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The Cupola
- "a small structure or dome on a roof"
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The Journey starts - Paul brazing the brass frame for the glass and crystal structure designed to cover the central opening in the roof. The design mirrors the roof beams to continue the spiral-like structural theme.
The initial brasswork is completed - the brass skirt has been added to accommodate the height variation due to the reciprocal force structure. A selection of large faceted Amethyst and Adenturine crystals have been incorporated in the skirt.
The cupola complete - glass has been inserted and laminated for protection.
there was over 9 months between these pictures!
The interior (viewed while still on the ground).
The mirrored sections create reflections adding to the visual richness.
The journey to the outside world - we had thought to use a crane to lift the cupola to the roof but we resolved to lift it with manpower a classic case of "many hands make light work".
The first stage of the ascension - the 6 metre planks again prove their worth as a ramp for this effort.
Once it was on the outer roof the cupola seemed so keen to get to the top that we had a challenge keeping up with it - this moment felt like a mad scramble to keep a hand on the cupola as it 'soared' to it's place. Much to everyone's delight it fits like a glove.
The whole operation from the ground to the apex took around 10 minutes (including fixing) - a marked change from the nearly 9 months of construction!!
At last! We can see the results of the work - a glorious cap to the temple and a veritable light show all day long. Since the cupola has been in place we have had a flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos (birds we rarely, if ever, saw in the area previously) visiting every day from dawn to dusk. The pace and intensity of personal change has also stepped up a notch!
A blue crane
inspects the structure!
The results are quite spectacular!
the faceted hearts sprinkle
the floor with colour
The central diamond
casts an intense rainbow
>>>>>
The stained glass shadow
travels across the walls
throughout the day, often
assuming distinct postures
<<<<<
yep - thats a rotary hoe in the living room
- but that's another story to do with the floors.
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