Interior Fabric Sails, BP Sunbury
The International Centre for Business & Technology (ICBT) is a central to the delivery of BP’s business worldwide. The impressive fun glazed four-storey atrium is the perfect backdrop for a stunning tensile fabric art installation. Hanging high above the atrium space, 72 beautiful tensile fabric leaves bring the outside inside. The fabric petals are cleverly suspended from tensioned webnet panels and almost invisible stainless-steel cables. At first glance, the modern sculptural tensile fabric structure appears to float without support, reflecting not just light through the huge atrium, but also the company’s brand colours and sustainability ethos.
Brief
Instructed by main contractors CBRE, our interior projects team were brought into demount the delicate structure to allow access for further works to the smoke system maintenance. The team then carefully re-installed the 72 petals to their tensioned webnet panels in their specific design locations, so that they can once again dominate the atrium void with their dramatic sculptural form.
Outcome
The job was not without its limitations. Our rope access installers had to work from ground level to a height of 14m to reach the webnet for the cable connections. They had to get in some tight spaces!
Despite the challenges, our team ensured that the demount and installation was completed with enthusiasm and within programme to a satisfied client.
Installing tensile fabric structures inside public spaces can be a highly effective way to noise and manage solar control, as well as create a stunning focal point with tremendous colour and light reflection.
