Project Description:

Standing 12 metres high and weighing 15 tonnes, the Arches of Oman is a magnificent water sculpture designed by Giles Rayner. The Arches of Oman was designed, engineered, and manufactured in the UK. Testing and design for the water display system was carried out at Ustigate’s facility in Kent.

Challenge: 

Ustigate were appointed to identify the best layout and specification for the water display jets through this 12m high sculpture designed by Giles Rayner of GR Sculpture Ltd. Works would result in a leaf and rain water effect display projecting out of the sculpture’s steel structure, and the design and manufacture of the M & E water display management system to operate the features. The initial challenge was to assemble a bespoke rig that would allow safe testing of the water effects for the “Arches of Oman” given the 12 metre height and the variable positions and angles for the nozzles inside the arched columns of the sculpture.

Success:

In Giles’ words “Water is the energy that brings the sculpture to life.” The sculpture is made up of two entwined polished stainless steel tusks that converge to emulate the graceful arches of the Royal Opera House. Giles was inspired by the music that he heard at the nearby Royal Opera House:

“The jets of sparkling water which join, like a herringbone, in a crescendo cascade at the centre, may be interpreted as the melding of the stringed instruments into one glorious melody. The water effects are symbolic of these musical instruments and further highlight the homage which the sculpture owes to the Royal Opera House Muscat and Omani Architecture in general.”

In late 2015 Ustigate’s CAD team designed an exoskeleton framework out of scaffolding that stood as a 1:1 representation of the 69 nozzles around the sculpture. It was boarded at each of the four levels to allow safe access and monitoring during testing. This full scale water test rig was built at Ustigate’s testing facility in Gravesend, Kent. A 40 metre run of 80 hoses was required to assemble a manifold design for the 69 nozzles. Tests were carried out with three 12kw water pumps to determine the flow rates for the water feature, enabling Ustigate to progress with the water management, electrical and mechanical requirement for the plant room design.

The whole project involved a team of highly skilled design engineers, structural engineers, steel fabricators, polishers and hydro-specialists to ensure the sculpture was manufactured to the UK’s highest standards. It was then shipped in parts and installed in the purpose-built public gardens outside The Royal Opera House, Muscat.  The entire commission was managed by GR Sculpture Ltd under Julian Glyn-Owen, the Sculpture Commission Director and it took a little over two years to complete.

Maintenance: Annual maintenance

Video and photographs courtesy of Giles Rayner of GR Sculpture Ltd

Click here to view M-Tec Arches of Oman Case Study