Treehouse or Deck?

I guess this is technically a deck, because A), it is not an enclosed structure, and B) it is not supported by the tree in any way. In fact, there is no attachment by way of any screw or nail penetrating the tree. The spool table for instance, is attached to the trunk via a large adjustable clamp made from 2x4's and all-thread bolts. But back to my original point...We're still calling this The Tree House.

Some have asked why the flat panels in the front and back? Since this treehouse is all about view, I wanted a railing that would be open and compliment the horizon, but every treehouse/fort needs a parapet to avoid the possible onslaught from Super-Soakers and water balloons.

This thing's crazy strong. About 10 feet up at the lowest corner, but no wiggle when you're up there. I painted the posts and the bracing underneath a darker color so that they blend in with the surrounding foliage. From down the street it looks like the Mothership hovering in the trees.

Did I mention we built this from 99% re-used lumber? Even a lot of the paint and hardware is leftover from other projects. The final colors, the white and light gray of the deck match the house below.

We terraced the slope with old railroad ties. It also helps create paths and adds dimension to the play area underneath.

For what it's worth, here's the original, unfinished design...

And in my real life...

Here's a novel way to make the most of bathroom storage. This client wanted a place to put their scale when not in use.

I'm sure I'm not the first to think of this, but I haven't seen it done before.

The drawer is discretely hidden in the toe-kick, and uses a special drawer slide that opens when you push it, so that you don't need to reach under the toe kick, or attach a visible pull.

This seems like as good a time as any to mention the fact that for several months I've been secretly inserting links to songs via Youtube in my text. Sometimes the links are more obvious than others. Just scroll over the text and you're bound to find something (like right here).

I try to find songs that have some connection to my blog, and usually it's just some kind of bad pun. As many of you know, I have thousands of records, which I actually listen to, and have done a pretty good job of subconsciously cataloging. One of the side effects of this is that at any given moment, whatever kind of input the world is giving me, my brain is pulling up a lyric or song title. I have to resist turning every word into a different link.

Anyhow, good look on your search...

Architectural Foundation and Guitars

Last Friday evening we had the honor of attending (and sponsoring) this years presentation of the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara's Architectural Scholarships. The awards were given to several young deserving students to help further their architectural education. I hope they design some cool stuff.

(the Invitation to the Scholarship Awards)





Besides that, we're just constantly building stuff. Check out this cool guitar and amp shelving.

The "ON AIR" light is from an old radio station. It's these extra little things that make ABLE & BAKER so awesome.

...and the concealed amp lighting.

Here's the proud owner, belting out a pretty sweet version of "Solitary Man".

Bath Remodel in a Mid-Century Home

I really wish I had "before" photos of this place. It used to be a nice 80's remodel with carpet and country blue wallpaper. A lot of brass.
The first time I entered I swear I heard the ghost of Dolly Parton singing "9 to 5"

...but it turned out like this

Whirlpool bath. Custom birch cabinet in the corner, stained to match the bath door (not pictured) and custom concrete countertop made to match slate floor.

Handmade Heath Tile in tub surround.

Here's the house. What do you think... "9 to 5" or "Charade"?

I call this photo "Nick With Hat On Ladder #2".
Check out the cool way we put in the skylight, and incorporated lighting & fan.
Yep, awesome.

I gave the client a tile shaped grid and some colored pencils. It worked.
Einstein would've been proud of the consistently inconsistent pattern.

Before and After...

View more in-progress photos here.

Vanity. You probly think this blog is about you.

I tried a lot of different vanity designs for this job, a classic Mid-Century Modern home. The client wanted a vanity that reminded them of a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture, like a table or desk. My initial designs were heavily influenced by existing pieces, but as I continued to shape the vanity, my own style began to show.

So here's a step-by-step of the final evolution. There were many pieces that came before these, but we'll start at the point when I began to like the direction things were going. The earlier renditions may still be usable for another job.

Version 6.1 (the numbers aren't totally sequential)
This is probably the most straightforward, with a little Deco influence. The sinks and faucets had already been purchased, and the vanity had to fit between the tub and a wall, so the dimensions were relatively fixed.

Version 1.4
I like incorporating various materials, especially metal. This one leans casually against the wall. I could imagine it smoking a cigarette.

Version 1.4 from the front

Version 1.5
The legs evolve



Version 1.6
"Show me some more leg"

Version 1.8 Front View
This is the final evolution. Of these, it's hard to say which is my favorite.

Version 1.8.3
No doors, no cabinet sides.
With the cabinet open, it reveals the box framework that wraps the whole unit. As you can see, there are 2 wooden "straps" that appear to hang the cabinet and drawers from the counter top.

Version 1.8.4
No back, Metal frame
The "straps" are more evident here, when made from metal. You can see how the outside vertical straps are connected by a small horizontal beam at the bottom that supports both open cabinets, and the drawers.

Version 1.8 with white doors

Version 1.10
I may have actually designed this one before 1.8.


Feel free to comment on your favorite version.