Inspired by nature

Forging strong visual links between the indoors and outdoors was a key part of the design brief for Seven Tree Lodge and a concept that was taken literally. The Bronze Works, a fine art foundry that specializes in bronze sculptures and statues, was commissioned to create solid bronze balustrades, railings and posts that resemble tree branches.

The Bronze Works general manager and owner Kevin Keating says actual branches from trees felled on site were used to create the molds for the castings. A mix of Douglas fir and alder branches determined the design of the stair balustrades and handrails, with madrone branches selected for the molds for the kitchen countertop supports.

"While the bronze balustrades were cast from straight molds, the handrails needed to be curved," says Keating. "Consequently, we made wax patterns, which were then heated and bent to the required shape. All the bronze was molded using a ceramic shell investment casting system."

The bronze pieces were pre-assembled in the workshop in 9ft and 15ft sections with the aid of a full-size model of the curved staircase.

For more details, contact The Bronze Works LLC, 2506 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, phone (253) 396 0396. Email: kkeating39@hotmail.com.

Story by: Trendsideas