Tag Archives: Vinyl Stencils

Central Chelmsford – Large Platform Seat

25th November 2014

More images in today from  Hardscape detailing the manufacture of the large platform seat for Central Chelmsford.

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Vinyl plotted with the design is applied to the granite slab before sandblasting.
Vinyl plotted with the design is applied to the granite slab before sandblasting.
AS the process continues, the vinyl is stripped away to reveal areas to be sandblasted.
AS the process continues, the vinyl is stripped away to reveal areas to be sandblasted.
The process is a skilled & precise one for Vlad to undertake. The slabs cannot be moved easily, so he has to move around the work.
The process is a skilled & precise one for Vlad to undertake. The slabs cannot be moved easily, so he has to move around the work.

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

The sandblast is no more than 2mm deep across the slab. The fine honed finish on the surface will be retained under the vinyl which still covers the letters.
The sandblast is no more than 2mm deep across the slab. The fine honed finish on the surface will be retained under the vinyl which still covers the letters.

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape
The fine work is excellent. All the vinyl stencil which has been plotted and cut has to be weeded out by hand for sandblasting.
The four granite slabs which make up the large platform seat awaiting more sandblasting outside.
The four granite slabs which make up the large platform seat awaiting more sandblasting outside.

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

Granite slabs completed. When wet the granite will become almost uniformly dark. As the surface dries, the images and text will begin to reveal themselves. The areas with no sandblasting or shallow detail will dry out first.
Granite slabs completed. When wet the granite will become almost uniformly dark. As the surface dries, the images and text will begin to reveal themselves. The areas with no sandblasting or shallow detail will dry out first.

Sandblasted granite seat by Christopher Tipping & Hardscape for Central Chelmsford. Image: Hardscape

 

Central Chelmsford – Large Granite Platform Seat

One of the most striking & singular elements of the interpretation project at Burgess Springs,  Central Chelmsford is the large granite platform seat.

This feature is some 2.4m square & manufactured in 4 large units. The surface is being sandblasted with images and text, both inspired by the writing of Anne Knight of Chelmsford. 

The granite artwork is being project managed by Nigel Hudson, Masonry Product Manager  for  Hardscape at their premises at Long Marston, Stratford Upon Avon.  The sandblasting is being carried out by Masonry Manager, Vladimir Zonozicka. We have met several times to discuss and sample the process & the collaboration has in turn, resulted in a much more interesting peice of work.

The image shows the light coloured vinyl stencil applied to the granite surface. Some layers of sandblasting have already been achieved & these have the vinyl stripped away to reveal the sandblasted surface. The deepest blasting is no more than 2mm, but the effects can be striking, particularly when wet or in direct sunlight. Image: Hardscape
The image shows the light coloured vinyl stencil applied to the granite surface. Some layers of sandblasting have already been achieved & these have the vinyl stripped away to reveal the sandblasted surface. The deepest blasting is no more than 2mm, but the effects can be striking, particularly when wet or in direct sunlight. Image: Hardscape
The work is manufactured from a grey granite with a honed finish. The early artworks suggest a green colour - which was influenced by the Royal Green granite used for some paving detailing - this is not the case. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford
The work is manufactured from a grey granite with a honed finish. The early artworks suggest a green colour – which was influenced by the Royal Green granite used for some paving detailing – this is not the case. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford
Draft artwork in black & white with some text highlighted in red for the attention of the manufacturer, Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford
Draft artwork in black & white with some text highlighted in red for the attention of the manufacturer, Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford

 

 

 

Draft artwork in black & white with some text highlighted in red for the attention of the manufacturer, Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford
Draft artwork in black & white with some text highlighted in red for the attention of the manufacturer, Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford

 

Granite slab awaiting sandblasting by Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford
Granite slab awaiting sandblasting by Hardscape. Christopher Tipping for Central Chelmsford

 

The development scheme is being delivered on behalf of Genesis Housing by Denne & project managed by Bidwells.