{"id":178,"date":"2017-12-08T13:10:07","date_gmt":"2017-12-08T13:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/?page_id=178"},"modified":"2026-02-25T22:11:41","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T22:11:41","slug":"redhouse-park-sundial-feature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/design\/projects\/redhouse-park-sundial-feature\/","title":{"rendered":"Redhouse Park Sundial Feature"},"content":{"rendered":"

This ongoing project is just one part of an ambitious arts trail by Great Linford Parish Council<\/a><\/p>\n

A large Gnomon<\/a> (or shadow striker) is to be relocated, from it’s previous home in The Theatre District, to a site at the end of Millfield Gardens, Redhouse Park, Milton Keynes:<\/p>\n

\"\"In this case the gnomon is a 5M long mild steel Circular Hollow Section, facing true South, at an angle of 52 degrees, making it parallel to The Earth’s Axis. As the planet rotates a shadow on the ground follows a clockwise path. The sketch below shows the hour lines from six AM to mid-day then up to six PM. The sketch below is of the site in plan, with the hour lines radiating out from the gnomon.<\/p>\n

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The length of the shadow shortens with the sun’s (relative) elevation, allowing us to mark the time of year in lines running across the radiating hour lines:<\/p>\n

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In this case six lines mark the twelve Signs of The Zodiac. Because the site is highly contoured, these lines distort, as the ground falls away from the line of the shadow. These lines could be picked out in slate off-cuts<\/p>\n

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Click here, or on above image for animation in new tab…<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Here CAD has been used to simulate solar shadows. A survey of the site may be used to predict where shadows may fall at any time on any date of the year, allowing for the ground falling away from the shadow line.<\/p>\n

The curved lines running across the site mark the zones through which the sun’s shadow will pass through various times of the year. These could coincide with the 12 signs of the zodiac, in special anti slip coloured coating, stenciled around the intersecting footpath. Below is a design depicting Aries the ram (March 21st to April 19th)<\/p>\n

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Here is a CAD Rendering of what the refurbished gnomnon might look like- in this case it has been extended with a laser- cut baffle, with four directional coloured glass filters, so that in bright sunlight the tip will change appearance with the sun’s position.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>or in perspective:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A recent visit to Granlyn Specialist Coatings,<\/em> agents for the Metalier<\/a> finishing system, highlighted some interesting possibilities. Basically powdered metals (typically bronze or gunmetal) is applied in a substrate over an epoxy primer. These finishes can be chemically  patinated and\/ or buffed to a reflective finish. The coating also has sufficient thickness to take a texture, either through stippling, or with a latex roller<\/p>\n

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Bronze Textured<\/p>\n

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Smokey bronze textured (Patinated, then buffed)<\/p>\n

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Rose Aluminium with applied texture.<\/p>\n

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Gunmetal textured<\/p>\n

It will be appreciated that although the techniques shown are a fraction of the cost of a specialist foundry casting, they may prove to be beyond the budget of this project.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>This is a more accurately scaled 3D CAD rendering of the current incarnation, modeled on survey data.<\/p>\n

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Again, this is a more recent version of the design. The softworks are as they were when this base photo was taken.<\/p>\n

There will be some swathes of bulb planting at ground level- these will come out at different times of the year.<\/p>\n

UPDATE: March 2022.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The design has evolved over time. Specified finishes have been altered, with a subtle polished patina to the gnomon and locally sourced ‘river cobbles’ around the base,<\/p>\n

Here CAD renderings show the refurbished gnomon in position. This is currently being given it’s burnished gunmetal- like surface by Perfect Paints<\/em> of Blakelands.<\/p>\n

River cobble markers (Indicating both time and date) can be seen radiating outwards on the grass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

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Revised CAD rendering, showing river cobbles and pattinated finish to steelwork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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View from corner of Millfied Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Anticipated View from Millfield Gardens, Gnomon exported from 3D CAD study. In the event the dogwood planing was moved to the back of the site during construction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Taken from 3D CAD study:
The gnomon’s, laser cut steel tip, steel from Twin Engineerin<\/em>g of Denbeigh, has also been refined to a slimmer point, incorporating coloured glass. In bright daylight the appearance of this will subtly change with the sun’s elevation and position, throughout the day and throughout the year. This extension was designed to extend the gnomon shadows reach to the back of the available site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Gnomon extension in lazer cut steel, seen here at Twin Engineering’s Denbeigh workshops.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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MK surveys marked the site out, working from the CAD file that was used to produce the solar study. These were used by the contractor to lay out the river cobble markers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Locally sourced river cobbles, laid by Manor Drives, ready for pointing up in a contrasting dark mortar. Note pegs from MK-Surveys. These are to enable accurate setting out from CAD files produced by a solar study.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Once sand blasted, the repurposed gnomon turned out to be far more corroded and pitted. The cost of filling\/ refinishing this would have been prohibitive. Following the maxim of ‘when life give you lemons, make lemonade’<\/em> it was decided to emphasize these swirling, fractal patterns.

