As our very first location in the South Island, this showroom has held a special place in our hearts. To have it recognised by the industry in such a significant way is an incredible honour and surreal experience. We’re so proud of the team behind this space and deeply grateful to the judges, our collaborators, and the design community.
The showroom was designed by VidaSpace in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney, under the theme: "A Storytelling EcoSystem: An Ode to Our Love of Timber.” It draws inspiration from the humble cabin to guide visitors on a sensory journey through the VidaSpace world, shifting away from traditional retail towards an experience-led model that places connection at the centre.
“Redefining the retail environment by grounding the experience in the essence of its product, this showroom is designed to engage the senses — immersive, tactile and full of quiet discovery. With a minimalist elegance and a narrative that feels authentic and material-led, the designers have adeptly shifted the focus from transaction to connection. Timber is celebrated through rich layering and refined detailing, with elements such as the sculptural desk and striking spliced log playing with weight and lightness, adding a sense of craftsmanship and intrigue. The result is a sensory space that invites genuine connection, elevating material selection to memorable storytelling.”
- Interior Awards 2025 Jury
The showroom design is structured around four key experiences:
Entice - an inviting street-facing shopfront designed to draw people in
Excite - a central ‘cabin’ showcasing product versatility and offering one-on-one consulting
Educate - a hands-on area for learning about timber's full capabilities
Entertain - a flexible zone for community events and deeper engagement
From floors, walls, and ceilings to joinery and custom elements like the floating curved island, timber is used in expressive and technically advanced ways. Materials tell a story, from a 140-year-old raw log at the entrance, to engineered veneers that highlight the material’s full lifecycle.
The goal was simple: to build connection before making a sale. Light, nature and honest materials create an atmosphere that invites exploration, while shifting the showroom model from display to dialogue. A place to learn, create, and collaborate.
A huge thank you to our collaborators at Warren and Mahoney, to Architecture New Zealand, the Interior Awards judges, and to our fellow Retail Category finalists Space Studio, Three Sixty, Nikki Wilson, and Warren and Mahoney for being part of such a strong and inspiring field.
This recognition only deepens our commitment to pushing the boundaries of interior timber design, and to creating spaces that spark creativity, connection and material-led innovation.
