A Grand Junction-based company has completed a project featuring what’s billed as the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

The new Jewel retail and entertainment complex at the Changi Airport in Singapore includes the HSBC Rain Vortex, a waterfall that tumbles more than 130 feet.

The project represents several more milestones for Reynolds Polymer Technology, which engineers and manufactures acrylic panels for some of the largest aquariums and other water features in the world.

Mark Johnson, vice president of global sales and marketing at Reynolds Polymer Technology, said the project constitutes the  single largest installation of acrylic panels for the company and at nearly 8,000 square feet, the biggest monolithic piece of acrylic ever engineered.

“Through our strategic conceptualization and manufacturing processes we were able to seamlessly help bring the overall vision for this phenomenal component to life,” Johnson said. “Jewel’s inventive construction welcomes the incorporation of such a uniquely designed focal point. We are eager for visitors from around the world to experience the extraordinary features within the complex, including the HSBC Rain Vortex.”

The 130-foot rain vortex is supplied by collected rainwater and flows at the center of a greenhouse topped by an inverted glass dome. Nearly 10,000 gallons of water are pumped through the installation each minute.

The acrylic feature extends into the basement of the structure and includes 24 panels on the top and 16 panels at its base. Each panel is nearly 3 inches thick. The bottom section is formed into a conical cylinder, while the top juts upwards into a trumpeted-shaped vessel. The panels weigh a total of 59 tons and extend nearly 50 feet.

“Our operations team was beyond excited to have the opportunity to build this one-of-a-kind acrylic structure,” said Bart Baker, vice president of global operations at Reynolds Polymer Technology. “We utilized custom and signature methods and strategies to create the best end result possible.

“Due to the sheer size and massive dimensions of the structure, we were tasked with assembling the entire feature onsite as well as built a clean room and oven around the entire structure for seamless bonding processes,” Barker said. “At Reynolds, we always welcome the challenge of building the impossible through magnificent visions like the HSBC Rain Vortex.”

Located at the center the complex, the HSBC Rain Vortex transforms at night into a light show visible from dining terraces surrounded by lush greenery.

WOH HUP selected Reynolds Polymer to manufacture and install the feature as part of the new Jewel attraction at the Changi Airport. The attraction also features an indoor forest and garden with one of the largest indoor collections of plants in Singapore. With a hotel and a total of more than 280 shops and restaurants, the development is designed to connect the three terminals at the airport.