Australian designed and manufactured stainless steel wedge wire grating has been instrumental in delivering 'Aquatique', the first sculptural water installation of its design in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Star Sydney's Grand Foyer has been transformed as part of an $850 million redevelopment for the integrated resort. A unique immersive visual experience is now welcoming guests in a masterfully choreographed interplay of light, water, digital art and live performance.
The key elements of the installation include an 8K resolution, 25m wide crescent-shaped digital screen, laser light shows and 'Aquatique', a cascading sculptural water feature spanning 8m with a 2m diameter centre stage.
Central to the design and function of the sculptural water feature is the use of Australian designed and manufactured stainless steel wedge wire by ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Paige Stainless.
PAIGE STAINLESS HEELGUARD® is at the cutting edge of water drainage technology, offering continuous drainage through its 5m
m aperture and high-water volume intake and removal efficiency. The water feature was designed with a throughput capacity of 30,000L, with water being pumped up to 15m vertically to the water feature jets, recirculated through the PAIGE STAINLESS HEELGUARD® and reused whilst the water feature is in operation. The key was to minimise water splash during the process with PAIGE STAINLESS HEELGUARD® delivering the brief with its unique wedge design. In addition, stainless steel is an excellent material choice for water drainage technology, offering durability, aesthetics and ease-of-cleaning during maintenance inspections.
Paige Stainless' project scope also included the design, fabrication and installation of the water collection tank, substructure for the grating and centre stage area within the water feature. Over 3.5 tonnes of grade 316 stainless steel was supplied for the project by ASSDA Members Austral Wright Metals and Midway Metals, including 4mm thick plate and rectangular hollow sections.
The water feature body was manufactured at Paige Stainless' manufacturing facility in Caboolture, Queensland, and fabricated in 14 components for ease of interstate transportation logistics, efficient installation and maintenance.
Delivery and installation logistics were a focal point of the design as The Star Sydney was full operational and open to the public during installation. Provisions were made for specific delivery times and material management to make for a successful, non-disruptive transition from truck to site. Careful planning and design resulted in minimal on-site welding and passivation treatment using citric acid by the Paige Stainless installation team.
The water feature uses 100% recycled water. Its sculptural display is complemented by a theatrical light show and digital art canvas inspired by Australian artists, cinematographers and animators. As the world's largest permanent multi-sensory art experience, the Grand Foyer at The Star Sydney is a visual feast entertaining an average 30,000 guests per day.
PHOTO CREDIT: MURRAY FREDERICKS PHOTOGRAPHY.
This article is featured in Australian Stainless Magazine issue 68, 2020.