Berkeley Homes, Chelsea Bridge Wharf

Installation of sculptural water feature to form part of the landscaping at Chelsea Bridge Wharf.

Client: Berkeley Homes
Artist: Caroline Lambard
Architects: Scott Brownrigg
Local Authority: Wandsworth Borough Council, London

Background

The client was interested in commissioning a work that reflected the area's connection with the manufacture of the Sopwith Camel biplane. They also wished the piece to emanate a spirit of guardianship and calmness.

      

Concept

The commissioned sculpture by Caroline Lambard forms the focal point of a long water garden at the centre of the Chelsea Bridge Wharf development. The form is meant to evoke the ‘biplane’ theme, while at the same time be reminiscent of structures to be found in oriental gardens.

The project was the result of collaboration between the artist, her engineers, the commissioner and the architects; the work itself is fabricated in stainless steel with a wing profile developed in consultation with client, water engineers and fabricators as project progressed. The profile of the ‘wings’ allows for series of baffles inside lower wings which slow high-pressured water from legs to create calm, glassy flow of waterfall. 

     

Client Comments

“It looks spectacular! Of course it's a significant investment from which we are not benefiting directly, but it's a subliminal thing and ultimately, by enhancing the building for the people who live here, it will add value for us”. Karl Whiteman, managing director of Berkeley Homes, Chelsea Bridge Wharf