Author name: hunter@hlwimmer.com

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.

 

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.

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.

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Gus Modern Sparrow Glider (Review)Read More »

Casie is gearing up at ModApple by doubling the stock on the site and adding some great pieces that would make a great addition to your holiday spree. Avoid the madness at the mall and check it out.

 

(Cross-posting from NorcalMod)

I just finished putting the final coat of wax on Jennifer's
benches… I'm really pleased with how they turned out — the maple and
cumaru have such a nice contrast. Like the prototype, these have cumaru plugs on the outside where the joinery happens… and with the maple top, they're super sturdy.

If you need benches, hit me up!

One of my favorite quotes comes from the cartoon-feature Futurama. When Bender, the alcoholic robot, meets God, the celestial orb reminds Bender:

"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all"…

In the world of design, architecture… well, pretty much anything, I truly believe this holds true.

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When you do things right…Read More »

We have two pairs (edit: a single pair) of original closet doors in amazing condition. They were pulled out of a house in Terra Linda, but they could very well fit other models — or be modified (made more narrow) to fit other models.

Each door measures 31in wide and 94.5in tall and when installed would ideally fit a closet that's 58-60in wide. If your closet is more narrow, you could also cut them down fairly easily.

We also have the original alminum floor guides included in the purchase.

They're in amazing original condition with the original zolotone paint and burlap. There are just a few nicks on the zolotone that could be easily touched up. The burlap is worn in places where you'd put your hands to open — one set is worn a bit more than the other, but the next owners will likely replace the burlap anyway… it's pretty easy.

Unfortunately, for us, they're too narrow overall, so I'll be making new ones from scratch one day.

For Sale at $200 pair or $350 for all four doors + guides. Drop me a line a hunter@redneckmodern.com if interested. Click on the images below for higher-res versions.

Brent wanted more of a "Dieter Rams" look with a walnut and white combo… and his request for alternate feet prompted me to prototype the new adjustable foot option which seems to be working pretty well. Since his are the first feet off the production line, I gave him his choice of wood — he chose walnut for a nice bit of contrast. Brent also wanted the unit a little lower and a littel wider than standard to fit a specific space — and of course, custom sizes are no problem.