(With Pattern Blocks)

Garden Gate #32 arrives as a simple vertical picket style embellished by the structural necessity of the versatile Pattern Block.

Mill Valley, CA

Shown with the accompanying Driveway Gate #4, Fence Panels #16, and a pair of Lighted Columns.

Rocky Mountain latch E414

Mill Valley, CA

The side entry, with Panel style #16.

Rocky Mountain latch E414

(With Pattern Blocks as shown)

Monterey, CA

Garden Gate #32-7 shows a more linear layout of the Pattern Blocks

Monterey, CA

We'll devote 3 images to #32-7.

Beginning with the functionality of dual entry points and the resulting indecision that must present itself with unaware visitors. Left? Right? Or, for the overwhelmed, the stagnation of inertia--of neither left or right but the simple, debilitating indecision of IN-decision.

Suggestions? Visual stimulus to occupy the center vertical section of block. Ideally a tier of short planters designed as a single unit that can be mounted against the block to encompass this center vertical column of block. Plantings that draw the eye on first glance.

Monterey, CA

From a designer's layout eye, there's a symmetry at work; the cold hard abruptness of block walls eased with a decorative pattern, and ultimately warmed by the inclusion of a woodworker's intimacy.

The result is . . . interesting. As opposed to, say, a straight-lined block wall interrupted by a single entry gate.

A second level of invitation would be a series of low planters set atop all three walls.

Monterey, CA

Showing the minimalist layout of the pattern Blocks. Each picket is joined on at least one edge by the stabilizing Pattern Block, with the least aesthetic impact.

(With Pattern Blocks)

Garden Gate #32-5 in a taller version with Pattern Blocks

Palo Alto, CA

Flanked by the fence panel #16

Rocky Mountain latch E358

Finish: WoodRX 'Teak'

Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma County)

Wood Garden Gate #32-9 with a series of Fence Panels #16.

Let's make this note: 95% of the photos so kindly shared with are photographed prior to establishing a fully mature landscape. To revist any of these sites 10 years later is to witness an almost unrecognizable setting.

Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma County)

So perhaps, decades from now, with the arrival of an anticipated retirement at age 91, Charles might break from traditional choices (two-week group tours of Europe) and instead embark on a multi-year, multi-state road trip of long-forgotten commissions around the country that would serve no real purpose at all, beyond how at 91, if you stop, if you pause, you might likely never get started again.

(W/O Pattern Blocks)

Garden Gate #32 with flanking panels style #16. The continuous picket style is best relegated to 60" maximum heights. Beyond this and the pickets are endeared to a higher risk of bowing and warping. The introduction of Pattern Blocks, (see 32-2 below), can not only stabilize the picket alignment, but create an element of design.

(W/O Pattern Blocks)

Dallas, Texas

Approaching the patio courtyard of this Dallas residence. Because it is such a contained space, the more open design of the Gate Style #32 and the Fence panel style #16 manages to give the area a lighter, more airy element of privacy.

(W/O Pattern Blocks)

San Rafael, CA

In a setting such as this, in Marin County, California, the original Garden Gate #32 is designed to create a courtyard enclosure, while maintaining the openness of the landscape beyond.

San Rafael, CA

A rough opening width of 6' between stucco pillars offers an option of either a double gate; a double off-set gate; or a single gate with two narrow flanking panels.

To learn more about Double Off-Set Gates

San Rafael, CA

The single gate viewed upon approach into the courtyard.

San Rafael, CA

The single gate and panels viewed upon approach into the courtyard.

(With Pattern Blocks)

Gate #32-2 as a double Outdoor Gate at only 38" ht. The Pattern Blocks with a simple, but signatory edge to the gates.

(With Pattern Blocks)

Sebastopol, CA

#32-3 in Sonoma County, CA. Shown with Fence style #16 and Pattern Blocks

Charles, in the old Sebastopol shop with the first prototype of gate style #32.
circa 1994