Following our initial work in Bridgeland in Cypress, Texas, our team was excited to continue the vision alongside Project Luong, DL Meacham, Bridgeland, and Landology. In 2022, we fabricated several pavilions for the renowned community, each with its own unique personality. This next project centered on fabricating four identical, intricate butterfly structures, a project that blended technology and craftsmanship.
Our first task was to translate the architectural plans through deep structural analysis and engineering. This process was hands-on and collaborative, and with the architects present and supportive, we were able to turn their vision into structurally sound designs.
Even with advanced technology, the skills needed for this project were rooted in traditional metalsmithing. Our fabricators hand-formed massive 1/2″ x 6″ metal bars, showcasing the true workmanship at the center of the project. Working at a breakneck pace, we guided communication between all parties to ensure we delivered on time. This dedication continued through to the finishing process, where each piece was hand-taped and masked with extreme care to achieve the clean lines of the Tnemec multicolored finish.
After that, each butterfly structure was fully assembled and test-fit in our shop. This step allowed us to check for stability and make final quality checks that aren’t possible in the field. We also fabricated large, custom escutcheon plates to hide the anchors holding the structures. In the end, the true stars of this job were our fabricators and finishers – their skill and dedication brought these complex butterfly structures to life.
Who: Project Luong, DL Meacham, Bridgeland, Landology
What: Pavilions and Structures
Where: Bridgeland, Cypress, TX
How: Design Build, Engineering, Fabrication, Installation
Notes from Emily’s interview:
Who were the major players involved with the project? (Architects, etc.)
Project Luong – architect , DL Meachem – GC, Bridgeland, Landology
Where is this project? (Determine official name of project)
Bridgeland, Cypress TX
What is the “why” behind the project? In other words, what was on their mind (Imagination) when they first introduced the project to you?
Started in the standard way of us seeing plans and beginning the process to bid. We were then contracted by DL Meachem and immediately after our task was to fully translate (through engineering and structural analysis) and structurally analyze 4 identical butterfly structures.
This was a collaborative build where we could review the structural plans and turn it into something our team could translate.
The architects and building team were present and we were supported by the architecture firm. They were super collaborative on the building processes. This was a story of hands and hands on work.
All services were hit-
Portfolio Categories: Pavilions
Application Categories: Gather
Services Used: All
How did you take what they wanted and translate (Translated) it into what it became?
Project management team
- Our team worked at brake neck pace and project management worked so hard to pull off the project
- From procurement to handing everything off to the shop – our team were the guiding hands between all parties to ensure clear communication and collaboration were maintained the whole time
- We were not late – big deal
Finishing – each piece was hand taped and masked with extreme care to achieve really clean lines
- Tnemec multicolored finishing
- Meticulous finishing process
- Perforated infill on the winglets
Custom escutcheon (aka cover) plate that is very large that conceals the anchored holding the structures
Structures were fabricated and fit together in the shop to test for deflection (aka stability)
Connected brackets on the end of each wing were supported by testing and dry fitting large brackets onto it. We were able to do a final check on quality to see details that cannot be seen in the field and were able to have an end result with very tight tolerance and zero errors.
What were some of the challenges of the project and how did you overcome them?
We may be in 2025, using the most advanced technology and processes, but the skills sets needed to complete this project involved foundational and traditional metalsmith practices. Like hand-forming metal 1/2×6 inch bars, true craftsmanship was achieved with traditional blacksmith and metalsmith workmanship.
The stars of the job were the fabricators and finishers – this is the main point of the whole thing
Renfrow+Co
