Design student creates public art for Barratt

Barratt North London has awarded Pius Yiga (17), a first year design student at West Herts College in Watford, a commission to create a public piece of art for its Willow Grange development in the town.

Around 30 students at the college competed to win the commission to design and produce a sculpture with a budget from Barratt of £5000 and a further £500 prize money for the winner.

The housebuilder asked the students to use nature as their inspiration. After researching Willow Grange, Pius created a stunning design for a stainless steel sculpture named ‘Seed’ which will reflect the natural setting while also representing the regeneration (removed and growth) of the former office site.

Glyn Hopping, managing director at Barratt North London, says: “We were very impressed with Pius’ drawings and when he built the maquette we knew his sculpture would look superb in the public open space at the front of our Willow Grange development.”

Willow Grange, which will have 174 homes when complete, is an attractive gated development located in a tranquil and leafy area north of Watford. The scheme, set amidst 4.9 acres of mature parkland grounds, includes a substantial converted office building with Victorian origins that surrounds a rectangular lake; it also has its own gym and allocated parking.

The latest phase of 78 one and two-bedroom apartments within the refurbished buildings overlooking a central lake was released for sale in May, and these will be ready to move into in the winter. A new phase of one and two-bedroom apartments will be launched later in the year.

Pius, who is in his first year studying for a Btec National Diploma in 3D Design, says: “Winning this commission is quite an accomplishment and I can’t wait to see my design realised. I wanted to show how natural and man-made materials can work together, just like housing can work within nature. Hopefully it will look great and play a key part in my portfolio.”

The sculpture will be unveiled at Willow Grange on 24th June, when Pius will also receive his £500 prize money. Pius adds: “I’m going to put the money towards an Apple Mac book to help me with my studies when I go to university, where I hope to study a degree in architectural design.”

Willow Grange is located around a mile from the centre of Watford and offers easy access to the M1 and M25. Watford Junction railway station lies approximately half a mile to the south of the development and provides direct access to London Euston with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Watford Underground station, around a mile away, is located on the Metropolitan Line. There are also direct bus links to Heathrow Airport.

Prices for the refurbished apartments at Willow Grange start from £189,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £232,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. The sales and marketing suite at Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford, WD17 4QA is open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, Monday 2pm to 6pm and Tuesday 10am to 6pm.

For further information, visit Barratthomes.co.uk.