David Trubridge Reimagines Iconic Cloud & Ebb Lighting Fixtures for a Sustainable Future

Sometimes a bright idea can get even brighter. That’s what happened with New Zealand Visionary/Designer, David Trubridge recently after re-launching the award-winning Ebb and Cloud light fixtures created back in 2008.

While Cloud remained popular for years after its initial introduction, there was one problem with the product–the use of a thin, plastic skin. While plastic was once an ideal material providing a much sought after glow and translucence, Trubridge felt he could no longer use petroleum-based materials for his designs in good conscience.

David Trubridge_Ocean — Even from the beginning of his creative journey as a sailor, David looks to nature for his inspiration.

“For a product conceived from the ocean, the idea of using plastics in products was in direct violation of my ethical standards and focus on sustainable materials and design practices. Unfortunately, a bioplastic or resin replacement was not a good alternative due to cost and material properties. We Pulled the product from the market and searched for ways to make it more environmentally friendly.”

-David Trubridge

Fast forward to the metamorphosis of Ebb and Cloud thanks to David Trubridge and his superb team of sustainability champions.

In late 2019, lead studio designer, Marion Courtille, came up with the idea to recreate the iconic cloudforms with a thin bamboo plywood. Not only are these fixtures now environmentally sustainable, but they lend themselves to light creating patterns illuminating through the wood grain that couldn’t possibly be duplicated using the original plastic version.

The approach to David Trubridge’s lighting design can be seen as a spiritual experience; it’s not superficial, it’s not a 2-dimensional on/off switch that it takes to light a room, but rather, how the visual, nature-inspired aesthetic, casting light and shadow patterns makes you feel. We all know the psychological impact of light– It can improve mood and stabilize our circadian rhythms, so consider the renewed DTD Cloud and Ebb the perfect delivery receptacle for one of our most basic needs.

In addition, the slits created by the construction process act as repetitive apertures allowing light to escape and the form to breathe.They expose beautiful color finishes, a design aesthetic that was previously impossible due to the product’s enclosed plastic skin.

The Cloud pendant lights are larger-scale fixtures ideal for commercial or larger residential space and will shine new light into your home office, dining/living room or stairwell. While the previous version was only available in a single finish, these new Cloud fixtures are available in all stock colors and custom colors. The updated range includes:

- - Red
  - Pink
  - Aqua
  - Lime
  - White
  - Black
  - Orange
  - Blue
  - Natural
  - Caramel

Just like when broadcasting in color replaced black & white television, the new Clouds have a much broader aesthetic fit and appeal. The Ebb series offers a more naturalistic approach that is sure to warm up any residential room in its classic, natural Finnish plywood.

Similar to the Navicula and other Trubridge works, our lighting fixtures contribute to a number of concepts that drive WELL building certification including Materials, Mind, Movement, and Light. The building philosophy, and leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings globally, is the industry standard for flexible framework, improving health and human experience through design.

wakaNINE’s stringently curated portfolio only includes designers with respect and care for the environment – there are no exceptions! These fixtures are instant heirlooms that you will treasure and keep- not contribute to landfills. Visit the David Trubridge Design Lighting collection pages to learn more about their commitment to environmentally-friendly design.

David has long been known for environmentally-conscious business practices, but his renewed commitment to sustainability is becoming increasingly acute with each passing year. In addition to replacing non-viable construction materials, Trubridge also employs a flatpack shipping method to diminish the carbon footprint of his lights during fulfillment. The reduction in weight and space of shipped products is a crucial step forwards to creating non-expendable manufacturing systems.

Paired with a focus on material sourcing and selection, the renewed Ebb and Cloud pendant light lines are a promising step forward in environmentally-responsible lighting products.

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