Palm Tree Entryway

Not only is this entryway unsual because of its design, it is unusual because of the architecture and setting as well. The home is located on a hilltop in El Cajon, CA, on many acres planted with what has to be one of the largest collections of palms in Southern California. Pathways spiral around the hill, each palm with it's very own name tag. 

The house was originally built by my client's father, and then remodeled. It is Polynesian styled with a bowed center ridge beam. The entry is beneath this outrigger beam.

The double-door entryway has a palm tree that I hand carved in heavy relief and filigree carving of philodendron in the wood. I also etched the glass in-between. My client wanted a specific type of palm tree on his front door so he took me to Balboa Park in San Diego to show me mature palms of that type. I took my sketchpad and drew them and turned my drawings into the final design which he loved.

There is also a row of side lites on either side of the palm-tree-carved double doors, hand carved with a filigree of a tropical leaf design and etched glass that opens for ventilation, with bronze screens inside.

The wood I used was Sweetina Mahogany with a satin marine finish. The etched glass gives privacy and added depth to the design. 

This was a large project, and it was complicated from design concept to final installation, which makes it all the more fun for me. I love a challenge!