Sculpture | Zahner

Grand Foyer in the Ambassador Building at Embassy Gardens

July 23, 2024/in Art & Sculpture Hospitality, Sculpture London--England Luis Bustamante Jan Hendrix White M 2016 /by Katie Barone

Located in London’s Nine Elms cultural district, the Embassy Gardens residential and commercial development features an award-winning lobby in the Ambassador Building across from the US Embassy.

Zahner collaborated with Luis Bustamante on the stunning lobby design which also features an art wall design by Jan Hendrix, illuminated by Gia Equation. Zahner crafted waterjet-cut aluminum panels, using 12mm recycled aluminum, with a white powder coating.

The panels feature a unique v-cut fold, giving a sculptural edge without welds, showcasing Zahner’s advanced machining technology. This seamless design enhances the forest canopy image as studied and designed by Hendrix. The project exemplifies innovative collaboration and sustainability, with all cut-out material recycled and the artwork designed for future recyclability.

Interior art wall featured within the lobby of the Embassy Gardens in London.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Close up of interior art wall featured in the Embassy Gardens. The image depicts a forest canopy.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Detailed side view of interior art wall.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Detail of the panels' v-cut, miter-like folded corners.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Preservation Plaza

February 9, 2023/in Art & Sculpture, Exterior Architecture Performance Center, Public Art, Sculpture Arnolds Park--Iowa RDG Planning & Design Silver, White M 2022 /by Jeneane Dunlap

The Preservation Plaza Stage offers a one-of-a-kind concert setting with the backdrop of West Lake Okoboji’s blue waters glistening in the background. The desire by the Historic Arnolds Park Incorporation (HAPI) and RDG Planning & Design to transform the area into a permanent event space has been realized from what was previously a green space frequented by lake goers for events.

Through a Zahner Assist engagement, Zahner worked with RDG to develop and refine the 6,400 square foot amphitheater that resembles the lake waves above and wooden boat hulls below. Nestled within the structural steel bays are Zahner’s patented aluminum ZEPPS. The structure finishes out with custom finished stainless steel flat seamroof panels, painted aluminum perimeter fascia, and columns covers.

Incorporated within Zahner’s work is the phenolic soffit system underneath which required intricate coordination with the provider. Apart from the structural steel and phenolic system, Zahner self-performed the installation over the course of six months and the project was completed in September of 2022. The Preservation Plaza Stage offers yet another unique experience to the charm and delight of the area and serves as a cornerstone anchoring the park for enjoyment by future generations.

The Preservation Plaza Stage in Arnolds Park, Iowa.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

The preservation plaza creates a permanent event space within Arnolds park.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

THE PRESERVATION PLAZA STAGE IN ARNOLDS PARK, IOWA.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

THE PRESERVATION PLAZA STAGE IN ARNOLDS PARK, IOWA.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Mockup stainless steel skins were created to determine the best finish

Stainless steel skin mockup for THE PRESERVATION PLAZA.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Custom finished stainless steel skins.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

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PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

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PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

The Preservation Plaza Stage lights up the night

The Preservation Plaza Stage offers a one-of-a-kind concert setting.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium

November 1, 2021/in Exterior Architecture Entertainment, Renovation, Sculpture, Zoo Omaha--Nebraska Smith Bourne & Associates Blue, Green, Grey, Orange, Silver, White M 2019 Featured /by dsegard

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Originally built in 1995, renovations for the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium at the Omaha Zoo were completed in May 2020, featuring a redesigned facade, an updated outdoor cafeteria area, and new entrance features to the aquarium and aquarium conference center. As our third project in the Omaha metro area, Zahner provided various new design elements for this renovation, including the stainless steel wave facade on top of the building, the custom-cut metal coral features and column covers, the dimpled blue stainless steel cladding around the café, and the milled sea creatures that adorn the walls surrounding the space.

Completed Sea Turtle Cafe at the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Completed entrance sign for the aquarium, fabricated utilizing Zahner's ZEPPS system.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium exterior and Sea Turtle Cafe at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo at sunset.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Zahner was brought on early in the concept development stage to provide Design Assist, which allowed us to work closely with the project team to refine the design intent, provide guidance on materials and finishes, and construct a comprehensive mockup for review before the project went into full fabrication. Due to this collaboration, there were zero change orders on the scope, and installation ran smoothly in cooperation with the contractor and the other trades’ schedules.

