Majer Metal Works recently demonstrated their expertise in a Lutherville home project, crafting a cantilevered stair and custom fireplace panels with precision. They designed the stair with 17 walnut treads that appear to float, each supported by structural steel hidden within a masonry wall. LED light fixtures illuminate each tread, enhancing the floating effect. A 1/2-inch thick tempered low-iron glass guard rail attaches to the end of each tread, with solid walnut caps concealing the fasteners to maintain a clean, seamless look.
Beyond the staircase, Majer Metal Works also created custom fireplace panels and firewood boxes from 11-gauge weathering steel. They aged the panels outdoors for months to achieve a rich, natural patina. They meticulously custom-fitted each panel to the masonry openings, securing all parts with concealed fasteners. One panel ingeniously hides a sliding screen made from hot rolled steel, suspended from bronze hardware, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
This project, designed by Ziger/Snead and expertly executed by Majer Metal Works, exemplifies the seamless integration of form and function.
Photography Gear: Capturing the Craftsmanship
To document the intricate craftsmanship and design of the Lutherville project, I used high-end photography equipment. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III was my primary camera, chosen for its full-frame sensor and exceptional image quality. These features were crucial for capturing the project’s fine details. For wide-angle shots of the stair and fireplace panels, I used the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens. This lens provided a perfect balance of clarity and perspective, ensuring an accurate representation of the space.
For medium-range shots and detailed views, I employed the EF 35mm f/1.4L USM lens. Its sharpness and depth of field were ideal for highlighting the textures and finishes of the materials. Additionally, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens helped capture close-ups, offering excellent zoom capability while maintaining image stability and quality. This combination of lenses allowed me to showcase every aspect of the design with precision.
Photography Gear Used:
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens
- EF 35mm f/1.4L USM lens
- EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens
- EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Principal and Lead Designer, Majer Metal Works
Malcom Majer
“His kind directness makes working with him so easy.”
Working with Jiho is an unique experience. He is an extremely engaged photographer, and he works very hard to capture the most compelling images that a particular subject might provide. He doesn’t hold back, but he is also very particular, resulting in images with both quality and dynamism. His work ethic is impressive, and his care in treating people never falters. In addition to shooting images of work in our studio, he has taken images of completed work both after and during installation. In all circumstances, he has successfully engaged the people in the environment, making the process of shooting a difficult object in a busy place a special event rather than an imposition, and the results are visible in the quality of his work.
I would recommend Jiho for any project—his attention to the subject is just as careful when shooting a person, an inanimate object, or even a pile of tools in a messy studio. His kind directness makes working with him so easy.
