Corten sculptures
Corten steel is one of the most popular materials for outdoor art, and for good reason. Its warm, rust-brown color creates a stunning contrast with the natural elements in your garden.
William Roobrouck designs and creates unique corten sculptures that blend seamlessly into any outdoor space, from sleek, modern gardens to lush landscapes.
What is corten steel?
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, has a unique characteristic: it protects itself. When exposed to the elements, a dense layer of rust forms, known as a patina. This layer of oxidation seals the material and prevents the steel from rusting further.
Aesthetically speaking, the material is a true chameleon. The earthy, orange-brown tones glow beautifully in the evening sun and blend effortlessly with fall colors, wood, and the fresh green foliage in the garden.
The perfect material for garden sculptures
Thanks to this natural patina, the material is not only extremely durable and weather-resistant, but also completely maintenance-free. It’s the ideal material for outdoor sculptures. You don’t need to paint the sculpture or scrub it clean, and it can simply remain outside during the winter. Corten steel changes with the seasons and actually becomes more beautiful as the years go by.
How are Williams’ corten sculptures made?
Every artwork by William Roobrouck begins with a vision and a raw piece of steel. From cutting and rolling to expert welding, William does everything himself in his own studio. The tough, robust properties of corten steel require technical expertise and precision.
Design &
cutting
It all starts with a sketch or concept. The heavy steel plates are then cut to size with extreme precision.
Rolling &
bending
To create a sense of movement in the piece, the steel is rolled or bent. This creates the foundation for the rounded shapes or sharp geometric angles
Welding
This is where true craftsmanship comes in. The individual elements are welded together seamlessly and with rock-solid strength.
The rusting process
The artwork often leaves the studio as dark gray, bare steel. Once outside in the elements, nature does the rest, and the sculpture develops its warm, rust-brown color.
William specializes in large-scale works. He is not deterred by the material’s rigidity, weight, or the challenges of working with it. On the contrary: with his technical expertise, he effortlessly transforms these heavy plates into refined abstract works or sleek geometric objects.
Your custom corten sculpture
In addition to the existing collection, you can also have a piece custom-made from scratch. Do you have a specific, challenging spot in your garden, or are you looking for an eye-catching piece with specific dimensions?
William will work with you to determine the right proportions, the light conditions, and the best placement. From the initial idea to the final installation in your garden: you’ll receive a unique, handmade piece that fits perfectly into your surroundings.