Matching key details is an important part of an authentic, historic restoration project, but when the 100-year old original still works, let’s keep it! Recently on the job site for the Sunset Steel project, we meet with our clients to show them the existing wrought iron cover for the decorative stained glass in the living room. This sturdy work of wrought iron had stoically protected the original stained glass window on the street-front facade on Sunset Boulevard. The condition was excellent, so we decided to keep it. The hand-hammered detail of the wrought iron also became the jumping off point for inspiration for the new railings for the two new balconies and the inside stair railing to the second floor.
Just like when we removed the interior walls of this project, we uncovered the true beauty of the original craftsmanship. Hidden behind the exterior stucco you can now see the softer lines of the structure in an otherwise utilitarian piece. This photo also helps to share the true scale of the stained glass window. Note the salvaged terra cotta roof tiles neatly stacked and ready to be put back on the roof.
The original wrought iron covering over the stained glass window on the front facade before renovation.
