Cargo Architectural Pieces in the Wild

Over the years, Cargo’s owners, Patty and Bridgid, have cultivated a knack for collecting unique architectural salvage pieces from all over the world. Cargo stocks a huge variety of these architectural pieces that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Want a stretch of Chinese lacquered lattice to cast enchanting shadows on the ceiling? Check. How about a weathered green transom backed with mirrors to reflect the morning sun? Or a set of rose-carved teak braces for a roof over the back door to keep you dry while you find your keys? Cargo has got those, too, and a lot more.

It’s likely that Patty’s husband Tim (an architect), and Bridgid’s husband Dave (a builder) have helped hone Cargo’s buying eye over the years as they have both created spaces that Indonesian door panels, Chinese window surrounds, Japanese transoms and Indian knee braces now call home.  (Fun fact; Tim & Dave share the same birthday which might explain their uncanny ability to work with these architectural beauties). 

In order to get these wonderful pieces, Patty & Bridgid have developed relationships with reclamation specialists in different parts of the world. For instance they work with a family run business in Rajasthan, India, who salvage parts of demolished buildings because they can’t bear to see the craftsmanship end up in a landfill. They drive a big flatbed truck throughout the region and haul away everything from intricately crafted ironwork and windows carved with animals to rafters from old homes and even entire building facades. Cargo then fills a shipping container and after a few months and a long journey, fragments of history and architecture are delivered to our doorstep.

We love to see people’s faces when they encounter Cargo’s lower level for the first time. “It’s like a treasure trove!” one customer said as he took in the carved teak gates leaning against the walls, the stacks of brightly painted Indonesian panels, and the century-old Indian doors and windows still hung with hand-wrought ironwork. It can be overwhelming to think about taking these bold and ornate pieces and incorporating them into your space but we’re always here to help find new uses for our architectural elements. 

We have compiled a few examples of Cargo’s architectural pieces in the wild to inspire you.

Indian courtyard door as secret garden Gate

This incredible Rajasthan door with complete surround makes the perfect entry to our friend Kurt’s secret garden.

teak Javanese doors as Closet Doors

Patty tells us, “I love these Javanese doors. I found them on a wild road trip in the back country of Java almost 2 decades ago. It was a Great adventure with my best buddy John Anderson”.

Indian balcony brackets over indonesian teak gate

This space between two neighbor’s gardens is defined with an arch that is made from a pair of wrought iron balcony supports - the horseshoe detail was added to bring good luck to all who pass thru the gate.

Indian teak gate with inset wrought iron in yard

Some gates are a perfct fit - as this one was for a side entry at our friend Kurt’s house.

Indian vent cover as wall Decor

This wonderful Indian screen is installed at our friend Justin’s garden courtyard, at his business Bloke Botanical. It is magical and his use of architecture in garden spaces is inspiring!

Indonesian Fence panel and Framed Fragments as wall art

Patty tells us “I got many of my best doors from one of my favorite humans, Fauzi. He lives in Jogjakarta and runs many businesses. Book publishing and selling old house parts are his biggest enterprises. He and his family are devout Muslims, going to Mecca every year. His wife is one of the smartest and business savvy women I have ever met. Sitting on their veranda drinking tea has always been a moment of timelessness that I treasure beyond words. I have been making my own pilgrimage to Fauzi's for over 20 years. We have grown old together.

Let us help you find the perfect piece ….The only limit is your imagination! We’re making it even easier by offering a 25% discount on all architectural pieces from 2/26-2/28. The sale includes not only gates, windows, doors, columns, and other building pieces, but candlestick holders and mirrors made from reclaimed architecture. Make your reservation to shop these pieces in person HERE or shop our curated online selection HERE.