Case Study:
'Vannpaviljong'
A Dynamic Water Sculpture in Norway

Crafting a Reflective Masterpiece

At High Grade Metal Polishers, we take pride in working on ambitious, large-scale public artworks that challenge both engineering and craftsmanship. One such project, Vannpaviljong, required our expertise to perfect a stainless steel water pavilion, designed by renowned sculptor William Pye.

Standing as a striking centrepiece in Drammen, Norway, Vannpaviljong is a fusion of sculpture, architecture, and water dynamics, inviting public interaction and enhancing its surrounding space. Our role was to ensure that its stainless steel surfaces were finished to a flawless commercial mirror polish, bringing the artist’s vision to life.

The Artist: William Pye

William Pye is a highly respected British sculptor known for his innovative use of water and metal in large-scale public artworks. Over the decades, his sculptures have been featured in prestigious locations worldwide, combining engineering precision with artistic elegance. His fascination with water’s movement, reflection, and interaction with surfaces makes stainless steel a key material in many of his works.

With projects spanning fountains, kinetic water sculptures, and immersive installations, Pye’s work engages both sight and sound, creating visually dynamic and interactive experiences.

The Commission: A Centrepiece for Drammen, Norway

In 2008, William Pye won an international sculpture competition to design a significant artwork for Strømsø Square in Drammen, Norway. The jury, consisting of professional artists, donors, and town council members, unanimously selected Pye’s proposal from a shortlist of five leading sculptors from the United States, Germany, Norway, and Britain.

His design, Vannpaviljong, is not just a static sculpture but an immersive, interactive pavilion, allowing the public to experience its visual and tactile effects from both inside and out. The structure features:

• Mirror-polished stainless steel walls with rolling water cascading down the surface.
• Curtains of jetted water, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display.
• A transparent dome with double skin layers, housing lively water movement and programmed LED lighting.

Unveiled on 18th June 2011, Vannpaviljong became an integral part of Drammen’s urban transformation, redefining the newly developed Strømsø Square.

Fabrication & Finishing

Benson Sedgwick Engineering was commissioned to fabricate the sculpture using 5mm 316L stainless steel, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining the fluidity of Pye’s design. Once completed, the entire sculpture weighed 6 tonnes.

At High Grade Metal Polishers, we were entrusted with the crucial task of removing all welds and applying a flawless commercial mirror finish to the stainless steel panels. This was essential in achieving the reflective, water-enhancing effect that defines Vannpaviljong.

Our Process: Bringing the Vision to Life

• Weld Removal – Every welded joint was carefully removed to ensure a seamless and continuous surface, critical for maintaining the polished, mirror-like effect.
• Commercial Mirror Polishing – Using our specialist polishing techniques, we refined the stainless steel panels to a high-quality reflective finish, allowing the cascading water to interact beautifully with light and movement.

By applying precision polishing techniques, we ensured that the metal’s natural reflectivity enhanced the dynamic water flow, creating a visually striking and immersive experience for visitors.

Final Installation & Impact

Since its unveiling, Vannpaviljong has become a landmark feature of Drammen, drawing visitors with its unique blend of sculpture, architecture, and kinetic water movement. The mirror-polished stainless steel plays a vital role in shaping how the pavilion interacts with light, water, and its surroundings—exactly as William Pye intended.

For High Grade Metal Polishers, this project showcases our ability to handle large-scale, high-profile commissions, where attention to detail, craftsmanship, and expertise are essential to delivering world-class results.

Looking for Expert Metal Polishing for Your Next Project?

We specialise in sculptural, architectural, and restoration metal polishing, working with artists, designers, and engineers to achieve flawless finishes. Whether you require mirror polishing, precision weld removal, or on-site finishing, we ensure every surface meets the highest standards.