Granite has long been a cornerstone of public landmarks and architectural features and, at HGH, we’ve spent decades perfecting our craft and working hand-in-hand with architects, contractors, and artists to bring their visions to life.
From parks and urban sculptures to architectural installations, we’re proud to provide the expertise, precision, and project management necessary to ensure each project is completed on time and within budget.
In this blog, we explore how our collaboration with artists and designers has resulted in the creation of three prominent public landmarks: Trillium Park, Prince Arthur Condominiums’ Granite Sofa, and RIM Park.
These projects highlight the importance of technical expertise and seamless coordination between businesses, artists, and contractors in delivering lasting, high-quality installations. Let’s dive in…
1. Trillium Park
Trillium Park is a 7.5-acre public space on Toronto’s waterfront that pays tribute to Ontario’s natural landscape and cultural history. We played a key role in the park’s design, collaborating closely with the team at LANDinc to provide technical support and precision granite work for two key features: the Moccasin Identifier granite walls and the Bluff wall and seating areas.
Our team sourced all granite from Northern Ontario, ensuring the material aligned with the project’s environmental and aesthetic goals. The Bluff wall, which faces Lake Ontario, was first constructed at our quarry off-site before being dismantled, transported, and rebuilt with precision on-site. Similarly, the Moccasin Identifier walls were carefully engraved offsite at HGH with indigenous designs using our state-of-the-art sandblasting techniques.
For architects and contractors, partnering with us means having a reliable source of high-quality materials, supported by our project management expertise. The precision of our work contributed to the park’s Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) National Award of Excellence, further solidifying the park as a cultural and geographical landmark.
Our collaboration with landscape architects and contractors, including Aldershot Landscape Contractors and UCC Group, on Trillium Park showcases our ability to source, fabricate, and install granite with precision, helping our clients meet design goals while considering budget and timeline.
2. Prince Arthur Condominiums’ Granite Sofa
Public art doesn’t just enhance green spaces and urban spaces, it’s employed to add cultural value to residential and commercial developments. A prime example is the iconic Granite Sofa at Prince Arthur Condominiums in Toronto, a six-tonne granite sculpture designed by artists Susan Schelle and Mark Gomes.
We sourced the Crystal Brown granite from South Africa and had it carved in Canada.
Granite offers the perfect durability for a permanent outdoor installation – and delivers a polished aesthetic.
For developers and property managers, public art pieces like the Granite Sofa elevate the overall appeal of the building, increasing its value and enhancing the experience of residents and visitors. More importantly, granite’s durability ensures that installations like these require minimal maintenance over the years, making them a cost-effective, long-term investment for B2B partners.
Our team worked closely with the artists to finalize design details, confirm granite colors, and ensure the carving and polishing met their exact specifications. The result? A popular interactive sculpture that has been captivating (and providing an unofficial seat!) for Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood since its installation in 1998.
3. RIM Park
At RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario, we collaborated with artist Stephen Cruise to create a unique public artwork titled “Vessels”, which highlights the area’s historical and natural significance. The sculpture features five groups of boulders, each topped with a granite acorn that symbolizes key moments in the region’s history.
The granite acorns, in various colours, were carved to include both honed and polished finishes, while we sandblasted the accompanying boulders with intricate designs. Each element was created to reflect historical artefacts and local landmarks – which meant the sculpture also doubles as a tribute to the area’s heritage.
Our role in sourcing the granite and working closely with the artist to fabricate the acorns demonstrates the value of collaboration between technical experts and creative professionals. The result is an art installation that will stand the test of time, providing cultural and historical significance for generations to come.
The Art of Collaboration: From Concept to Completion
At HGH Granite, our success in public art and architectural installations is rooted in close collaboration with architects, artists, and contractors. From the earliest stages of project development, we work with clients to provide detailed guidance on granite sourcing, colour selection, and fabrication techniques. We handle everything from shop drawings to final installation, ensuring that the project stays on track and meets all expectations.
Using advanced tools like CNC machines, diamond wire saws, and traditional hand-carving techniques, we combine cutting-edge technology with skilled craftsmanship. This allows us to bring even the most complex designs to life with precision and efficiency. Whether it’s a large-scale architectural feature or an intricate public art installation.
If you’re planning a landmark project, contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.
