Santa Barbara Sandstone adds beauty to this historic property.
We were pleased to have the opportunity to supply local, natural Santa Barbara Sandstone to this beautiful historic property in Pasadena, California, once home to the famous geophysicist Charles Richter.
Charles Richter received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1928. In the early 1930s, two Caltech scientists—physicist Charles Richter and mathematician Beno Gutenberg—played a pivotal role in developing seismology into an international science of earthquake study and detection. The pair invented the “Richter Scale” in order to accurately measure the strength of earthquakes through teleseismic recordings which study the Earth’s deep interior. Charles Richter actually housed the scale in the living room of his home on this property.
The new homeowner chose natural Santa Barbara Sandstone for its famous golden to buff color range, local origin, and workability. The stone is unique and indigenous to the Santa Barbara areas of Southern California which produce the stone in boulder form which are harvested then hand split or fabricated to specifications. For over a century, it has been popular on many prominent public buildings and residences in Southern California.
In the capable hands of contractor Jason Bertino, with Bertino Improvements of Pasadena, the exterior hardscape areas were transformed into gorgeous inviting gathering places. Santa Barbara Sandstone rubble veneer was specified for walls and vertical surfaces varied in sizes 9″ to 16″ and 4″ to 6″ thick.
Custom cut-to-size pieces were incorporated into the exterior fireplace included the chimney cap, mantle, hearth and chimney arch – all honed with a hand dressed split face. The spa coping called for a honed finish. Images can be viewed on our Santa Barbara Sandstone Gallery page.
We were honored to have been a part of this project providing local Santa Barbara Sandstone – a fitting addition to the historic property and area.