HEDGE: An Amazing San Francisco Art Space Made of Straw Bales!

The fantastic art space you see above is made completely of organic straw bales! Designed for the <a href="http://www.hedgegallery.com/#/home/">HEDGE Gallery</a> by <a href="http://www.rael-sanfratello.com/?p=1184">Rael San Fratello Architects</a>, the Straw Gallery popped up at the 4th annual <a href="http://www.fortmason.org/events/events-details?id=1943&amp;start=2011-09-15&amp;end=2011-09-18">SF20/21 San Francisco Art and Design Show</a> and provided a stark contrast to the refined white loft space and modern elements on display there. The temporary gallery space was built by strategically stacking straw bales and custom steel dividers to create display niches. The result was an enveloping and aromatic space, which provided a beautiful backdrop for HEDGE's exhibit.

This temporary gallery was on display from September 15th through the 18th and served as <a href="http://www.hedgegallery.com/#/home/">HEDGE Gallery's</a> booth and exhibit space.

The straw and steel room gave focus and definition to the works on display and set them apart in a quiet and aromatic space.

The wheat straw bales, an agricultural by-product used for bedding, roughage and fuel, were carefully stacked to create a square room.

Custom blackened steel dividers were strategically placed to create niches, shelves, windows to display sculptures.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/straw-bale/">straw bales</a> were stacked mostly two bales thick and block noise from the surrounding gallery.

Inside, furniture and views were coordinated to place a strong focus on the works displayed rather than busy and noisy peripheral activities.

The organic and earthy smell permeated the space providing a distinct reminder of the material's agricultural beginnings.

After the show, the straw bales were returned to the feed store where they were bought.

The steel dividers will be recycled and used to construct furniture and shelving in San Francisco.

Inside the space, furniture and special lighting make the room feel inviting and cozy.

Detail of one of the blackened steel niches.

Stacking chart of the straw bales.

Detail of the steel dividers.