The Brickell Penthouse project stands as one of PAK LIGHTING's most technically complex and visually ambitious residential lighting designs to date. Located on the 52nd floor of a landmark Brickell tower in Miami, this 4,200 sq ft penthouse required a sophisticated, layered lighting scheme that would satisfy both the demanding aesthetic vision of the interior design team and the technical requirements of DALI integration and smart home compatibility.
The client's brief was clear: a lighting environment that would feel effortlessly luxurious at every hour of the day, transition seamlessly between entertaining and intimate modes, and integrate fully with the Lutron HomeWorks QS smart home platform already specified for the property.
The Lighting Design Challenge
Designing lighting for a high-floor Miami penthouse presents unique challenges. The floor-to-ceiling glazing that makes the views spectacular also creates extreme contrast between day and night conditions. PAK LIGHTING developed a layered lighting strategy that works in harmony with natural light during the day and creates a warm, controlled atmosphere after dark — without ever competing with the city skyline.
Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
Recessed adjustable CRI 97+, cove lighting, statement pendants
Warm 2700K ambient, reading zones, blackout-compatible dimming
Task lighting over island, pendant feature, under-cabinet LED
UGR <19 compliant, tunable white 2700–5000K, glare-free
IP65 rated, warm 2700K, integrated with interior scenes
CRI 97+ for accurate color rendering, moisture-rated fixtures
DALI & Lutron Integration
All 87 fixtures were specified with DALI-2 compatibility and integrated into the Lutron HomeWorks QS platform — Miami's most specified smart lighting system for luxury residential projects. PAK LIGHTING designed 14 independent lighting zones, each with custom scene programming for morning, daytime, entertaining, dining, and night modes.
Value Engineering — 22% Budget Reduction
The original lighting specification came in at $148,000. Through PAK LIGHTING's value engineering process, we identified performance-equivalent alternatives for 31 fixture types — maintaining CRI 97+, identical CCT, and matching beam angles — reducing the total lighting budget to $115,000. A saving of $33,000 with zero compromise on design intent.
10/10
Client satisfaction
22%
Budget saved
0
RFIs from contractor
CRI 97+
Color rendering
The project was delivered on time and within budget. The Brickell Penthouse has since been featured in Architectural Digest Miami as an example of best-in-class residential lighting design in South Florida.