Residential
Elliptical Dome
A seven metre by four metre elliptical dome was commissioned for a private residence as a feature element above the entry and staircase. The design was to have some reference to the classical elements found in the ornate plaster work of Versaille Palace France.
A technically difficult project, requiring the production of moulds to develop the shapes required for the ever-changing radii. Each pane was hand decorated with vitreous paint and enamels on a white opalescent glass.
Painting detail
Following a thorough design development period, a substantial steel frame was designed and fabricated in four sections.
Timber moulds were fabricated to the radius and adjusted as the lines elongated, and as the design moved from the shortest to the longest span.
Panels being tried in position.
Fifty-two panels were cut and made to fit within the curved irregular shapes. Lines had to move from one frame to the next with the organic artwork continuing through the frame structure.
Detail of the apex panels.
Substantial reinforcing was introduced to all panels of the light feature. Piece by piece, the fifty-two panels were set into position.