Working in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects and The White Wall Company, this project saw us producing a large sculpture for the fourth annual outdoor exhibition at Sudeley Castle. We were approached by ZHA as a development of both our working relationship with them and our on-going work with composites. The Z Stream sculpture reflects the morphological shapes and dynamics of Zaha Hadid’s work and as such, presents a complex form for manufacture.

Working from the architect’s 3D Rhino model, the flowing ‘slide’ form was machined in segments from milled foam using our 5 axis CNC machine. These components were then assembled and hard coated – a direct development of the FRP techniques we developed for Chanel’s Mobile Art, also in association with ZHA. In order to retain the detail of the contrasting tread and outer ridging, these elements were cast before being applied to the central slide of the Z Stream form. The main body of the sculpture was given a high-spec, high-gloss automotive paint finish, achieved using our spray-bake ovens; while the cast elements were finished with a contrasting textured grey. The exhibition has been created around the core ideas of play and recreation, with the sculpture intended as an interactive exhibit and a fully functioning slide. Strength and durability were important factors and we incorporated load bearing elements to allow the visitors to safely climb and slide as the form dictates.

For transportation to site, a special frame was constructed to protect the sculpture on the journey along the winding country lanes of the Cotswolds to Sudeley. We worked alongside art installation specialists, The White Wall Company, manufacturing a frame for installation that allowed the finished sculpture to be slotted into it’s bespoke landscaped location.