Installed at the Gallery of Modern Art forecourt, The Big Hose (2022–25) is a 119-metre-long oversized garden hose celebrating Queensland’s verandahs and subtropical gardens. The playful sculpture, located at Kurilpa Point on the Brisbane River, reflects local histories of First Peoples, migration, and art through a large-scale, interactive form. Partridge provided structural engineering to turn the artists’ vision into a durable reality. The tube winds into cantilevered loops up to four metres high, requiring careful design to stay stable under public use while maintaining a slender, organic appearance. Transported in sections, the aluminium geometry and connections were engineered to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring safety and durability. Fine detailing, including butterfly elements, balanced visual delicacy with structural integrity, creating a robust, engaging public play sculpture.
