illuminating horoeka tree pod hangs above redwood forest in new zealand

David Trubridge’s tree-lantern in Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk

The Horoeka Tree Pod, a unique 9-meter-high lantern, is an integral part of the Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk in New Zealand, offering visitors a suspended, immersive experience. Designed by David Trubridge, this structure enhances the walkway, transforming the daylight journey into a magical nighttime adventure through its integrated lighting.

Horoeka extends the existing light installation created by David Trubridge Ltd in 2016. Utilizing the same design language, it forms a larger, walk-through lit form or pod that integrates seamlessly into the suspended walkway. This pathway, composed of suspension bridges and circular platforms around tree trunks, minimizes ecological disruption. The final attraction, Horoeka, offers an introspective experience contrasting with the expansive nature of the rest of the tree walk.

The timber structure of Horoeka harmonizes with the redwood forest, respecting its grandeur and ecological importance. Its cladding pattern mimics the draped leaves of the young lancewood tree (horoeka) found in the forest’s understory. The pod fully encases one platform, standing 9 meters high and weighing 3 tons. Constructed from 24 segments, each weighing about 130kg, the segments are bolted onto two steel rings, suspended from canvas straps around the tree trunk to avoid drilling into the tree.

all images courtesy of David Trubridge

suspended Horoeka Tree Pod merges with the forest landscape

Each segment comprises CNC-cut panels attached to vertical timber beams. The panels are made from 18mm Tricoya, an outdoor-rated MDF known for its durability, and the vertical beams are Glulam H3.2 ‘visual grade’ radiata pine from Techlam, chosen for its dimensional stability. All wooden parts were manufactured in Hawke’s Bay and assembled in Rotorua, ensuring minimal damage to the forest understory.

The steel components, fabricated by Ross MacKay, are galvanized and spray-painted black. Adjustable threaded rods and wooden blocks secure the structure against the tree, preventing movement. Durability was a key concern due to Rotorua’s corrosive sulfurous air and damp forest conditions, demanding a minimum lifespan of 20 years. The existing lights have proven resilient, with no signs of decay or breakages from falling branches.

Over time, the Tricoya and pine components turn silver or green and blend into the forest environment, accumulating vegetative growths that integrate the structure by day while it remains a luminous feature by night. David Trubridge Studio‘s main design intent was the seamless integration into the forest landscape.

the pod integrates seamlessly into the suspended walkway of suspension bridges and circular platforms

the Horoeka Tree Pod is a unique 9-meter-high lantern in the Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk, New Zealand

the cladding pattern mimics the draped leaves of the young lancewood tree found in the forest’s understory

canvas straps around the tree trunk suspend the pods, avoiding the need to drill into the tree

Horoeka Tree Pod enhances the Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk, immersing visitors into a magical nighttime adventure

the timber structures harmonize with the redwood forest, respecting its ecological importance

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last of the upper panels is winched into place

final lower panel is hoisted into place

the slats are made from Tricoya, and exterior grade MDF board

render models

project info:

name: Horoeka Tree Pod
designer: David Trubridge | @davidtrubridge

design team: David Trubridge, Marion Courtillé, Ross Mackay

location: Rotorua, New Zealand

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom