Fire Horse Zodiac
Location
Dixon Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
Services Provided
Construction, project management, fabrication, joinery.
Date Completed
2026
Fit-out Video
Watch via this link.
Celebrating Tradition Through Public Art
The 2026 Lunar New Year marked an historic milestone for Sydney’s Chinatown as the Fire Horse galloped back into cultural consciousness. Last seen in 1966, this zodiac animal returned after a sixty-year hiatus to stand tall on Dixon Street, Haymarket.
Situated near the symbolic Paifang gate on the southern end of Dixon Street, the installation acted as a beacon of vitality. It was designed to celebrate Chinese-Australian heritage and the spirited energy of modern-day Sydney.
Custom Joinery and Structural Integrity
From a joinery perspective, the challenge lay in translating Basalt Studio’s fluid design into a stable, large-scale reality. Our team focused on the intricate connection points that allowed the horse to appear mid-surge while maintaining absolute safety for the public community.
Every joint was carefully constructed by Regiment Workshop to support the dynamic “spirited momentum” of the Fire Horse. We ensured that the Horse’s skeletal structure could withstand the environmental demands of an outdoor urban setting like Dixon Street.
Visionary Design and Cultural Symbolism
Working alongside Basalt Studio, the design phase was about more than just aesthetics; it was about adjacency and flow within Chinatown. The horse’s form – forged from flame-like contours – had to rise naturally from the pavement to meet the southern “Paifang” gate.
The design team ensured that the sculpture’s “mid-surge” posture reflected confidence and ambition. These are qualities both synonymous with the Horse zodiac and projected by the bustling commercial precinct of Haymarket!
Bilingual Typography and Signage
The installation featured clear traditional elements that grounded the contemporary sculpture. We integrated bold signage featuring the Chinese characters “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (恭喜發財) alongside the English words “Happy Lunar New Year.”
These bilingual elements were positioned to be easily readable, serving as a direct greeting and reinforcing the inclusive, celebratory nature of the Fire Horse display.
Shaping The Timber Detail
Shaping the timber ribs required selecting material that could mimic the organic, leaping motion of fire. Each element of the installation was meticulously cut and sanded to create a sense of continuous movement.
Our craftsmen worked with the tactile, natural texture of the timber, balancing that warmth against the sharp, ambitious lines required to convey passion to the thousands of Lunar New Year festival-goers.
Precise Fabrication and Internal Support
Beyond the timber exterior, the fabrication team handled the internal support of the horse. This required a custom metal sub-structure capable of holding the cantilevered weight of the horse’s front legs.
By integrating precise metalwork with external artistic layers, we achieved a silhouette that looks effortless and light. This is despite the robust structural work required to secure it safely against the wind loads of Dixon Street.
Gradient Finishes and Custom Painting
To achieve the “vitally bright” effect, our custom painters applied a multi-layered finish that transitioned through the hues of a flickering flame. This involved gradient techniques and weather-resistant sealants that allowed the horse to glow by day and night.
The finish ensured the Fire Horse remained a vivid centrepiece throughout the weeks of Sydney Lunar Festival 2026.
A Landmark Launch on Dixon Street
Navigating a public art installation in the heart of Sydney’s traditional Chinatown required strategic project management and rigorous timeline monitoring. Our team coordinated with City of Sydney and local stakeholders to manage logistical hurdles and operational formalities.
Credit: Basalt Studio
The project culminated in an official media launch on 12 February 2026, attended by the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore OM. During the following Saturday, the Fire Horse was launched to the full public. In a night of music, entertainment and street stalls, the community connected and shared in the joy of the new year.
Credit: City of Sydney
Your Partners in Expert Construction
With our operations based in Bankstown, Regiment Workshop takes pride in bringing complex, culturally significant designs to life across Sydney. Whether you are planning a commercial fit-out or a unique public landmark, our project delivery team is ready to chat. We welcome your next construction idea via this form.
