Building a permanent, multifunctional nature-based art installation, Co. Tipperary.
Moss Bench, 2024.
Presented at the 2024 Field Exchange Festival
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A part of Field Exchange, collaborative work with the Ken Curran Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland (DSWAI)
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Designing and creating a ‘green island’ permanent structure to Brookfield Farm. This project investigates rain water collection methods and moss as an air cleaner.
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A multifunctional nature-based art installation, made with stone, harvested water and moss.
steel water collection
water runnels
moss beds with carbon sequestering and air cleaning opportunity
The Moss Bench is a contemporary sculptural installation that reimagines traditional Irish stone walling through the integration of living moss.
Designed as both seating and a viewing point, moss bench collects and channels rainwater to sustain the moss, which naturally filters the air. Rooted in local materials and craft, the piece reflects a strong connection to landscape, sustainability and climate-conscious design, while offering a functional and adaptable solution for public spaces.
The concept.
Moss is a natural sponge and carbon sequester and is an integral part of Ireland and our wet climate. The Moss Bench rethinks stone and moss in a creative and contemporary way, showcasing our vernacular stone wall building methods and exploring applications of moss.
Application possibilities include use in gardens, playgrounds, parks, and city streets as a natural air purifier and call-back to traditional Irish building methods.
The bench serves several purposes:
A water collection system which distributes rain water throughout the moss bench area and out to a chosen space through steel runnels
Serves as a seat and viewing area to spectacular Lough Derg
Holds moss which naturally cleans the air - Is a functional sculptural
Is a legacy piece of the Field Exhcange programme made with and by the farm ambassadors that reminds those around it of sustainability and climate action
Collaboration & engagement.
Months before building the moss bench, Esther met with the 11 key farm ambassadors of Field Exchange to educate them about the different benefits and potential applications of moss. She held a ‘moss graffiti’ workshop where the ambassadors painted moss and yogurt mixtures onto outdoor walls to create artworks that would grow moss on vertical surfaces.
After the moss workshop and talk, the group explored various areas around Brookfield Farm where the bench would be located. They settled on a space just above the barn where there is a beautiful view of Lough Derg and easy access to the bench.
Structure.
The construction and ideation was a collaborative effort between the Irish Dry Stonewall Association Ken Curran and Esther & Ed of Elements of Action. Esther Gerrard designed and managed the project, the stonemasons built the structure with the farm Ambassadors as part of the 6 month Field Exchange programme and the rain catcher and runnels were constructed by Ed Coveney.
Building process.
The process was a collaborative effort between the Irish Dry Stonewall Association and Esther & Ed of Elements of Action. Esther Gerrard designed and managed the project, the Stonemasons built the structure of the bench, and the rain catcher and runnels were constructed by Ed Coveney.
Locally sourced stone was used and should be used when replicating this project and it should be built in the traditional manner with local masons preserve our cultural heritage and traditions in the process. The rain water can be stored in adjacent tanks or used to feed rain gardens, ponds or local beds.
Presentation.
On August 31st, 2024 as a part of the Field Exchange Festival, Esther introduced the Moss Bench.
“Our designs showcase our love for the beautiful Irish landscape and its natural resources. We use materials in a contemporary way.”
Esther Gerrard