Cabinetry and Craftsmanship
Since putting in some elbow grease at the SPD cabinet shop we’ve been thoroughly reminded of the importance of craftsmanship and the quality of the handmade object. While key elements of cabinet construction (or house construction for that matter) can be automated, there are important aspects to a finished product that simply need a discerning eye and the human touch.
SPD and BUILD LLC have been working with home owner and architect Mike Mackie, and his wife Jill, on a recent project that makes for a nice example. The project was substantially completed last week and we think you’ll be interested in some finished shots and data. The existing home is an excellent case study in mid-century modern design; exposed roof beams and decking at the ceiling, walls of glazing at the perimeter, and over-sized doors that open up the indoors to the outdoors. Basically, the type of existing architecture we love working with.
In order to respect the original architecture, the cabinet package shouldn’t get in the way or detract from the crisp, open interiors. Cabinet geometries are kept low to allow the long horizontal window bands to continue opening up to the view of Magnolia and downtown Seattle beyond.
Custom cabinet boxes allow the composition to step down in conjunction with the sloping roof geometry, thereby maximizing storage space and respecting the homes structure. The Chroma countertops are located intentionally to existing sill heights and the open nature of the home is maintained with a “floating” countertop at the island.
The material package is kept simple and straight-forward. Quarter-sawn white oak was clear-finished to retain a regularity of texture and an honesty of material. A 3/16” edge-banding adds durability to the door and drawer faces in addition to bringing a crafted feel to the interface. The pulls are custom designed by SPD and fabricated by Metal Masters, the drawer slides are stainless steel Blum motion and a blind corner swing-out system by Fulterer was used at the cabinet corner base.
Subtle details like the plug strip between the window sill and countertop make for a highly functional kitchen. Design cues are also taken from the existing structure including the placement of lighting and cabinet break lines. At the living room, a full height cabinet locks into the window geometry and compliments the existing stone fireplace.
[All photos by BUILD LLC]
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By Keiser, January 11, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
Nice and clean guys, especially like that exterior night shot.
By Gus, January 11, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
I grew up in the age of oak (the 80′s) and learned to detest it. SPD is bringing some nice new textures and colors to oak cabinets though – I like where you’re going. The house looks like it’s got a great view as well.
By camerageek, January 11, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
On a photo note, and relating to some of your previous posts on photography – interior images always look better with a fire in the fireplace.
By Richter, January 12, 2010 @ 9:04 am
I love how the beams translate through to the exterior on mid-century modern houses – glad to see that detail retained in the remodel.
By stonguy, January 12, 2010 @ 10:50 am
WOW, the kitchen looks fantastic. I am especially fond of the quartz countertops. Great look
By mike, January 12, 2010 @ 11:25 am
nice homage to julius.
By Karen, January 12, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
Looks fantastic!
By Lisa, January 13, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
Jill, This is gorgeous! Can’t wait to see it in technicolor!
By PScott, January 13, 2010 @ 10:20 pm
A great project, congratulations one and all!
By ts, January 24, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
cue, not queue, me thinks.
Nice work. You guys pick up stuff quickly. What are you using for the box construction?
By Build LLC, January 24, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
ts – thanks for the spell check. Most of our cabinet packages use 3/4″ maple-ply boxes and in this case quarter-sawn oak veneer door and drawer faces. The maple-ply is a cost effective material that doesn’t overwhelm the personality of the finished product, its also nice to work with in the shop.
By Diane, February 15, 2010 @ 11:32 pm
What brand/type of windows do you like to update MCM with? I live by ocean and someone suggested fiberglass. Another, aluminum.
The window shop recommends either fleetwood aluminum slider or milgard fiberglass?
I also noticed Milgard has something called Thermally Improved Aluminum Sliding Door.
Any comments? TIA.
By Build LLC, February 16, 2010 @ 10:46 am
@ Diane – we like to use Milgard or Marlin windows and Fleetwood sliding doors. Fiberglass is cost-effective and low maintenance but we rarely like the plastic-like look it has.
By Diane, February 18, 2010 @ 11:39 am
What does a cabinet package like this cost the homeowner?
By Diane, February 18, 2010 @ 11:44 am
considering all the windows and sun exposure, which wood would you recommend to hold up well without much color change?