IN ARLI CUSTOM HOME
Nestled in the leafy streets of Melbourne’s Albert Park, Project Banksia is a masterclass in refined design and grounded elegance. Designed and built by Arli Homes, Amphis was engaged to create a tailored lighting scheme that would enhance the architecture and atmosphere of this striking custom home.
Project snapshot
Location: Albert Park, Melbourne
Client: Arli Homes
Lighting Design: Amphis, led by project designer Eddie Buyukbekir
Products Used: Perri 13W, Bellucci, Cambio Pinhole, Atwood
Client vision
“At Arli, we use a holistic architect/builder approach to custom design. A great example of this is our partnership with Amphis Lighting” says Sharon Calleja, Arli Co-Founder. When you build with Arli, you don’t just benefit from their design expertise - you also gain access to their trusted collaborators. For Project Banksia, that meant working alongside Amphis to ensure the home’s lighting complemented its architectural intent and refined material palette.
“Lighting is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in shaping a home’s atmosphere,” says Eddie Buyukbekir, Amphis project designer. “Engaging a lighting designer ensures that every space is not only well-lit but truly feels right — balancing factors like function, aesthetics and well-being. Lighting is more than just illumination — it’s about creating an experience, and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve with Arli.”
Track lighting in the living space creates flexibility.
Amphis’s approach
The most essential requirement for Project Banksia was achieving a moody, atmospheric feel without making the spaces feel dark or enclosed. “One of the most effective strategies we used was harnessing accent lighting to frame key design elements,” explains Eddie. “Architectural features have been highlighted, like the textured walls, stunning cabinetry and natural materials to draw the eye and create depth.”
Rather than relying on standard downlights, Amphis developed a layered scheme that integrates seamlessly into the architecture. Targeted spotlights create defined pools of light, introducing contrast and depth, while uplights provide soft, indirect illumination that adds warmth without overpowering the space.
Bellucci uplights provide soft, indirect illumination.
Standout Features
Entry: Small Cambio pin lights provide a subtle glow at the entrance, warmly welcoming visitors into the home.
Kitchen: In the kitchen, Perri directional lights highlight the stone benchtops and wall-to-wall cabinetry. Paired fixtures create a strong, streamlined effect while keeping the ceiling uncluttered. Bellucci uplights expand the sense of height, balancing openness with intimacy. “The kitchen had to function seamlessly while still feeling elegant,” Eddie notes. “The custom lighting design made it possible to achieve both.”
Living space/room: The inviting living area showcases the versatility of a custom design. Adjustable track lighting allows the layout to evolve over time, whether pivoted to highlight a new artwork or to redirect beams ensuring no glare when in a reading chair. “Flexibility was key,” Eddie explains. “A custom lighting plan means the home can adapt as the family’s lifestyle changes.”
Every product and its placement was carefully considered to enhance function and ambience.
Generic, one-size-fits-all lighting rarely delivers the best outcome. With a bespoke lighting plan, Project Banksia becomes a home that is flexible, welcoming and thoughtfully designed for the occupants. “The collaboration between Amphis and Arli wasn’t just ticking off a lighting plan — we really wanted to create a home that feels as good as it looks,” Eddie emphasises. “Every fixture, every beam of light and every shadow was considered to craft an environment that truly supports the way life is lived within these walls.”
Do you have a project that would benefit from a custom lighting plan? Book a session with Eddie at Studio Amphis and discover how tailored lighting can transform your space.
Photographer: Timothy Kaye