kaleiders arch

When Ice Meets Concrete: Kaleider’s Touring Arches

Case Study: A Bridge Over Frozen Water

Overview

When Kaleider approached us with an unusual request, ice-and-concrete freestanding arches. We knew it was the kind of challenge we couldn’t resist.

ice-and-concrete freestanding arches

The Project

Our brief was to create large-scale sculptural arches made from one-third ice and two-thirds concrete, engineered to be assembled on location by Kaleider, an international art production studio based in Exeter, UK, renowned for creating immersive and experimental art that blends installation, live performance, and digital media. The concept combined raw industrial strength with the fragile beauty of ice, creating a powerful visual statement.

The Installation

Once constructed, a fire is lit beneath the ice section. This dramatic melting process is not just spectacle, it’s a deliberate artistic choice designed to spark conversation about climate change and the fragility of political systems.

Global Reach

After a successful debut last year, the project has returned for a world tour, with installations across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Each new location brings a fresh audience and renewed impact.

Behind the Scenes

We worked closely with Kaleider to shape, prepare, and deliver the ice components so they could be seamlessly integrated with the concrete arches on-site. The precision required to ensure stability while maintaining the melting effect was one of the most exciting challenges of the build.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video to see how art, engineering, and environmental commentary came together in this unforgettable project.

Explore more of our art projects and exhibitions here.