Original sketch for the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium facade, by Mark Bourne.

Photo courtesy of Henry Doorly Zoo

Visual mockup for the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium facade, assembled in Zahner's Kansas City facility.

Night viewing of the mockup for the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium facade.

The freeform wave facade that sits atop the Sea Turtle Café was fabricated using Zahner’s ZEPPS™ technology, which combined the framing structure and the exterior skin into a complete curvilinear system. The individual wave units were pre-fabricated in our shop and shipped to the job site, where Zahner field technicians installed the full facade.

Zahner field workers install the wave facade on top of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium.

PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

Profile of the completed wave facade on top of the Sea Turtle Cafe at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

The face of the waves features a custom etched pattern that provides a reflective, rippling water effect.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

View of the Sea Turtle Cafe outdoor space at sunset with lighting.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Various multi-color lighting systems were incorporated into the design to emphasize the aquatic theme at night.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Decorative painted aluminum coral features adorn the edges of the café’s canopy and wrap the supporting columns. These were cut on our water jet before they were hand-rolled to the correct radius.

Custom-embossed blue stainless steel clads the walls of the Sea Turtle Café and mimics the look of rippling water. Zahner fabricated a custom die to create this seemingly random emboss pattern. This feature is further highlighted by the lighting throughout the space, creating a fully immersive experience for visitors.

Zahner also provided the various metal sea creatures that decorate the walls of the café and the entrance sign. Each sea creature was individually milled out of aluminum on our CNC equipment.

The dual-layered coral feaures were waterjet cut out of aluminum to clad the edge of the canopy.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Custom rippled blue stainless steel clads the ceiling of the outdoor cafe to create an underwater feel to the space.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Custom milled sea turtles and starfish against the rippled blue stainless steel cladding.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

Zahner millled out several different sea creatures to decorate the walls of the cafe, including sharks, jellyfish, turtles, stingrays, and starfish.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

All elements of Zahner's scope are further emphasized at night time.

Photo by Alexandra Hoffman, ARKO | © A. Zahner Company

In The Fold

September 27, 2021/in Sculpture Walnut Creek--California HKIT Architects Norie Sato Brown, Grey, Orange, Red, Silver M 2020 Featured /by dsegard

Viamonte at Walnut Creek Senior Living Folding Fence

This artwork entitled “In the Fold” was designed by renowned artist, Norie Sato, for the new Viamonte at Walnut Creek Senior Living Center in California. Zahner was brought on early in the design phase and provided design assist, engineering, and fabrication services for this project.

The fence is over 62 feet long, and over 7 feet tall at each peak. Inspired by the art of origami, the fence is comprised of dual-sided “Frost White” anodized aluminum and dual-sided Zahner Solanum™ weathering steel panels that are alternately folded to provide depth and an intricate profile. The branches pattern in the aluminum panels was waterjet cut while the leaves pattern on the Solanum panels was created using our ImageWall® custom-perforation technology.

"In the Fold" art fence at Viamonte Senior Living Center in Walnut Creek, CA.

Photo by Kevin Shea

The aluminum and steel panels are alternately folded to provide depth and an intricate profile.

Photo by Kevin Shea

Straight-on view of "In the Fold"

Photo by Kevin Shea

The branches pattern in the aluminum panels were waterjet cut.

Photo by Kevin Shea

The leaves pattern on the Solanum panels was created using our ImageWall® custom-perforation technology.

Photo by Kevin Shea

"In the Fold" has no front or back, and is made to be viewed from all angles.

Photo by Kevin Shea

The fence is comprised of dual-sided clear anodized aluminum and dual-sided Zahner Solanum™ weathering steel panels.

Photo by Kevin Shea

The detailed cutouts and patterns make for interesting and ever-changing shadows as the sun rises and sets.

Photo by Kevin Shea

Designed by Norie Sato, "In the Fold" is more than 62 feet in total length, and over 7 feet tall.