Gnomon & extension at Perfect Paint’s premises, receiving it’s distinctive buffed gunmetal patinated finish. The prongs at the top are to accept decorative tinted glass segments to give varied effects according to the relative position of the sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Rather than attempting to fill extensive corrosion pitting, Perfect Paint <\/strong><\/em>brought out the pattern and the texture by applying a chemical patinating agent, then buffing surrounded steel, before sealing with a high performance urethane clearcoat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Selected sections of pitting were further emphasized with gold leaf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Here Manor Drives <\/strong>are positioning the gnomon prior to accurately aligning it to true North, then fixing with hilti bolts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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In position, facing the sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Gnomon tip, with coloured glass spanning the three laser cut prongs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

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Shadow landing on mid-day Summer Solstice marker, June 21, 2022, 11:59.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Draft artwork to an explanation panel, facing the gnomon. This shows shadow patterns across time & date, with their relationship to astrological symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Schematic layout of proposed sedum turfs- these were to emphasize the pattern on the ground, whilst providing a mowing strip for ride on mowers. Unfortunately maintenance problems with sedum elsewhere in the city proved impracticable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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The original Gnomon had spent many years behind the theater district. During this time rust had crept underneath the original pearletic white finish, deeply pitting the mild steel underneath. After grit blasting the surface was treated with a chemical patinating agent, turning the surface dark. The surface was then buffed back to metal, creating a negative of the pitting. Finally the surface was clear- coated with a 2 pack polyurethane coating, to prevent further rusting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately a delay between grit blasting & finishing allowed some rust to return, so some treatment on site was required, forcing me to do a lot<\/em><\/strong> of hand rubbing- down during the recent mini heatwave!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After handover to Milton Keynes Council, the markers needed mowing strips to allow a ride on mower. Initially sedum was considered but eventually a self binding gravel was considered less vulnerable to weeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here ‘Epodex’ epoxy resin has been mixed with sand and gravel, before being applied between more vulnerable river cobbles, binding them securely to the concrete foundation below. More pea gravel is applied to give a more informal appearance & a dark jointing compound worked between the gaps to protect against frost damage. The black sheeting is a weed control barrier, awaiting some self binding gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fused glass sample segment by Vitreous Art<\/em> of Towcester. This sample is a test piece- the final article will use tinted components, positioned at the gnomon’s tip, to catch the sunlight. Here you can see ‘seeds’ from the material, refracting sunlight passing through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The finished article in fused coloured glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bound gravel dug & watered in. This was an initial trial area, at the time when the site was adopted by MKCC. After initial construction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Here is a 3D CAD model of an explanation panel stand in laser cut stainless steel. It is designed to be modular- here a ‘soundbox’ has been slotted into the front. Optionally up to three pairs of photovoltaic panels may be slotted into the South facing rear. You are looking at a map of the scheme, with astrological signs in their context. The QR code is to link to an web page as a gate way to background information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vitreous enamel explanation panel now in position.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
This is orientated facing true South, as is the gnomon it depicts, in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Yaw:212.55128,Pitch:-14.871381130198642,Roll:2.7988948982244892<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Area of bound gravel being dug out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was 12:00 BST on the 30th of July, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shadow above was landing on the 11:00 GMT marker, this being 12:00 BST.
In late July, the shadow doesn\u2019t stretch far from the gnomon, just passing the second line across the site, into a strip of ground donating the Leo<\/em> star sign, as we are moving away from the Summer Solstice.
In the Autumn, with The Winter Solstice at our backs, the same strip delineates Taurus,<\/em> The Summer Solstice nearing. I was in the process of digging out an estimated 8 tons of spoil to make way for self binding gravel. This is to provide a ride on mower free zone, whilst being free draining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yaw:355.98886,Pitch:-14.614444739759259,Roll:6.834597844949911<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Close up of the lower ‘Test’ area of The Gnomon, now treated with a eggshell, transparent coating of Owatrol oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are looking at fractal patterns of pitted rust, picked out in tanic acid rust converter, chemical blacking and a little splash of gold leaf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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March ’25,<\/strong> ground now excavated, weed proof barrier pinned in place, before porous layers of contrasting self binding gravel are added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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June 25,<\/strong> after much hand- excavation & digging in. the guts of ‘mowing surrounds’ to river cobble markers have been laid. These allow the site to be maintained by MKCC using large ride on Mowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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June ’25, contrasting gravel down, markers awaiting spot repair & slate reinforcement. You can see the line representing October 23 and February 21st, on the other side of the footpath running across this photo. The tip of the gnomon’s shadow will reach this line on those two dates, representing the cusp of Scorpio and Aquarius. The markers closest to the camera represent the summer solstice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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July ’25,<\/strong> Penultimate segment of gnomon rubbed down, through chemically stained mild steel to bare metal emphasizing fractal pitted rust patterns, then protected with two coats of ‘Owatrol’ preservation oil. You can see some ‘Summer morning’ markers at the edge of this photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shadow just passing 11:00 GMT, the date line (running across this photo) is just out of camera shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More self-binding gravel and slate edging\/ detailing t go in. October ’25. For one man, working part time, this has been a long haul!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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November ’25.<\/strong> Slate chips in complimentary blue being worked into the edges of the self binding gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are to emphasize the larger overall pattern, provide a distinct edge for ride on mowers to work to and a barrier too grass and weeds encroaching into the gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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December ’95. This edge detail allows tight a tight radius over undulating ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Repeated application an watering in so that slate compliments the marker’s pattern. A relatively time consuming process, even across this relatively modest site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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February ’26<\/strong>. Slate edge acting as barrier to grass surround. This will be extended to emphasize the date\/ hour lines and reinforced with a mixture of slate dust and raw linseed oil.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This ongoing project is just one part of an ambitious arts trail by Great Linford Parish Council A large Gnomon (or shadow striker) is to be relocated, from it’s previous home in The Theatre District, to a site at the end of Millfield Gardens, Redhouse Park, Milton Keynes: In this case the gnomon is a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":20,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-178","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=178"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":336,"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178\/revisions\/336"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tunley.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}