Sorpresa by Astep. Light unfolding.

Feb, 2026 • 2 Min. Read — General

Sorpresa, the new pendant lamp by Astep designed by Samuel Wilkinson, is born from a truly surprising idea: an object that transforms, that opens, that reveals itself. A luminaire conceived through lightness, constructive intelligence, and respect for its surroundings.

Light in presence yet striking in volume, Sorpresa proposes a contemporary vision, a lamp capable of occupying minimal space when closed, and yet, with a simple gesture, unfolding into a generous and enveloping presence.

A simple gesture, an unexpected idea.

The starting point of the design comes from an almost forgotten object: the traditional yarn swift. Fascinated by its construction, Samuel Wilkinson translated this mechanical principle into a lamp that opens naturally, almost intuitively, creating a light and airy volume.

The structure, crafted in oak, expands effortlessly to form an open shape that supports a translucent mesh, traced with subtle horizontal seams.

When switched off, the lamp discreetly reveals its frame, allowing the defining geometry to be seen. When illuminated, the bulb appears suspended at the centre like a floating sphere, producing a soft, balanced light with minimal shadows and an enveloping atmosphere.

Responsible design, honest construction.

Sorpresa is not merely a formal exercise. Its conception reflects a clear intention to reduce environmental impact from the very origin of the object. It is made from natural and recyclable materials, and its construction relies on mechanical joints that allow parts to be repaired or replaced with ease, extending its lifespan.

The decision to use a replaceable bulb rather than an integrated LED system reinforces this circular and responsible design logic, in which every component can be maintained, updated, and endure over time.

Even its packaging system forms part of this reflection. The lamp is designed to occupy the smallest possible volume during transport, unfolding afterwards to reach its final dimension, close to one metre in diameter, as if the object itself were activated upon leaving the box.

A light, almost ethereal presence.

Sorpresa balances innovation, functionality, and material sensitivity. It has character without imposing itself, and personality both on and off. This luminaire expresses a way of understanding design in which every decision, material, technical, and formal, responds to a clear intention.

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Thanks

This website is dedicated to all those people who, in one way or another, have helped this project/dream/desire to begin and take shape.

Special thanks to my wife and my parents for supporting me, to Cristina Escarrà and Alfonso Pérez Rosales for generously sharing with me their experience as agents, to those clients who, in one way or another, have given me wise advice, to the brands that have placed their trust in me, and to Gonzalo, my godfather, who, with his always generous help, and guiding me throughout this process, is largely to blame for the fact that I can boast of being an “entrepreneur”.

Thanks also to Nuria, Rafa and Guillermo, who, to help me in the hard beginnings of any entrepreneurial activity, have opened the doors of their home, let me share with them a bit of their personal lives when I pass through their cities of residence, and give me free accommodation.

Thanks to all!