Photo by Kevin Shea

Book Forms

June 10, 2017/in Art & Sculpture Private Art, Public Art, Sculpture Duluth--Minnesota Steven Woodward M 1995 /by cmorris

Book FORMS at the University of Minnesota

Book Forms is a pair of sculptures by artist Steven Woodward completed in 1995. The artworks were made using Zahner art fabrication team. The artwork was manufactured in Kansas City and shipped to Minnesota where it was installed. Commissioned by the University of Minnesota, the artwork is located on the rooftop plaza outside of the Kirby Lounge at the school’s campus in Duluth, Minnesota.

Woodward worked closely with A. Zahner Company to manufacture the two massive metal book sculptures from copper, stainless steel, and weathering steel.

Related Project

Quill

Quill is the second sculptural collaboration between Zahner and Woodward. The first collaboration, Books of Knowledge, is located at the University of Minnesota.

Zahner engineers and craftsmen helped Woodward realize his design concept by concealing the hardware used to create each sculptural book. The books have become an outdoor study destination on top of the the Kirby Student Center rooftop.

Steven Woodward also worked with Zahner to design, engineer, and fabricate another sculpture entitled Quill at Upper Iowa University.

Hyatt Regency Houston

January 4, 2017/in Art & Sculpture Hospitality, Public Art, Sculpture, Urban Design Houston--Texas Gensler Brown M 2015 /by cmorris

Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston, Texas

The Hyatt Regency Houston is a new hotel development designed by Gensler which includes several features made using Zahner engineering and fabrication. Among the features provided by Zahner: a massive art wall at the building’s porte-cochère, steel signage at its entrance, and a series of interior lobby partition walls screen dividers manufactured in Solanum Steel.

These architectural details are part of the new 260,000-square-foot, 14-story Hyatt Regency Hotel. Located next to the Houston Galleria, the new construction builds on an existing two-story retail building which was partially demolished and integrated into the new design.

Related Surface

Hyatt Regency Houston

Art wall, fabricated in Solanum Steel and aluminum, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston.

The Hyatt River Art Wall

The artist team responsible for developing the art wall Lester Yuen, Michael Gajevsky and Nancy Nodler. Yuen worked closely with L. William Zahner to develop the artwork, using polished aluminum plate to show a topographical section of the Buffalo Bayou river in Houston, Texas.

The artwork is located under the covered driveway entrance for the hotel. The base layers of the artwork are made using plate aluminum and clad in a final layer of weathering steel with a preweathered finish. Each plate was cut using automated CNC machinery at Zahner. These have a polished edge and are secured below the final layer of Solanum Steel.

Gensler partnered with Zahner’s Design Assist team at the project’s inception to ensure that the project could be developed within the client’s budget. In addition to reducing the overall cost, this process also improved the end quality of the details.

Art wall sections are manufactured in the Zahner shop facility.

Art wall at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston.

Detail of the steel and aluminum connection.

Interior steel partition walls made in preweathered steel.

Zahner-manufactured interior screen wall dividers at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston.

Details of the joints for the art wall at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston.

Detail of the Hyatt River Regency art wall joints.

Light reflects against the aluminum artwork.

Structural Evolution

January 4, 2017/in Art & Sculpture Sculpture Lawrence--Kansas Perry May S 2015 /by cmorris

STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AT UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ENGINEERING SCHOOL

A twisting double helix—measuring 35′ long, 8′ wide, and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds—adorns the atrium at The University of Kansas’ (KU) new engineering building in Lawrence, Kansas. The artwork, entitled “Structural Evolution,” is a competition-winning feat of engineering designed by KU student Perry May. It was chosen through a juried selection co-sponsored by KU and Zahner. Zahner engineered, fabricated, and installed the winning artwork, which joins a rich oeuvre of custom fabricated artworks made with Zahner engineering and manufacturing.

When May first presented his model to the jury, the application pool was large and varied. To get as many diverse ideas as possible, The University opened the competition to the entire student body. The University wanted to fill the two-story atrium with an inspiring work of art that would evoke the spirit of the engineering department.

