Chas Clarkson specialises in the design, supply and installation of world-class Christmas decorations and illumination for commercial properties, such as Shopping Centres, Department stores, Casinos and City precincts. They create magical and memorable experiences that bring joy … at Christmas time and all year round.
Obviously, they’re used to baubles of all shapes and sizes but when they decided they wanted three giant baubles, each with a circumference of 12.5 metres and a diameter of 4 metres, they turned to the experts – HME Services.
“Our brief stated that ball needed to be split into smaller parts for transport and be simple to reconstruct with a spanner, drill, a few nuts and bolts,” commented Kshitij Kharub, HME’s Mechanical Engineer for the project. “It was also important that the giant bauble could withstand high oceanic winds so it didn’t fly away during a summer storm.”
Each bauble can be split into 15 different components approximately 2-metres wide by 2-metres long that are stackable. HME added a seat that is fixed into the structure and internal rods allow for interior decorations or lights to be hung.
The bauble is customisable guaranteeing their maximum usage. In 2020 Randwick City Council wanted a way to make an impact beyond the Christmas period that would drive visitation, social engagement and PR. A bauble was transformed into a giant, melting ice cream bringing a breath of fresh air to Sydney’s Clovelly Beach as a new year dawned.
In 2021 The City of Parramatta used the bauble to create an external statement piece that would reflect the Lunar New Year festival and the Year of the Ox. It was transformed into an illuminated walk-through lantern, enveloping it with a canopy of smaller lanterns, cherry blossoms and lucky coins.
