Tile design should be distinctive
We use geometric patterns that occur
in nature and those that can be created
from the huyman imagination.

Penrose Parallelograms
 
A tiling system invented in 1974 by English physicist, Sir Roger Penrose. Penrose
 was asking how can a tiling not repeat? How can shapes completely fill up an infinite
 space, but never have a repeating pattern?

Penrose went on to ask, "What is the smallest number of shapes that could create an non-repeating infinite tiling?"
Asking that question is remarkable. Answering it is astounding.
 Discovering that the answer is only two is both shocking and delightful.
 

 
 "Thank you for helping me turn a Penrose-tiling dream into a Penrose-tiling reality.
This bathroom has become a prime spot for creative thinking.
 Taking a shower, and letting my eyes wander around the room --
what a great way to get the creative juices going!"
Phil Straus           

Each tile module is 3" on a side
Colors: White, Beige, Desert Rose, Shell Pink, Dusty Lilac
 

Ladder/Shadow/Light

A Penrose tile mosaic created for the 2-story atrium of the Library/Adult Education Building, University of New Mexico,
Los Alamos Campus. The tiling, which is applied to several surfaces of the cast concrete building,
 evokes sunlight spilling into the space and washing down the walls, illuminating the area as if the
 first rays of dawn were penetrating through the skylight.
 

 z
 

     A dark lattice of tiles occurring within the pattern indicates a symbolic "ladder" set against the sky blue tile shot through with the dawn colors of yellows and roses. The ladder represents advancement and inspiration that are fostered within an educational environment. For centuries, the Native American kiva has been the  site of the passing of knowledge on the Pajarito Plateau (the location of this building) and in the nearby Rio Grande Valley. Kivas are entered using ladders through an opening in the roof. 

     The ladder is also a symbol of the American/European library and used as an "information retrieval device". The intricacy of this Penrose tiling offers the potential for the viewer to recognize new elements and systems of organization each time it is studied. There is a continuing opportunity for users of the building to learn and develop a relationship with the artwork as they discover its complexities. Commissioned by the Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts
 

Patterns by Dr. Alan Schoen

Saxe-Patterson makes light fixtures of exceptional quality and design
available to architecture and design professionals.

 

Ziggurat Wall Sconces

Double Ziggurat 



5-Louver Styles (shown)
    DZ 1813-5 (18"H x 13"W x 6.5"D)
    DZ 1411-5 (14"H x 10.5"W x 5.5"D) 

3-Louver Styles   
    DZ 0911-3 (9"H x 11"W x 5.5"D)
    DZ 0809-3 (8"H x 9"W x 4.5"D)

zig•gu•rat 
An ancient Mesopotamian temple tower
consisting of a lofty pyramidal structure
built in successive stages with outside s
taircases and a shrine at the top

Double SpiralZiggurat


DSZ
2013-5R or L (20"H x 13"W x 6.5"D) 
DSZ 1611-5R or L (16"H x 10.5"W x 5.5"D) 
(Right Spiral shown)
 

 
Ziggurat


 
PZ 1413-3 (14"H x 13"W x 6.5"D)
    PZ 1111-3 (11"H x 10.5"W x 5.5"D)
 

Cat in the Ziggurat



Dude,  the shop cat

Spiral Ziggurat



SZ 1413-3R or L (14"H x 13"W x 6.5"D)
SZ1111-3R or L (10.5"H x 10.5"W x 5.5"D)
(Right Spiral shown)

Spiral fixtures are produced to spiral left or right.
A pair of fixtures (1 Right and 1 Left) forms a mirror image. 

Energy conservation is a priority for us as well as for you and your clients.
We offer compact fluorescent lamping in addition to the basic incandescent lamping.
 Please inquire about lamping for wet locations.

Half Moon Sconce  
 


6.5" H x 13.5 W x 7.5 D     

Jupiter Sconce


 
7.25" H x 11.5 W x 5.5 D

     Saturn Sconce


 
     7" H x 15.5 W x 7.5 D

The versatility of our forming techniques and materials enables us to offer custom design and manufacturing services. Please contact us regarding modifications of our standard fixtures or new designs for your specific projects.