About project

An iconic nocturnal experience in Rotorua offers the opportunity to explore majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness; illuminated by bespoke creations to create an immersive and captivating environment.

project specifications

Quantity of lights: 30
Names: Ruru (NZ owl), Karearea (NZ Falcon) and the Miromiro (Tomtit)
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand Website: www.treewalk.co.nz

The CHallEnge

The lights needed to survive the demanding environmental conditions (for up to 20 years), avoiding any piercing or damage to the tree, made from non-toxic material suitable for outdoors and yet needed to appear weightless, even when suspended over 25 metres above the ground and up to 2.5m tall.

THE RESULT

The forms have the whimsical feel of lanterns lighting a path, floating away into the distance within the perspective of the forest. “With thirty custom-made creations the night-time forest has come to life in a magical and surreal experience, our visitors are enthralled by it and the story behind the works,” says Rotorua local and Treewalk director Kellie Thomasen.

THE SOLUTION

Working with Tungsten and Tool allowed the David Trubridge team to get cutters that can cut a new non-toxic composite sheet material suitable for outdoors called Tricoya, which is made from the by-product of another sustainable outdoor timber ‘Acoya'.  

David Trubridge is one of the world’s preeminent designers and a recognised leader in environmentally responsible design. Countless influential international publications have featured Trubridge’s iconic work, which ultimately launched the 'raw sophistication' design trend.