Rural view, plus inspired artist, plus creative structural engineering, equals 'dynamic loadbearing'.

Designed by JMS, fabricated by Artfabs.

Tim Ward is a truly inspired and inspiring artist operating from his public arts and landscape design practice 'Circling the Square' in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. His core mantra is to enable the 'application of artistic principles to urban design', the results of which can be seen across Essex and beyond.

But this is just partly a story about Tim, his concept and his design.

This is also an example of what can be achieved when two pieces of a jigsaw fit so well together, where the breathtaking inspiration of the artist's origination and design is transported into a practical, sustainable 'thing' by the creativity, innovation and skill of the consulting Structural Engineer - JMS.

Above right and below are two examples of Tim's work. Below is a cross section of his involvement in the Stockport Interchange, a project for which he was appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester.

Moving back into Essex, south of Colchester and we find the delightful surrounding areas and views of Rowhedge Wharf. What could possibly make the enjoyment of such views better than to create and install a walkway and watchtower.

Tim's design is as creative as the concept itself. We are as proud to work with him as we are to take our hats off to him.

The platform and tower comprise a spiral staircase, 'mast' feature, observation platform, base support and concrete foundation.  Each component requires different engineering dynamics to converge as one.

The Spiral Staircase is a 4 meters tall and over 2 meters in diameter staircase, mounted on a central support column with steps and a steel plate stringer. The 20 steps are formed of 12 per full turn with a hand rail and vertical bar infill to the steel spiral staircase.



The 'Mast' Feature is a bespoke tapering steel mast, 6 meters tall but only 35 centimeters diameter at the base where it is connected to a central support column. For special occasions, flag and bunting attachments can be nautically attached to the mast.

As for the Observation Platform, this is a dodecagon (12 sided to mere mortals) shaped platform 4.5 meters in diameter with a 1.2 meter barrier mounted on a steel rail and supports with a steel handrail.

The 'Rowhedge Recollections' durable photographic frieze feature (pictured below) and clear Perspex panels will be integrated within the handrail.

At the center of the platform is the 2.1 meter staircase access/egress with its handrail and vertical bar surround. The observation walkway is a 1.2 meter 360 degree platform.

These are some of Tom Jeffcoat's 3D drawings (JMS) which help define the detailed engineering and specification of the steelwork.

The Base Support and Concrete Foundation clearly have to support this lot in the ebb and flow of the River Colne.

The central base column descends into the specially built round section of the 1.9 meter high retaining wall.

It will be further supported by an additional steel framework and base plate in a concrete foundation.

The Rowhedge Recollections (below) is an anthology of photographs, diary comment and articles illustrating life at the turn of the 19th, 20th Century.

Much of the memorabilia centers on the Rowhedge Ironworks, which formed in 1904 changing its name from Donyland Shipbuilders.




From this time until 1964, Rowhedge claimed the successful launching of over 900 vessels. If the Rowhedge Watchtower could look back in time, what views must it see and tales to tell.

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