Product of the Day: Kōura by David Trubridge
A quiet sculpture of light
Some lights simply fill a room with brightness. The Kōura does something gentler — it gives a space a calm, considered focal point. Its curled, droplet-like form echoes the kōura, New Zealand's native freshwater crayfish, and the finely woven traps early Māori made to catch them. Hung over a bar, in an entryway, above a stairwell or along a hall, it brings a sense of stillness and craft that turns everyday moments into something a little more beautiful.
The detail that makes it special
The magic of the Kōura is in its negative space. The open lattice of the shade casts a series of soft diamond shadows across walls and ceilings, shifting through the evening as the light changes. The effect is sculptural without being loud — a piece that feels at home in both relaxed family spaces and more refined interiors, with the chosen finish amplifying its character.
Designed by nature, made with care
Kōura is part of David Trubridge's celebrated kitset lighting range, crafted from sustainably sourced bamboo plywood with simple nylon fixings. Timber comes from responsibly managed plantations, and the wood is finished with natural, non-toxic oils rather than harsh solvents. The designs use only the minimal material needed and are made to last for years rather than to chase passing trends.
It also ships in a clever way: as a flat-pack kitset you assemble at home. That single decision dramatically reduces shipping volume — and the associated carbon footprint — compared with sending a fully formed shade across the world. A donation from every Kōura sold goes directly to Sustainable Coastlines, supporting work to protect New Zealand's oceans.
Why it's a good buy
At $527 NZD, the Kōura sits in the rewarding middle ground of designer lighting: a genuine, signed David Trubridge piece with real sustainability credentials, at a price that's far more attainable than most statement sculpture. It's an investment in something handcrafted, meaningful and built to last.