Joyce Cabinet

the story

This stereo cabinet features straight-grained walnut on the outside and much lighter maple on the inside for a nice contrast pop when the doors are opened. We designed this piece so it could be completely closed or completely open, depending on whether the stereo it contains was in use or not. To accomplish this, we used architectural-grade pivot hinges in a configuration where the outer section of the bifold doors can swing all the way around. As another subtle technical feature, magnets are embedded in the doors, shelf, and side walls as soft catches to keep the doors in open or closed position. The parquetry lines on the doors suggest beams of light refracting and splitting, inspired by the clients’ interest in astronomy.  

A long, low cabinet with the doors closed, displaying a parquetry design of diverging lines.
A long, low cabinet with the doors open, showing stereo equipment inside.
A close-up view of a cabinet front leg, showing different wood on the outside of the cabinet and the inside of the cabinet, and a brass hinge with bearing that is embedded in the top of the leg.
A close-up of a short cabinet leg in progress, showing mortises or holes where other pieces and a hinge will attach.
A long cabinet top in progress, with six medium-length clamps and two long-length clamps pressing the edging on during gluing.