Related Project

DeBruce Center: Rules of Basketball

The building complex was developed around a single piece of basketball history. The original Rules of Basketball, written in 1891 by James Naismith (the inventor of basketball and founder of the KU basketball program) were purchased and donated to the school, and have found their permanent home at DeBruce Center, a new facility adjoining the northeast corner of Allen Fieldhouse at KU.

The selected sculpture was chosen for its complex geometry and conceptual hearkening to growth. May describes his concept:

“[Its] an abstraction of DNA structure, embodying the spirit of growth and innovation within the KU School of Engineering. Its aesthetic became informed by fabrication methods and materials: ‘How do I shape sheet metal, what can a mill do, and how can I use this to create and inform the work?’”

“Structural Evolution” at The University of Kansas.

Engineering the Sculpture

The business model at Zahner is set up to enable collaborative dialogue (See: Design Assist). Allowing the fabrication method to help inform the aesthetic of the piece opened the door for collaboration between Zahner engineers and the artist. This meant that the original design by the artist could be developed and explored

For this project, ¼” aluminum plate was used throughout the sculpture. The plate material accommodates the voids in the cutout areas. Zahner owns and operates a number of machines that can be used for cutting patterns from metal. Each machine possesses its own unique capabilities. Zahner is able to communicate with designers on the strengths and limitations of each process in order to help designers make informed decisions.

A three-axis mill was selected to produce the desired aesthetic for this particular piece. The mill uses rotary cutters to remove metal in designated open areas, leaving a shiny, polished edge. The panels were then rolled to the specified radius and matched up to one another on-site, creating the illusion of a seamless helix rolling in midair.

Designing a Hanging Suspension System

The artwork’s immense weight and complex shape required careful engineering to balance the work correctly. Eight unique panels, each roughly 4′ x 10′ in size, were design-engineered to precisely interlock with one another. The pieces also needed to be suspended individually using two cables, and anchored to the ceiling. This was complex, as the atrium layout included a floating ceiling that could not structurally bear the weight of the artwork.

Zahner’s engineers developed a plan to disguise the cables through the seams in the floating ceiling and attach to structural beams. There were limited spots where the cables could attach. Each panel needed to hang at exactly the correct angle in order to match up to other panels. Zahner solved for static equilibrium, providing a structurally sound suspension method.

The sculpture has a variable radius; one end is larger, and the opposite end tapers while twisting subtly. Each panel had at least two radii, and it transitioned between the two. Utilizing a 3D model of the atrium and the sculpture, Zahner’s engineers determined the locations for the cables. To translate these calculations from their exact location on the digital model to real space, Zahner engineers adapted the concept of computer coordinates to real-life space. A grid was laid out using the physical space; then a laser level was used to translate that grid to the ceiling for the layout of the cables. This accounted for any marginal shift in geometry that may have occurred during the physical construction of the space. Once the locations of the cables were determined, the installation could run smoothly and according to plan.

Film protects the disassembled plate aluminum from minor scratches and fingerprints

Zahner installers hang the panels using the cable system.

ZAHNER AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

After the fabrication of his work at Zahner, May became an intern at Zahner. One of the reasons Zahner sponsors competitions like this, is to develop relationships with the upcoming generation of creative young professionals. Zahner is committed to hearing fresh new voices and ideas. Being involved in the work by university students offers a unique glimpse into the future of art and design.

Students are part of an environment that is immersed in learning, creation, and reinvention. Whether it’s hosting a competition to fabricate student work, bringing in a tour of Zahner facilities, or presenting to a class, Zahner is committed to the upcoming generation of professionals. Theirs are the voices that will continue to drive innovation and look for new ways to solve problems. Contact us today for more information on how students can get involved at Zahner.

Quill

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Private Art, Sculpture Fayette--Iowa Steven Woodward Blue, Brown, Green M 1995 /by cmorris

Quill Artwork in Fayette, Iowa

Quill is a Steven Woodward artwork which was commissioned by Upper Iowa University and features Zahner art fabrication services. The 15-foot-wide sculpture was crafted in stainless steel, copper and aluminum. The artwork was inspired by the devastating tornado that hit campus in 1971, altering much of the terrain. As such, the artwork’s form takes on that of a cyclone, and is patinated to complement the nearby campus Green Goddess statue.

