Residential Entry Gates
Durham, NC
aluminum . concrete
These gates were commissioned by Alison and Kevin as entry gates for their mid-century modern home. They add security as well as being a showpiece for the their driveway entrance facing the street. After a couple design considerations we decided to fabricate the gates from aluminum square stock with perforated aluminum panels.
The columns are poured concrete with integrated lights on either side of the big gate. Peter Yeganian did the concrete pour. I ran low voltage wires underground, on a very hot day, to operate the lights and for the remote controlled gate opener installed on the big gate. The panel to the left of the big gate is a pedestrian gate.
Glass for the lights was found after looking through a local glass warehouse to find some that resembles the perforated aluminum panels. I made the aluminum frames for them that enclose the low voltage lighting. The caps for the columns were poured at my studio. It was decided to leave the aluminum unfinished in order for it to take on it's natural oxidation color.
Central Park Benches
Commissioned by Carl and Vera Whisenton
steel . concrete . brass
I met Carl and Vera through a mutual friend. I hung some artwork at their Durham loft and got to know them better. They then asked me if I would take the commission of designing and building two benches as a dedication to Carl's family who owned much of the land that is now Durham's Central Park.
The bench seats are poured concrete with an acid stain finish with reveals of plants incorporated in the staining process. The concrete is polished and very comfortable to sit on. The backrest is rolled steel and brass with a rust patina and the legs steel with a rust patina.
It was an honor to be able to have my work installed at the emerging park located across the street from where my studio once was. I have passed them on my way to the farmers market to see people sitting on them.
Deer Fence Project
Design by Ellen Cassilly and Frank Konhaus
steel
Ellen and Frank not only designed it but they also fabricated it. I gave them use of the studio and equipment. I consulted and was hired for helping in the welding assembly and installation at their home, Cassilhaus.
The vertical pieces are cut from 3/16" steel plate. The first plate Ellen cut by hand with a torch. Realizing how long this would take and with no plasma cutter she made a cad layout and had Vega Metals cut the pieces with their hydro cutter making them look like they had been hand cut.
The pieces were joined into panels with steel rods welded in place. The panels then welded to rods set in concrete on the site. A pivoting gate allows pedestrian access and a cattle grate keeps the deer from walking in.
To see more about the project and Cassilhaus visit: http:www.cassilhaus.typepad.com
My studio is in Old West Durham in a building previously occupied by Wild Bulls Pizza and a 7-11 store that we now call Monkey Bottom, named after a former near by neighborhood. The old pizza dining room is now a gallery. Outside storage became a studio and garden. The former kitchen area is now a metal studio. I am joined by Renee Leverty, a metal sculptor. Kim Dupre is using the garden studio as headquarters for her publication Heart 2 Home which finds homes for cats and dogs. Fuzzy, our resident cat has taken to licking her poodle Piere.
To find out about events at Monkey Bottom visit our Facebook Page: Monkey Bottom Collaborative
609 Trent Dr.
Durham, NC 27715
