We Forge Ideas into Light: The University of Wyoming Gateway Center Project

The University of Wyoming greets students and alumni with the magnificent Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center on the Laramie campus.  The new building showcases lighting by Frontier Ironworks Inc.

The Gateway Center focuses on the history of Wyoming and the University’s impact on the state in its exhibit content and by using design themes and materials indigenous to Wyoming. Wyoming artisans were contracted to bring the building to life and to demonstrate their exceptional skills.

Frontier Ironworks was selected to create custom interior lighting for several key private and public spaces at The Gateway Center. To that end, Frontier Ironworks, based in Buffalo, Wyoming, collaborated with Wyoming blacksmith, J.T. Craft, to develop a beautiful collection of custom interior lighting for the building with design themes inspired by history, nature and indigenous gemstones, rocks and minerals of Wyoming.

The Brown-eyed Susan flower is the inspiration for the University of Wyoming’s brown and yellow signature colors. Inspired by the hardy Wyoming flower, the main event ballroom features eight large ceiling fixtures in the form of the Brown-eyed Susan. Through sleek ironwork and translucent natural materials, the ceiling chandeliers echo the University's colors.

In the President's Room, the Frontier Ironworks team created four chandeliers that continue the flower theme, while introducing mica as the diffuser material as a nod to one of the more notable minerals of Wyoming.

Frontier’s mica “Legacy” chandeliers light and decorate the high-traffic grand staircase and are hung at staggered lengths so a visitor can be eye-level with the translucent collage of Wyoming mica ornaments used in the large vertical chandeliers.

The team finished their contribution with iron wall sconces, placed intermittently throughout the center. These ironworks also include the mica element, as well as the University's traditional bucking horse and cowboy symbol.

All these interior lighting elements were designed, crafted and installed by Frontier Ironworks Inc.

A Glimpse Inside the Design of Frontier Ironworks

“Welders are the new rock stars,” enthused New York designer Julia Haney-Montanez.- The Wall Street Journal.  At Frontier Ironworks, in Buffalo, Wyoming, our welders are epic rock stars with the metal that they play like classical musicians. 

According to some of the latest 2016 Design Trends, black metal is at the top of the list from traditional to rustic and industrial. "More and more, we’re seeing black hardware with a matte finish used throughout the home — a gorgeous counterpoint to an all-white space. It’s high time we pay homage to this classic color." -www.mydomaine.com 2016.

Frontier Ironworks Inc. offers a complete line of ornamental hand forged wrought iron home decor. We focus on distinctive lighting and furniture, with custom designs. Whether the style is western, contemporary, southwestern, or rustic, we have items that show high quality. The work may have intricate details and optional enhancement of hand painting by our artist.

All of our iron decor are 100% made in the USA, hand crafted by skilled blacksmiths with unsurpassed workmanship, plus, we offer a quality product at a discounted price for any members in the trade. Frontier Ironworks Inc. is licensed, bonded, insured and UL listed. 

Our rock star designer/welders are legendary in their ability to conceptualize a design simply from a conversation with a client or from a crumpled drawing. “My welders love being called rock stars, but the most appropriate title is artists,” says Chris George, owner of Frontier Ironworks Inc. “We forge ideas into light is our tag line, but it is an obvious truth here at our ironworks.

 

Frontier Ironworks Inc. manufactures high-end custom lighting and iron furnishings for contemporary decor. As a resource for interior designers, decorators and architects, our distinctive designs grace homes and offices. We proudly offer American-made products handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths. Our products are exclusively provided to the wholesale design industry, and you can select from our stock items or pursue our custom design resources for a one-of-a-kind style that precisely meets you and your clients' needs.

Handcrafted Iron

Frontier Ironworks Inc. handcrafts custom products to our clients’ taste and style with Western flair, sleek contemporary looks or eclectic rustic themes. We offer a wide range of hand-forged iron furniture, including chairs, bar stools, benches and beds. Lighting includes ornate chandeliers, wall sconces, floor or table lamps and pool table lighting. We offer many more designs, such as mirrors, saddle stands and fireplace accessories.

Custom Elements for Your Clients

Designing or decorating a home is about creating an ambience that reflects the homeowner’s personalized taste. By incorporating elements into the architecture of custom homes, our unique iron designs create a distinctive style. Our lighting includes rawhide or mica lampshades, hand-painted elements and an artistic look. Our skilled team assists you in developing a theme or striking a mood as you create the ideal custom home for your clients.

Contact Frontier Ironworks

Please contact us today for our free full-color catalog filled with inspirational design ideas for dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, great rooms and hallways. With our custom design services, the possibilities are endless to create a beautiful home that will delight your clients.  

 

Established in 1995, Frontier Ironworks Inc. is a family owned and operated business. Owner Chris George and his lead blacksmith have over 30 years of metal-smith and design experience. Our company has created custom features for clients all over the United States.

Featured is the University of Wyoming Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center lighting
 

“The light fixtures designed and fabricated by Frontier Ironworks for the University of Wyoming Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center are one-of-a-kind. We couldn’t have asked for any finer craftsmanship or artistry. Unbelievable job! Even with all of the stunning elements in this remarkable building (and there are many) everyone who visits the Gateway Center raves about these amazing lighting elements. Your designs are spectacular. Thank you so much for what you have accomplished for Wyoming’s university.” – Toby F. Marlatt, University of Wyoming Foundation, Vice President, Marketing & Communications