Corten Steel, where heavy metal meets Rihanna

Jan 23, 20243 min read

Cambridge Corten delivers transformational installation in Barbados

We’re already up into sixth gear, and cruising nicely into 2024 – and I sense a buzz as I walk around our Cambridge Corten (CC) factory. The team is, in all sincerity, laser-focused, creating innovative and beautifully finished products, but still on a high after showcasing our manufacturing capability at its best to this global audience. As a relatively new start up – it’s a boost to know we are already competing successfully for international projects.

The team are justifiably proud of their involvement in this flagship initiative, located in the heart of the Caribbean capital, Bridgetown. The ‘Monument To The Barbadian Family’ project in the newly named National Heroes Square, showcases the creativity and expertise currently coming out of UK manufacturing. Not to build ourselves up, but I like to think we’re headlining alongside Rihanna – one of the country’s eleven National Heroes honoured in the display, made right here on our Cambridge site. In terms of endorsements, winning and delivering this contract is about as good as it gets; I even put my gloves on – hit the link to see my cameo during preparations for despatch, hopefully helping and not hindering.

Cambridge Corten National Heroes Monument

Cambridge Corten’s artisan approach wins contract

I’m proud of our business in Sandy, achieving this project on time and to specification. We won a three-way global pitch – the only UK business asked to quote, proving that UK manufacturers still have much to offer. I believe we eclipsed the competition by going further than the required criteria, demonstrating competitiveness, originality, robust processes, and the appropriate skillset to work on a fast-moving project (from concept to delivery within three months). It was evident that CC aligned with the designers’ vision – a testament to our artisan approach.

We knew that maintaining control of the end visual was a priority for the designers. Using Corten steel enabled the local design duo Hugh Holder and Vincent Jones to prescribe how the monument would age and complement the surroundings many years after installation. Project-managed by Hugh, Vincent and Natron Inc, Cambridge Corton manufactured the display using a revolutionary blend of concrete and Corten weathering steel. We also offered consultation for the final installation, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to fitting.

What is Corten steel?

Corten steel is still relatively unknown in the UK and was undoubtedly a novel material to Barbados, although it’s growing in popularity amongst homegrown landscapers, urban planners and architects – due to its sustainable and low-maintenance properties, plus the stunning, dynamic aging aesthetic it offers.

One of the most beneficial properties of Corten is its high level of weather resistance. The material can control the rate at which oxygen in the atmosphere reacts with the surface of the metal, slowing down the progress of corrosion, which makes the material self-protecting.

I often think about the role our teams play in creating engaging environments. Telling stories and communicating ideas is our starting point – whether the brief relates to a commercial property, parks, landscaped gardens, or a civic urban outdoor space. It’s not too ambitious to hope that we tread in the footsteps of talented artisans from a different era – mapping our heritage and capturing contemporary stories – revealed even centuries later through beautiful masonry, wood or metalwork in our historic cities, towns and villages. That’s a big responsibility and one we relish.

Commissioned to mark the country’s transition to a republic in 2021, National Heroes Square encapsulates a story or narrative that has evolved over time. The voices have changed, perspectives have altered, and even new ones have been added.

This organic fluidity of storytelling is an ancient art form, which is why we recommended Corten steel, used in remarkably poignant contemporary sculptures in and around the UK. Few other materials replicate its warmth and patina, and we look forward to seeing how the ‘Monument To The Barbadian Family’ recounts its story for generations to come.