Poised 90-feet above I-35 in Austin, Texas atop the Tyndall of Robertson Hill, stands a representation of the facility’s unique elegance and the city’s progressive future. The Tyndall at Robertson Hill is one of the newest additions to Austin’s Central East side. The 182-unit, 171,000 square-foot complex offers an affordable, luxurious lifestyle and represents the city’s forward development by jumping the freeway into the East side.

To highlight the affordable, upscale condominiums, the lead developer called on the expertise of a local, award-winning landscape design firm to create a symbol of elegance and captivate the attention of all those traveling along I-35. Designers conceptualized a regal sculpture as the central theme for the breath-taking view of the rooftop retreat. The result is an 8-ton, 60-foot by 35-foot architectural sculpture, affectionately referred to by the developers as “Naboo”. The structure provides shade during the day and serves as a luminaire by night for various pool side activities. 

To create such a large and complex sculpture required the collaboration of the architects, engineers, fabricator and galvanizer. As a result of the collective input of each process owner, the sculpture was engineered into three segments. Segmenting the structure facilitated a larger design that could be successfully fabricated, transported, galvanized, and installed. The largest of the three segments required a progressive dip without a visible line. The two smaller segments were galvanized and attached in the field. To support the various lighting fixtures and open - design, the structure required over 250 support braces and over 900 vent and drain holes. A duplex finish was selected for the finishing coat to provide a durable, low-maintenance finish protecting against the rooftop pool and the area’s hot and humid climate. 

The galvanized structure not only stands as the central theme of the Tyndall at Robertson Hill’s luxury condominiums rooftop get-away but also as a tribute to the progressive role galvanizing plays in creating stylish and enduring works of art.