Gate of Spades

October 24, 2018

Early last year Armorgate was contacted by a builder who needed to commission a one of a kind gate for an equally one of a kind custom home being built in White Rock, BC. We were eager to get started and after being put in touch with the home owner, started working on this challenging and unique project.

The first design was sent off for review by Steve while vacationing in Victoria, BC. After communication with the home owner about her vision for the project, it was decided the design of this gate would compliment one of her favorite pieces on the house, a unique balcony railing with an overlapping lens focal point. With no supplies brought to the island but the creative juices flowing, the closest Staples provided the fundamentals for executing a design on paper and the bed a breakfast a studio in which to work. In a about an hour the first concept drawing of the gate was formed and sent off to the home owner for review. Already ideas were starting to form on how to really set this custom gate apart from the rest.

As in all of our projects, collaboration and creative input from the customer is welcomed. We want to ensure all of our gates are a reflection of the individual home and personality, that the piece not only adds to the value and security of your home but compliments your unique sense of style as well.

Once back on the mainland, with access to the proper software Steve began to fine tune the design, adding a solid strip to break up the lens shape that would eventually evolve into the water cut scroll detail.

The home owner loved the way the design complimented the property but her partner was keen on the gate reflecting a bolder sense of security as well. An idea of adding spearheads was suggested, but it seemed adding such a rudimentary accessory to such an elegant piece would take away from the fluidity of the design. After several solutions were considered, the idea of adding an understated spade like spike strip along the top of the gate was born.

The design was finalized and fabrication began on the 25ft long, 8ft tall cantilever gate. Truly a gate without parallel, this design called for a double sided mirror image of the lens and scroll detail allowing the home owners to enjoy their custom made piece from both sides. With 8 hours of raw and computer design, over 60 precise custom water cut pieces and a method of welding that we call decorative button stitching, this custom Gate of Spades came in at an impressive 140 hours of fabrication and finishing work.

Installation of this elegant giant proved to be tricky; the gate required a Hiab to unload it off the truck and maneuver it into place in the most delicate manner, ensuring no damage and the safety of everyone involved. The rollers on which it would rest had to be precisely aligned ahead of time as the plan called for the gate to be hoisted into place in one fluid movement, there was no room for error. With power lines overhead it limited the capability of the Hiab, split decisions and ingenuity brought the Gate of Spades safely to her new resting place to the delight of the homeowner.

We were thrilled to take on this venture, the opportunity to bring to life such a complex and exclusive concept is a challenge Armorgate welcomes. We like to think we go beyond fabricating gates and provide Elegant Security Solutions.

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#102-18677 52 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 8E5

Tel: 778.222.4283
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Website: www.armorgate.ca