A sculptural installation required discreet structural intervention to ensure long-term stability while respecting artistic intent and an existing foundation slab.
A sculptural installation required discreet structural intervention to ensure long-term stability while respecting artistic intent and an existing foundation slab.
Client: Hauser & Wirth Gallery
Artist: Not Vital
Location: Bruton, Somerset
Not Vital, Cannot Enter Cannot Exit, 2020 © Not Vital. Courtesy Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Ken Adlard
Located within the Hauser & Wirth arts complex in Bruton, the work forms part of an internationally recognised landscape of contemporary sculpture. The installation, created by Swiss artist Not Vital, sits within a curated outdoor environment visited by thousands annually. The piece is one of several permanent artworks requiring sensitive integration with the existing site infrastructure.
The sculpture is tall and slender, resulting in significant sensitivity to wind loading and overturning effects. Stability was further complicated by the requirement to utilise an existing reinforced concrete foundation slab, with no opportunity for additional ballast or visible strengthening. Detailed assessment was therefore required to understand capacity, load paths, and behaviour under extreme environmental actions.
Our role involved structural analysis of the steel frame and investigation of the existing base to verify adequacy. A post-fixed anchoring system was designed to connect the sculpture to the previously installed reinforced concrete slab, providing stability without altering the artwork’s appearance. The solution demonstrates how fundamental engineering principles can support ambitious artworks, contributing to the long-term resilience of a culturally significant site. This approach avoided unnecessary material use and respected both environmental considerations and the client’s curatorial vision for the project.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
Email us Call us