Quill is the second sculptural collaboration between Zahner and Woodward. The first collaboration, Books of Knowledge, is located at the University of Minnesota.

Related Project

Book Forms

Woodward worked closely with A. Zahner Company to manufacture the two massive metal book sculptures from copper, stainless steel, and weathering steel.

Echo Dynamics

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Passive Security, Sculpture Little Rock--Arkansas Mikyoung Kim Silver L 2007 /by cmorris

ECHO DYNAMICs Public Art at Little Rock Courthouse

Echo Dynamics is a public artwork and water feature designed by Mikyoung Kim and manufactured with Zahner fabrication. The artwork is in front of the Federal Courthouse for the Eastern District of Arkansas and the United States District Court.

Mikyoung Kim Design introduced a concept which would provide a unique aesthetic to the building’s entrance, while also solving a security concern for the building. The artwork is both a fountain and a planter which protects the building using passive security from the street face of the park. Zahner worked with Mikyoung Kim to develop the concept as a stainless steel fountain, providing coordination with structural engineer, fountain consultant and mechanical contractor.

The green space provides a refuge from the urban downtown and the sculpture offers an invitation to pedestrians to utilize this place. Made using 14ga and 16ga stainless steel, the horizontal fountain allows water to flow through a series of descending troughs. Zahner supplied the welded coupling connection to mechanical plumbing as specified by Dan Euser Water Architecture.

Related Project

Arkansas House

The residential project's interior wood and metal surfaces act as an interior liner to the building's rough-to-the-touch Solanum Steel exterior architectural monitors. Flooring of rift-sawn cherry and walnut also act to form an interior liner. Taut and highly crafted, this refined surface acts as an interior liner to the exterior monitors clad in weathering steel shingles.

Catalyst Sculpture

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Kinetic Art, Public Art, Sculpture Kansas City Matthew Dehaemers M 2008 /by cmorris

Catalyst: Kinetic Public Art in Kansas City

Catalyst is a kinetic sculpture in Kansas City by artist Matthew Dehaemers, engineered and produced using Zahner art fabrication services. Located at the intersection of of 31st Street and Troost Avenue, this public artwork was completed in 2010 for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

Zahner engineers and artisans worked closely with Dehaemers to engineer, fabricate, and install the artwork. As a kinetic sculpture, the design included moving parts which were modeled digitally by Zahner engineers and the in-house design team. Zahner crafted the sculpture from galvanized steel, laser-etched stainless steel, and aluminum.

The sculpture’s form is inspired by the root of the Dutch word “Troost,” which means to “provide comfort, solace.” Its location on Troost Avenue is further informed by the diverse cultural perspectives of the area. Catalyst represents the past, present, and future of the street corner, which once served as the hub of Kansas City life in the early 20th century. Catalyst was Matt Dehaemers’ second collaboration with Zahner. His first collaboration was completed in 2008 and entitled Seven Sentinels.

Catalyst sculpture in aluminum, galvanized, stainless steel; custom engineering and fabrication for kinetic sculpture.

Catalyst sculpture looping video of its kinetic motion.

Metal fabricated landscape design for the Catalyst sculpture in Kansas City.

“My hope is for “Catalyst” to mean different things to different people as local citizens become stewards of Catalyst and the Troost corridor it represents … The form of sculpture for some may represent the form of a tree, or the abstraction of a spark of light or even yet the dawn of a new day as a sun unfolds its rays of light.” – Matthew Dehaemers

The 30-foot-tall structure stands above the MAX bus stop acting as an artful signal for the arrival and departure of the MAX transits. From far you can see that a bus has just left, or is currently arriving.

Kansas City hybrid buses traveling southbound will trigger Catalyst to unfold its wing-like arm structures. Approximately a minute or two later the arms fold back up awaiting to repeat the gesture minutes later for the next bus. LED lights have been installed and cast brilliant ever changing light across the surface of the structure during the night time, hitting the entire spectrum of color.