Tantalus Estate Vineyard

By James Russ

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Tantalus Estate was founded in 2013 on twenty acres of established vineyard on Waiheke Island. Since that date, the venue was closed to the public while they undertook an extensive renovation of the winery building. Epsilon Lighting along with Emily Priest from Cheshire Architects have worked together and created a wonderland of lighting, taking organic materials from the vineyard, adding brass elements and handblown glass spheres. Resulting in a wonderful mix of industrial organic forms, warmth and intimacy to the beautiful detailed finish that is Tantalus. 

They have since opened this fantastic Estate, located 70-72 Onetangi road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island, Auckland.

'Divine Lighting' - An excerpt from Interior Magazine Dec-Feb 2016-19, Written by Camille Khouri

Credit for this sparkling effect is due to James Russ and his team who took sketches from Cheshire Architect, Emily Priest and created these remarkable lights using uprooted vines from the estate and more than 4,500 miniature LEDS, handwoven into the vines with exposed copper wire. Despite the organic material, these are very high-tech lights, with LED drivers hidden within the fixtures and high CRI LED bulbs used to ensure the food looks its best. A skeletal structure of solid brass holds the vines together. To make the junctions for these, Epsilon 3D-printed the mould, then investment-cast them, then poured molten brass into the cavities. This meticulous process gave the parts an aged, textured look. When Epsilon ran low on brass, they bought out all the brass taps at local hardware stores and used those. "They were looking at me like I was crazy," says Russ. "Its a real kiwi ingenuity story really, using basic materials to create fine art."

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About the
Professional

James Russ is leading the way in designing and constructing bespoke lighting solutions for both commercial and domestic settings.

Operating under Epsilon Lighting for many years, James has merged the two names into one solid, reliable brand. 

With commissioned work distributed globally, we have worked alongside some of the world’s leading architecture firms and have the facilities to satisfy any brief. Our world is full of mass-produced lighting products that fulfil little more than the short-term want. They give no consideration to long-term user satisfaction and the process involved in making each product. As consumers ourselves, we have recognised a need for high quality products that last and perform beyond expectations. We aim to create lights that become heirlooms and satisfy far more than just an immediate want.

Our customers are always proud to display a James Russ light and appreciate the detail and time that has gone into them. Our small team of skilled artisans are not just making art, they are making functional art. 

A James Russ light is never mass-made from cheap materials pressed in soulless factories. Our lights are inspired by years of research rooted in our deep immersion in the natural environment of New Zealand. 

James Russ and Epsilon ensures every light is made from the highest quality materials available; built with real passion, real love and by the skilled hands of real people.