Public art project ‘Building a Martian House’, built with help from BAM, is now on public display in Bristol.
The prototype house is intended to shine a spotlight, and spark discussions, on how we can live more sustainably on earth, taking into account the environmental conditions on Mars.
The project is the brainchild of artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent. The project also involved design company Pearce+, and Hugh Broughton Architects, the firm that also designed the Halley VI British Antarctic Research Station.
However, the project has also captured the imagination of space scientists, architects, engineers, designers, and the public including primary school children to think about better ways of living on earth and Mars.
SCF Construct Framework helped get the project off the ground with its ‘Two Stage Open book’ procurement process. SCF helps public sector organisations in London, the South East and the South West.
Wide sector involvement
The project is based next to the M Shed museum that was built by BAM a few years ago. BAM was asked to become involved alongside others from the construction, design, engineering, lighting and quantity surveying sectors.
BAM project manager Tony Richards and assistant planner Natalie Aikman gave a combined 225 hours of support to the Martian House project, in the construction planning and project management phase.
This included pre-construction planning, procurement scheduling, attending meetings, and managing delivery and installation of two 20ft containers donated by BAM Plant.
BAM also oversaw contributions from supply chain partners such as transportation by David Watson Transport, structural welding by Metal Fabrications, and the foundation pads from Wyse Base.
Eye-catching public art
Richards said: “It was a privilege to be able to contribute to this interesting and certainly eye-catching piece of public art for the people of Bristol.
“For me and Natalie, it was hugely rewarding to be able to put our construction project management skills to use, to help this community project. And I want to thank all our supply chain partners who helped to bring this House to life.”
The Martian House will be on display until October at M Shed Square in Bristol.
Watch a time lapse video of the build below.
