Ironworks Turning Raw Steel into Functional Works of Art
Stefan Field has been creating and solving problems in metal for nearly three decades. Through his Whitianga-based workshop, Ironworks Coromandel, he brings together engineering precision and artistic intuition – turning raw steel into gates, stairways, and custom structures that are functional and beautiful.
“I’ve always been drawn to projects that are a little different,” Stefan says. “Anything that lets me combine problem-solving with design.” With 28 years of hands-on experience, he enjoys working closely with clients to translate their ideas into something real – or sometimes shaping his own vision into a form that fits the landscape and purpose of the piece.
His work often takes cues from the natural world. You can see it in details like the oak leaf patterns cut into a gate, or in the organic balance of curves and lines that echo local forms. Stefan is fascinated by proportion – he often references the golden ratio, a mathematical principle that appears in everything from seashells to architecture. “When things are in proportion, they just feel right.” he says.
Behind the scenes, Ironworks Coromandel is a busy creative space. The same person who designs the piece also builds it, which means the original idea never gets lost in translation. “It’s a small team,” Stefan says, “so we all have to think on our feet. There’s always a challenge waiting – a piece that needs to be lighter, stronger, or shaped in a way that hasn’t been done before.”
Working with steel demands both patience and imagination. At over 1,500°C, molten steel flows like honey before cooling into something unyielding. Even solid, it can be coaxed into elegant shapes through heat, pressure, and a fine understanding of the material’s limits. It’s this dance between force and finesse that gives metalwork its sculptural quality – an art form hidden within engineering.
Whether it’s a set of custom stairs, a public feature, or a private commission, Stefan’s creations are built to last – and to belong. “The best part,” he says, “is seeing something fit perfectly into its place, as if it’s always been there.”
Find out more on Facebook: Ironworks Coromandel Limited or get in touch: 027 251 1410 / ironworks2112@gmail.com
Words by Leonardo Magri
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