December 2013

This Modern Life

Introducing: The Integrated CSSU

Over at NorCalMod, I just finished off the most ambitious build to date and have launched the latest CSSU version… the Integrated CSSU which integrates audio into the CSSU concept: think gaming centers, turntable stands, entertainment units, etc.

The first unit was built as an entertainment center to house standard-width (17in) audio gear. It is a standard depth of 14in, but we can also build a deeper 18 or 20in version for deeper components. It features integrated 2-way acoustic-suspension speakers constructed as separate pieces prior to integration into the CSSU — they're quite robust… and they look, and sound, fantastic.

Some features of the series:

  • Traditional CSSU construction with anodized aluminum standards, optional adjustable feet, maple or birch main shelving with a choice of contrasting wood or colors.
  • 6.5in or 8in 2-way speakers with poly or kevlar woofers in an acoustic-suspension design
  • Dual-voice center channel and subwoofer (passive or active) available
  • White, frameless speaker grills
  • Adjustable center shelves
  • 18.5in bays to accommodate standard-width audio gear
  • Customizable speaker width (see below designs)

The first unit was constructed of Baltic birch main shelves with teak veneered speakers (6.5in poly cones). It features adjustable feet and comes in at 56(w)x14(d)x24(h)… This version/sample is available for $850.

Click on the phots for larger, clearer versions and contact me if you're interested in spec-ing out your own Integrated CSSU.

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This Modern Life

Gus Modern Sparrow Glider (Review)

One of the best gifts we received from Casie's family was the Gus Modern Sparrow glider — and we've received many complements on it. It's a beautiful chair and Casie swears by it for getting the boy to sleep.

Corner(LR)

However, today, Casie and Truman sat in it and it broke. When I investigated, I found an amazingly shoddy assembly using sub-standard and inappropriate joinery*.

*I should add that I don't think that this was Gus' intention (they're a decent outfit), but quality control and offshore manufacturing are hard to balance, it seems… and this post was created simply as a convenient place to house the information so that Gus can take a look-see. Ironically, both the solid walnut base and the steel rocking mechanism were of extremely high quality, but the joinery between the two is suspect to say the least.

Edit: I received a response from Gus*: "Thank you for getting in touch with us and letting us know you had issues with the Sparrow Glider. We will pass along all information, including your detailed pictures, to our design team. We take these matters very seriously and appreciate you taking the time to inform us of this issue. Gus*"

Interestingly enough, though, I'm not seeing the word "sorry" in the above.

Shear

Pictorial Modernism

1220 Monticello Rd, Lafayette

Shortly after purchasing a modern condo in West Oakland in 2001, we saw our first Roger Lee designed home in Kensington and it's always seemed like "the house that got away". We had the chance to visit another Roger Lee home today and were as impressed as we were the first time we saw one almost over 10 years ago… a somewhat small, but very livable 3-bedroom house with lots of neat workspaces and a killer view.

You can check the details at any number of sites, but I wanted to post some of the pictures from today's outing.

Click on the photos for higher resolution versions.

R-lee01

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