Private Residence, Charleston, South Carolina

This private residence was originally built in the 1770s, and went through an architectural transformation in the 1890s by Bertram Kramer, a local bridge and wharf builder.

Working with Meadors Inc., H&L supplied various decorative components for the house, including various custom copper elements, 392 pieces of 20oz lead-coated copper turret shingles, 3000 pieces 20oz lead-coated copper custom pressed shingles, and 1 custom 20oz lead-coated copper finial. 

Copper Components

Copper elements included: 200’ of 5-1/2" crown w/ 4" fascia, 96’ of 6" crown w/ 2" fascia, 128’ 7" crown w/ 6" fascia, 24’ of crown, 24’ of 4" curved simple crown, 24’ large curved multi-component bead, 24’ of 12" large curved trim piece, 16 window hoods with miters, 28 small boxed brackets, 4 pieces of 4" medallions, 120’ of 1-1/4" round corner bead w/ flange, 24’ of curved upper roof fascia "coins", 24’ of corrugated panels, 8 decorative brackets, 4 pediment panels, 4 panel moldings (with 2 panels)

H&L received original samples of some of the copper pieces and worked from these samples to ensure design accuracy at every step. H&L implemented stringent quality control measures to ensure these elements matched the original samples and maintained precise dimensions and profiles, guaranteeing that all elements would fit seamlessly onto the existing structure and with each other.

Lead-Coated Copper Turret Shingles

The lead-coated copper turret shingles were developed through mock-ups and samples. A sample of the turret shingles was sent to our shop and we were able to replicate the shingles exactly based on the sample.

H&L assisted the client in designing the turret shingles to ensure ease of installation. The shingles were divided into 14 rows, with each row containing 13 lefts and 13 rights. The male side of the left and right shingles was fabricated to be 1” longer for on-site adjustments. 14 shingles had double s-locks, and 14 shingles had no locks to facilitate installation. The no-lock shingles were also made longer for site adjustments. Considering the curve of the roof, row 1 shingles were made without the ⅜” kick for adjustment purposes.

Pressed Shingles

For the pressed shingles, H&L was able to replicate the existing shingle in lead-coated copper. 3000 of them were fabricated and shipped to site. 

Lead-Coated Copper Finial

For the lead-coated copper finial, H&L was provided with photos, a 3D model, and a hand sketch with dimensions for replication. The decorative elements of the finial included lead-coated copper half-spheres on projected triangles and a top piece featuring curved, flared elements.