Green Varnish
Art Fabrication Case Study
Problem: Construct a complex wood structure that met stringent engineering requirements in a two week timeframe without compromising the artistic vision.
Solution: Collab prefabricated key portions of the project off site allowing a highly skilled team of carpenters to work efficiently and complete the project as envisioned on time and on budget.
Green Varnish was a temporary landscape sculpture installed at the Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis (CAMSTL) on view in the courtyard from May 23 – September 13, 2015. The sculpture was designed by Nomad Studio, a Brooklyn based landscape architecture firm. The sculpture measures 32’ x 36’ x 8’ high. A wood framed structure supports approximately four tons of earth and plant matter and gives the sculpture its sumptuous form of gentle, complex curves. To execute this bold and ambitious project CAMSTL and Nomad choose to partner with Collab as the prime sub-contractor to fabricate the wooden armature and clad the exposed sides of the structure.
Collab partnered with Portico Construction, creating a team that had the right combination of skills to execute constructing a highly complex structure within a two week time frame.
The strategy was to prefabricate as many components and ship them to the project site to minimize on-site construction labor and time. Collab provided project management to ensure materials and components were ready and on site when needed and worked closely with Portico to ensure that the structure met the artist’s requirements and vision for the project.
"Collab was able to find a beautiful and functional building solution to a complex problem posed by landscape designers for a major installation at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. We are indebted to Collab not only for their expertise but for their problem solving skills and ability to get a multifaceted job done within budget and within difficult time constraints. Collab served as a partner rather than a contractor in the building of a wooden armature that served as a base of an outdoor sculpture. If we have fabrication needs in the future, I would use Collab again with the knowledge that they would do the job precisely, professionally, and with great quality and design."
— Lisa Melandri,
Executive Director - Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis