01/12/2019
Presenting a uniquely designed, handcrafted full size home dry bar with fully functional storage. Specifically engineered for any potential future installations to transform this piece of art into a wet bar as well as the freedom to disassemble and relocate. Comfortably seats four at the bar front with allowable standing space for two on the left-facing end wrap and of course the hosting area for the bartender, totaling a well-situated occupancy of seven. In all, this structure contains eight components: four base sections, one end cap section, two cabinets and the astonishing bar top.
Dimensionally, this 102”L x 53”W x 42”H bar has asymmetrical end wraps. The left-facing end only extends 41” and has a shallow width of 15” to allow for easy access to behind the bar while giving individuals the opportunity to stand or lean. The right-facing end wrap extends further (53”) and is 24” wide to provide the bartender with available space for countertop storage, mixing, etc. (also where the end cap section is affixed) works in concert with the depth underneath allowing for additional options such as a mini fridge, sink, cabinet, or wastebasket).
Its base features earth toned, dark walnut stained pine. The two front base sections have an opposing diagonal pattern (framed) while the left-facing side is ran horizontal, purposefully executed to break up the constancy of the observer's expectations. Layering of the shell consists of 1/2” plywood, followed with 3/4” rough sawn pine to give the surface visual depth, then finished off with a smooth picture frame boarder. The shell is then attached to the pine frame. T-nuts are embedded into the skeleton of the structure where each base section is married by 3” bolts and also along the upper rail to attach the bar top.
Keeping with the conceptual flow of versatility, the two cabinets have the option to be mounted to the base in several positions. Crafted using finished plywood and complemented with a maple veneer surface, the tops have a short 3” backsplash to prevent anything from rolling back between the cabinet and base. The larger cabinet (47”L x 18”W x 37”H) with its two oversized shelves are ideal for liquor bottles, glassware, mixers and other bar accessories and prepared for use with a Formica stone veneer laminate. The smaller cabinet (21”L x 18”W x 37”H) offers two shelves as a 6 bottle wine rack and the third for glassware.
And now the main focal point: the bar top. Upon approach your eyes are immediately drawn to the live edge on the bar front made from the outer edge of the tree. The bands of cream colored sapwood blending into the deep coffee heartwood give an elegant yet functional bar rail. Draw-shaving the bark away to expose the irregularities in the natural growth of the once living tree gives it a very logical and natural impression. While digesting its beauty next you'll notice the azure color scheme of the pine spring wood covering the majority of the top. Executed by means of shou sugi ban and teased with a warm navy oil based varathane, the variances flow perfectly into the puzzle-pieced wave featured in the right corner. This design was hand-drawn, stenciled and painted upon installation. Lastly, one of the more interesting features of the bar top is the copper wire stitching. The 8 gauge wire sutures support the butting edge of three intersections along with dowel pins to prevent twisting and warping. It is then finished with 4 gallons of polyurethane glaze coat for the smooth surface with a hand planned underside.
Having the luxury of creative control made every inch of this project possible. A wide open timeline also contributed to the ability to accomplish each attribute, and execute a majority of ideas I had. Being the largest, most ambitious project to date it was just as challenging to part with. I've learned a lot during the process and look forward to putting those new talents into the next piece of carpentry.
