Work begins on new public art installation. The sculpture is inspired by the industrial heritage of the local area at Great Oaks in Engine Common. ‘The Great Beam’ will become a playful outdoor seating area for new residents and the community to enjoy once completed.
Designed and made by Somerset-based artist, designer and furniture maker
The artwork was designed and made by Somerset-based artist, designer and furniture maker Adam Blencowe on behalf of housebuilder Newland Homes. Adam researched the rich and varied mining history of South Gloucestershire . He then created a bespoke artwork in the heart of the new development.
Made of reclaimed timbers from a former railway bridge, The Great Beam is both an eye-catching, contemporary artwork and a place to sit and rest.
New homeowners have already moved into the first of 84 three and four bedroom zero carbon homes at Great Oaks by Newland Homes, located in Engine Common famous for its colliery past.
Understanding local mining history
During his design process Adam worked with the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group (SGMRG) to understand local mining history. Engine houses were a common feature of the mining landscape, within which a beam engine pumped water out of the mines. Most of the area was mined for coal. However, ochre, celestine, iron, lead and stone were also mined locally. The shape of the beam engine was Adam’s starting point for the design of the new artwork at Great Oaks.
Adam also ran a mobile-making workshop for children at North Road Primary School in Engine Common. This was inspired by the principles of the beam and fulcrum that were used to power the beam engines.
Adam explains: “I wanted the piece to have a strong visual impact and for it to be a focal point for the new development, but for it also to serve a purpose. The reclaimed hardwood beam has an industrial past, just like this part of South Gloucestershire. The wood has been planed and drilled, fitted with metal work to form seats, and sanded to soften the surfaces and edges. The wood has a texturized surface to define the seats and create visual interest.”
Adam continues: “I hope people will enjoy looking at the piece and using it for rest and relaxation.”
Incorporating art into our developments
Tom Sheppard, Design Director for Newland Homes, commissioned the artwork: “By incorporating art into our developments we create spaces that are not only functional, but also culturally rich, visually appealing and community-focused. We have already welcomed many new residents to Great Oaks. We hope The Great Beam invites interaction and will help to create a focal point for the development. A place to stop and chat that will form the heart of this new community for many years to come.”
Zero carbon homes represent a full-circle moment
The highly efficient, zero carbon homes at Great Oaks are equipped with the latest technology to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Providing a cleaner and greener alternative to homeowners and transforming the way homes are designed and run. Situated in an area renowned for its colliery history, it is marked by iconic Engine Houses with their beam engines. This development represents a full-circle moment – replacing coal with clean energy as a new standard for the future. Each home has high levels of insulation, solar panels for electricity generation, air source heat pumps for hot water and heating, and an electric car charging point.
Continuing the environmentally friendly approach, allotments will be created for people to grow their own produce at Great Oaks. A natural play area will also be created adjacent to an area of open space for all to enjoy.
The new homes achieve an EPC ‘A’ rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact. This makes them the absolute pinnacle of sustainable development and far surpassing the UK’s current building regulations. Indeed, some of the homes at Great Oaks achieve scores above the top possible rating.
Prices at Great Oaks start from £555,000 for a four-bedroom, detached home. Some homes are ready to move into now, before the stamp duty land tax increase at the end of next month. Tailor-made appointments are available daily, please call 01454 537993 to book. For further information and to view the home online please click here or follow Newland Homes on socials @newlandhomes
About the artist
Adam Blencowe (b.1981) is an artist, designer and maker based in North Somerset. Blencowe has a background in furniture design and graduated from the Design Products MA at the Royal College of Art in 2015. His practice is broad, making art commissions for public space, furniture for private residences and small timber frame buildings. He teaches on the Product and Furniture Design BA course at Bath School of Design at Bath Spa University.
In his work Blencowe rethinks traditional techniques and processes. He has a particular interest in the provenance of the materials used, often favouring reclaimed and natural materials. He has created work in reclaimed timber, textiles and stone. Recent clients include the Museum of Making in Derby, the Barbican in London and Hauser & Wirth Somerset as well as private commissions for homes.
His ongoing project Fuzzy Logic creates precision felted textiles using waste wool fibres that are a by product of the UK sheep farming industry. He processes these using an adapted Makita jigsaw. For the Barbican, Blencowe made a series of textile panels and a series of chess sets.
Newland Homes Limited is a property developer registered in England and Wales number 2582221.
Registered office: Brighouse Court, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RT.
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