It is often in the pursuit of simplicity that great design takes shape. A recent collaboration between VidaSpace and Powersurge articulates that premise with purity, precision, and a quietly powerful presence.
Tucked away in central Christchurch, unassuming from the street, an immersive new showroom presents a compelling take on the possibility of material, and the delicate fusion of tradition and innovation. Its design is anchored by an ambiguity of sorts — it could be many things: an event space, part of a home, or a workplace.
The design, a collaboration between Warren and Mahoney, VidaSpace and Powersurge, grew from the concept of ‘storytelling’ evident in European showrooms and was defined by VidaSpace’s ethos of empowering ambitious design. “We wanted to create a space that is anything but a traditional retail space … and we also wanted to push the boundaries of our materials,” VidaSpace’s Ahlia McKenzie explains.
The result is entirely captivating; divided into three distinct zones: Entice, Excite, and Educate, the space packs a punch with the intricacies of innovation and craftsmanship evident in every detail. Seemingly simple yet highly complex curves are articulated with VidaSpace’s timber finishes, while the space is illuminated with pieces from metal artisans Powersurge.
Hovering above a sculptural kitchen island is the Elevation Pendant — a daringly simple expression of refinement — in aged brass. Its slim, perpendicular lines meet off-centre to form a stylised cross, providing multiple planes from which light is emanated. The result is a refined, structural suspension that delivers light vertically and horizontally, offering dynamic illumination intended to quietly elevate the spaces around it. Paired here with the Seamless Lateral Light, also in aged brass, and the Lito Pendant, a slimline, modernist piece, the trio of products seeks to invigorate the spatial experience while articulating the beauty of the understated.
“This space is a testament to the power of materials and form — where timber, metal and light interact in a way that feels both raw and refined,” Powersurge’s Andrea Harradine explains. “It’s a perfect representation of the belief that the simplest forms often carry the most impact. “Working with brass in ways that honour traditional methods while embracing modern innovation, our lighting is a study in simplicity. When paired with products such as VidaSpace’s beautifully textured timber surfaces, the result is a harmony of materials that speaks to both legacy and tradition, and the continued evolution of timeless design.” A centrepiece in the space is a 140-year-old log, which VidaSpace imported from one of its German timber suppliers, with laser-engraved notations marking the milestones during the lifetime of the tree.
“From European oak to burl, the space is an ode to timber. It’s a celebration of the VidaSpace ecosystem, showing innovative interior timber applications in ways not seen before,” Ahlia says. “Working with Powersurge, who shares a commitment to premium materials and craft, and a passion for bespoke, artisanal design, allowed us to elevate the space into something remarkable.”
Visit the showroom at 143 Victoria Street, Christchurch.
