Complex sculptural installation requiring structural design to ensure stability, addressing eccentric loading and anchorage challenges within a constrained foundation arrangement.
The Fallow is a major bronze sculpture by Bharti Kher, installed at Hauser & Wirth in Bruton. The artwork forms part of the gallery’s wider programme of integrating large-scale contemporary art within its landscaped setting. The project required careful structural consideration to safely install the sculpture while reusing an existing concrete foundation, supporting both sustainability goals and site constraints.
The sculpture presented a significant engineering challenge due to its highly eccentric centre of gravity, positioned well beyond its geometric centroid. This created a substantial overturning moment, rendering the piece inherently unstable. Additionally, the sculpture’s small footprint limited the available fixing lever arm, increasing tensile forces and potential pull-out risks at connection points. These constraints required a robust yet discreet material design solution to ensure a secure connection to the new base.
With the connection strategy established, attention turned to the design of the supporting base. AWA specified an enlarged steel base plate to counteract overturning forces, reducing reliance on the pull-out capacity of the existing concrete. This approach enabled a more robust, lower-risk fixing arrangement. The base was securely post-anchored into the existing foundation and concealed beneath the sculpture, ensuring structural stability while maintaining the intended aesthetic.
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.
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