Prada’s summer installation at Harrods Door 5 was a contradiction in terms, a simple structure that required complex manufacture and intricate detail applied to large scale pieces.

This scenic façade was almost 12 meters tall and 15 meters wide. Stage One fabricated a steel structure clad with plywood and then painted. The component pieces of the fascia fretwork were of variable scale and design, sections backlit with LED lighting to highlight its beauty during the hours of dusk and darkness.

These fretwork panels were formed from HI-MACS, a solid surface material specified by the client due to it meeting requirements for fire safety and outdoor use. The geometric detailing required a small radius cut, which required the use of our waterjet machine. This is a slower process when compared to laser cutting but minimised the risk of damage to the material during manufacture.

Despite its robust nature, HI-MACS is a delicate material, making handling one of the most critical and tentative tasks throughout this project. Stage One manufactured bespoke jigs to support the panels during transportation between departments, and to site. Installation was carried out by a third party with careful guidance from Stage One to oversee the process. The works took place in night shifts to prevent any disruption during the stores operating hours.