This solid black object is then complemented by raw mild steel. In order both to attach the sign panels and to protect the end-grain of the post, the steel panels were welded into a "U" shape that slips over the end of the post. A 1/4" reveal between the steel and the wood, and a slight taper of the glu-lam, allow for solar-powered LED backlighting, which turns on automatically when the sun goes down.
As it became apparent that our design was a fairly custom piece, we decided to construct it ourselves: laminating our own glu-lam to allow us to make the necessary cuts, soldering electronics, welding steel, and, of course, charring the wood (see the video below). The only element of construction that we outsourced was the CNC water-jet cutting of the 1/4" and 1/2" steel plate, which was done in collaboration with Colorado Waterjet Company, out of Berthoud. The whole construction was sunk into a 30" deep hole (below the frostline) and cast into concrete. If, in the future, someone else occupies our space at 405, the post can be unbolted from the plate, and another sign attached.
As the materials age, the black wood will slowly turn grey, and the steel will rust to a deep orange-red, such that they will always provide each other a complementary visual contrast. We always love the way that natural materials patina.
1/4" Steel waterjet sign plate. Waterjet cutting by Colorado Waterjet Company.