| 69 T T Kim Newth Winning showroom a sensory experience Driving the design evolution was a desire to create a storytelling eco-system embodying VidaSpace’s love of timber and natural, sustainable materials. Vidaspace INTERIORS For their first location in the South Island, VidaSpace has delivered something truly memorable: an award-winning, sensory-rich showroom that’s redefining the retail environment. Designed by VidaSpace, in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney, the VidaSpace Christchurch showroom recently won the retail category at the 2025 Interior Awards and has been named as a finalist at the upcoming Best Design Awards 2025. Driving the design evolution was a desire to create a storytelling eco-system embodying VidaSpace’s love of timber and natural, sustainable materials. Unlike a traditional, transaction-focused retail space, this showroom has been set up to guide visitors on a sensory journey centred on connection and exploration. At the awards, the standout design won praise for being immersive, tactile and full of quiet discovery, and for embodying a narrative that feels authentic and material-led. The judges observed that: “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.” Anchored in a family timber tradition, VidaSpace is dedicated to empowering ambitious design with inspired interior timber finishes. Winning national recognition at the 2025 Interior Awards caps a successful 10-year journey of growth for the company, which opened its first showroom in Auckland in 2016, followed by Wellington in 2020, and the new Christchurch showroom last November. “It had always been our goal to have a presence in the South Island too, and we were delighted to find the perfect location in Victoria Street in Christchurch, which is turning into quite a design district for the city,” says Ahlia McKenzie, VidaSpace design + marketing manager. “Winning this award is really special for us. Our Wellington showroom, designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, had previously won a silver pin at the Best Awards. This time, we decided to do the design ourselves in conjunction with master architects Warren and Mahoney. “While we live and breathe design every day on others’ projects, this is the first one we can put our own name to as a designer. For us to even be selected as a finalist at the Interior Awards felt pretty surreal, given the high calibre of entries. To be named as a winner has been the most incredible experience!” Visitors to the VidaSpace Christchurch showroom are greeted by an inviting street-facing frontage. Inside is an exciting, cabin-like space showcasing product versatility. A hands-on area provides opportunities to learn more about timber and its capabilities. Also worked into the design is a flexible zone for community events and deeper engagement. “We wanted to create a space where people could come in and find inspiration,” Ahlia says. “The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Our heart and soul is timber and natural materials. No matter where you look in this showroom, it’s 360-degree timber, and there are lots of surprising elements and clever joinery details as you journey through.” Ahlia says VidaSpace is hugely thankful to Warren and Mahoney as well as their talented fit-out partners, including CJC Construction and Bates Joinery. Architectural Residential and Light Commercial CJC Construction is proud to support Vidaspace Calvin Cocks 021 676 684 calvin@cjcconstruction.co.nz 021 240 0124 info@shaneboydgranite.co.nz Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops are proud to support Vidaspace GRANITE BENCHTOPS LTD 0 2 7 3 3 0 3 4 0 9 W W W . J B F A B R I C AT I O N . C O . N Z S A L E S @ J B F A B R I C AT I O N . C O . N Z P r oud ly s up p or t i n g V I D A S P A C E S P E C I A L I S T S I N D E C OR A T I V E M I L D S T E E L A ND B R A S S
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