The Golden Tree
In Vancouver, certain landmarks become part of the city’s identity. The Hollow Tree, an 800-year-old red cedar loved by locals and tourists alike, is one of them. That legacy was reinterpreted in 2016 with the unveiling of The Golden Tree, a 13-metre-high sculpture by Douglas Coupland, installed at the intersection of Cambie Street and Southwest Marine Drive.
Weighing more than 15,875 kg, the sculpture called for a surrounding surface treatment that would do more than simply fill space. It needed to support the visual impact of the installation, maintain a clean and stable finish, and perform reliably in Vancouver’s wet climate. The result was a decorative gravel-bound surface built with ROMEX PROFI-DEKO Gravel Binder, creating a durable and permeable base that complements the sculpture while improving long-term functionality.
PRODUCT SELECTION
ROMEX PROFI-DEKO was selected for its ability to bind local gravel into a stable, decorative surface without sacrificing permeability. For a public-facing installation like this, loose aggregate would have created ongoing maintenance concerns and detracted from the finished appearance of the site.
By using ROMEX PROFI-DEKO, the project team was able to create a surface that held the chosen local stone in place while preserving the natural texture and visual character of the material. This was especially important around a sculpture defined by shape, movement, and lighting. A bound aggregate system allowed the surrounding grades to remain visible and intentional, helping accent lighting highlight the undulating contours around the piece.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT NEEDS
The site required a surface system that could support both the artistic importance of the installation and the practical realities of a public outdoor environment.
Key project needs included:
- A decorative surface that would enhance the visual impact of The Golden Tree
- A stable installation with no loose stones around a public landmark
- Permeability to support effective drainage in Vancouver’s wet climate
- A finish that would work with accent lighting and preserve the site’s sculpted grades
- A system that could be installed successfully on a tight timeline
PROJECT SOLUTION
Durable support base treatment around a beloved local sculpture
Vancouver, BC, Canada
2025
Commercial
