James Turrell | Zahner

James Turrell is a master of light and space. He is known for his immersive installations, which explore the interplay of light, form, and human perception. These installations create ethereal environments that invite awareness and contemplation.

In 2020, Zahner had the unique opportunity to collaborate on a Turrell project for a private residence. The challenge was constructing a massive stainless steel sphere to enclose one of his signature oculus light installations. The goal was to craft a seamless, immersive space where form, materiality, and light converge into a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.

The sphere is clad with in Zahner Angel Hair Stainless Steel panels.

PHOTO ©️ A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Turrell provided exact specifications to ensure the sphere’s geometric purity. Zahner’s engineering team shaped the structure using ZEPPS (Zahner Engineered Profile Panel System) and cladded the exterior with Angel Hair® Stainless Steel panels to match the client’s home’s aesthetic. Every detail was meticulously considered to maintain the integrity of Turrell’s vision.

The 14' dual-curved oculus cover features intricate patterning rendered with Angel Hair panels.

PHOTO ©️ A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

The sphere during construction at Zahner's headquarters in Kansas City.

PHOTO ©️ A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

Inside the sphere, a custom-designed teak and stone bench, built by Matt Castilleja of Castilleja Furniture and Objects, was installed for visitors to sit and experience the space. A stone floor and a whisper-quiet HVAC system were incorporated to create a comfortable yet undisturbed environment.

The project also includes a custom aluminum table and a viewing deck with a glass handrail, designed in collaboration with Wallace E. Cunningham. But perhaps the most striking feature is the oculus—a perfectly curved stainless steel cone with a circular aperture that allows light to enter and interact with the space dynamically. The oculus required precision filing to achieve the desired effect, creating a razor-thin edge that enhances the illusion of infinite depth.

A custom-designed teak and stone bench by Castilleja Furniture and Objects provides seating inside the sphere.

PHOTO ©️ A. ZAHNER COMPANY.

The oculus — the core feature of Turrell's artwork — creates an ever-changing experience of light within the sphere.

Two of the project’s most complex engineering feats were the entry door and the oculus cover. Designed with the help of artist and inventor Chuck Hoberman, the curved entry door operates with seamless precision, retracting effortlessly while maintaining the sphere’s curvature. The custom hardware allows the door to be opened from either side, ensuring functionality and aesthetic continuity.

The oculus cover, a 14-foot dual-curved dome, was designed to withstand wind and snow loads while maintaining smooth operation. Zahner fabricated a curved track system to match the sphere’s contours, ensuring that the cover glides smoothly into place. Extensive testing was conducted in Zahner’s workshop before the final installation, guaranteeing flawless functionality.

This remarkable project is a testament to what can be achieved when artistic brilliance meets innovative engineering.