Building an Arch and Cabinets
Photos and Video by Forrest Anderson
We needed more office than the little alcove our studio provided, but didn't want to block windows with walls that jutted out into the larger studio space. We also needed more storage space. Our solution - an arch and cabinets that jut out into the larger space to define the office space while not blocking light with walls.
We built and designed the cabinet drawers specifically to match our storage needs, with office supplies in smaller drawers on one side and equipment in deeper drawers on the other side.
For the arch, we used a supporting ceiling arch from an old pioneer cabin we dismantled. The arch had been split for another use, but rejected because of the notches in it. We decided to piece it back together, leaving the notches and adze marks on it for character. The round logs we used as columns were originally from a 39-foot ridgepole that broke apart while we were moving it. We fastened the arch onto the studio walls and cabinets with long lag screws.
Watch how we did it:
Check out these related items
Reclaimed Wood Gets A New Life
Japanese carpenters say that wood gets a new life when it is made into a new form. See some new of these new lives.
Mantel from Reclaimed Wood
Making a fireplace mantel from a reclaimed log requires mounting it so the supporting wall will bear its weight.
Mortise-and-Tenon Timbers
Mortise-and-tenon timber construction, one of the most ancient forms of construction, is today a specialty craft.
Framing The Thoughtful House
See our video and blog on the framing of The Thoughtful House and the process of framing a house.
Making a Japanese Gate
We were charmed by the beautiful gates that are the entrance to homes in Kyoto and Nara, Japan, so we decided to make our own.
Nail Party
Nails had to be extracted from reclaimed timbers to be used in constructing The Thoughtful House.