Penthouse Transformation

Rocks, Eggs, and Plates

Objective:

Design and create three one of a kind, site specific glass installations in a San Francisco Residence.

Challenge:

Identify ways to transform how the homeowners and their friends will engage with the space. Create etherial yet seductive blown glass objects that will inspire contemplation, relaxation, and discussion. Design challenges focused around balancing the creative vision for the space with the physical constraints of gravity and the intersection between glass and metal.

Architectural Assessment

Creating large scale illuminated glass installations requires communication and compromise between the designer, glass artists, metal workers, electricians, and contractors. Anticipating the physical constraints and conflicts that may arise between these key players in the fabrication process and can be challenging. Fortunately, I was brought into this project when construction was still underway allowing me to determine the location of junction boxes, and the type of light source, and map the electrical components before the ceiling and walls were sealed. This allowed for easier planning of the artwork and successful collaboration with the electrician down the line.

Collaboration with Metal Worker

Honoring the look of the original design while addressing issues with gravity and weight proved to be the biggest challenges as the design process progressed. Other challenges included visibility of the light source, installation constraints based on hand size, ceiling height, and hidden electrical components, and the fragility of the material. The undulating, uneven surface of the organic handblown glass plates also required fully custom, hand-cut stainless steal brackets to hold them.

Planning for Electrical Components

Attaching heavy clear glass to the wall poses some challenges with visibility of metal and electrical components and the force of gravity. Collaborating with Electricians and Metal Workers is an essential planning step.

Egg Bracket SketchesDrawing Hooke Options — **Egg Bracket Sketches**
Drawing Hooke Options

Checking SizesPlanning custom sockets — **Checking Sizes**
Planning custom sockets

Rubbing of the 'footprint'Prep for fabrication — **Rubbing of the 'footprint'**
Prep for fabrication

The Final Plate Installation