Seeing the Big Picture: A Custom Illuminated SEG Lightbox for Zeiss Vision Centre, Wanaka

Some signs inform. Others stop you in your tracks. The new ceiling feature at the Zeiss Vision Centre in Wanaka is firmly in the second camp: a giant, glowing human iris suspended above a curved display space, built and installed by the Brand Display and StarSign team.

The Zeiss Vision Centre is currently under construction in Wanaka, and the illuminated feature was commissioned by Calder Developments as a centrepiece for the fit-out. It's a fitting image for a world leader in optics — and one of the most striking custom fabric lightboxes we've produced.

The design: a circle built from scratch

The brief called for a large circular lightbox recessed into a tiered ceiling bulkhead, framed by the curved shelving below. There's no off-the-shelf frame for that, so the casing was custom fabricated as a full circle to suit the space.

The graphic is a close-up of a human iris, printed on fabric and finished with a silicone edge. That silicone-edged graphic (SEG) presses into a channel around the casing, pulling the fabric drum-tight with no visible fixings. Lit from behind, the image glows evenly from edge to edge, so the fibres of the iris read as crisp, electric-blue detail rather than a flat print.

The result looks less like a sign and more like part of the architecture — exactly what a premium fit-out like this needs.

The road trip: Rotorua to Wanaka

A job this size doesn't go by courier. The Brand Display and StarSign teams joined forces, loaded up and drove the length of the country to deliver and install it themselves.

The route took the crew south through Kaikōura and down the coast to Christchurch, then inland across the Southern Alps to Wanaka. It's one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand — and a long one when you're carrying a one-off lightbox that has to arrive in perfect condition.

It's also a good example of how our two brands work together. StarSign brings the fabrication and permanent signage experience; Brand Display brings the SEG fabric and illuminated display know-how.

The install: over 250kg overhead

With the casing, lighting and graphic combined, the finished sign weighed in at more than 250kg. Lifting that much weight into a ceiling recess — and getting it perfectly level and centred within a circular bulkhead — takes careful planning, the right fixings and a steady team.

The install was carried out on an active construction site, working around the other trades finishing the fit-out. Once the casing was secured, the SEG graphic was fitted into its edge channel and tensioned for a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.

Then came the moment of truth: switching it on. The iris lit up above the curved display space and instantly became the focal point of the room.

Why SEG fabric lightboxes work so well

SEG is our go-to for illuminated displays, whether it's a bespoke ceiling feature like this or a freestanding wall at an expo. Here's why:

• Seamless finish — no frames cutting through the image and no visible fixings.
• Even, vibrant light — backlit fabric delivers rich colour and fine detail.
• Easy graphic changes — the fabric pulls out and a new one pushes in, so the frame can be refreshed for years.
• Lighter and safer than rigid panels — fabric doesn't shatter and is simple to ship.

Not every project needs a custom-built circle. Our ready-made range includes Aluminium SEG Products for sturdy, freestanding displays and PVC (Gloss White) SEG for a clean retail look. For trade shows, see our Expo & Trade Show packages.

Want to dig deeper? Read Why Illuminated SEG Walls Are the Ultimate Display Solution for Expos, Events & Corporate Spaces.

Got a space that needs a showpiece?

Thanks to Calder Developments for trusting us with this one — we can't wait to see the Zeiss Vision Centre open its doors in Wanaka.

If you're planning a fit-out, showroom or retail space and want an illuminated feature that turns heads, we'd love to help. From standard SEG walls to fully custom shapes, our free design service can bring your idea to life. Get in touch with the team to start the conversation.