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The artwork 'Water Wheel' – from sketch to reality

It all began in 2020 when city architect Ann Dakovic came to Deform and presented her sketch for a decorative installation for a new roundabout in Karlskoga. She describes the work like this:
“The installation consists of two parts. One part features cones of varying heights, symbolizing the flow and dynamics of the Timsälven river. The other part depicts the classic waterwheel at Dammbro, and together they create a dynamic dialogue between nature and history.”

Everything was to be manufactured in Corten steel for a stylish, weather-resistant, rusty appearance.
Deform's designer managed to align the artistic vision with a manufacturable design that Ann was satisfied with.

Then the construction of the roundabout came to a sudden halt due to technical problems. The project was severely delayed, and the installation was put on hold, with uncertainty as to whether it would even be realized.

Fast forward to 2023, when Ann emailed to say the construction would resume and the project for the installation could finally start again! However, new requirements for significantly thicker steel and modified hole patterns emerged after structural calculations were completed. For Deform, this meant going back to square one. A lot of extra work was required for our designer, along with revisiting and sourcing new subcontractors capable of handling the increased material thickness.

But then, after the summer of 2024, production was finally in full swing. Deform manufactured the entire waterwheel and base plate, the pipes were delivered, and everything was assembled in our workshop. In October we invited Ann for an inspection and presentation of the assembled installation. She was nervously excited to finally see the piece in real life and was very pleased with the result.

The entire installation was lifted into place in the roundabout during week 46

We see this project as a testament to our expertise in construction and sheet metal work, but also to our ability to successfully carry through a challenging project from start to finish