CotY 2006: Residential Interior Speciality
The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect.
A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen.
Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved.
Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights.
The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually.
The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit.
The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment.
A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished.
Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.