Off The Record
It only took a few clicks of the mouse to render, but manufacturing this feature sconce took a bit more head scratching.
This lighting package was produced in collaboration with acclaimed interior design firm Parts and Labor Design for Off the Record in NYC. Although a modestly sized lighting package, made up of only fifteen fixtures, the devil was in the details.
The fixtures feature a relatively limited selection of materials —brass, oak, marble, and glass. Parts and Labor insisted on the use of actual brass vs a plated finish applied to a less costly base material. This approach was mainly chosen to ensure that the material aged and tarnished in a way that gave the fixtures an authentic feel.
For the majority of the fixtures, this decision presented no excessive challenge, just a general re-calibration. The ribbed sconce however, was a different story.
When we initially reviewed this fixture through the lens of a plated steel assembly, we assumed these delicate ribs could be easily formed and welded to the front of the surface. The switch to brass made this an unacceptable option due to impossibility of being able to achieve as subtle a weld in brass. What to do?
We explored a number of different options including plug welding, mechanical fasteners, and even adhesives. However, none of these options were feasible due to concerns of longevity or aesthetics.
How the feature was ultimately achieved required a hybrid approach of our own invention. We designed a multi-tiered jig which secured the delicate ribs in place, and a drill guide which was secured over top of them. This enabled us to accurately locate and drill tiny holes (twenty seven per fixture!) centered on the 1/8″ wide spine of the ribs. We used this same plate to register and drill a corresponding set of holes in the tombstone piece.
Each rib was then hand riveted to the tombstone. We try to approach every project with this level of scrutiny and determination. While many studios may have told you this couldn’t have been done, we know that if there’s a will there’s almost always a way.
In the end, we think the way the sconces turned out was worth the extra effort and we learned something new to bring to the next project. Bring it on!
