Industrial Deco Collection

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This collection began with a challenge how do you satisfy code requirements without sacrificing the ability to move large objects out of abasement. We had a similar challenge with hiding mechanical equipment without losing the ability to access the equipment. This challenge led us to creating a screen that was designed in sections hooked onto a frame mechanically fastened together so that it too could be completely disassembled.

Because the space is in a basement of an older home we were inspired by the Art Deco style of NYC and Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau Paris Metro. We took a modern spin and created “industrial deco” by using repetition with simple lines and curves with steel rod the panels give a sense of movement and play with the natural light. Much like a magic trick, the movement helps to hide the mechanical equipment behind, yet at the stair there’s a transparency that allows for the stair to feel open.

We carried these same elements in to all the other pieces. In the side tables, coffee table, and bookcase/wine storage we used the curved rod as the structure. We defied gravity by supporting thick reclaimed slabs as the table tops and shelves on the elegant pencil thin steel rods.

As we continue to play with gravity we had a unique opportunity to work off the existing lolly columns to float a bar between. We incorporated the industrial deco curves with the same steel rod but this time we designed a clamp to grab the column and then by packing the curves together to form a support we were able to float the thick reclaimed bar slab between the columns.

Lastly our industrial shades were the product needing to capture every inch of height for our tall clients. We did this by designing a fixture that could slip between the ceiling joists and only hang below by a couple of inches. The shades have similar art deco lines to the other pieces in the collection and slumped milk glass diffuses the light from the LED bulbs.

We worked in collaboration with McConnell Studios to finalize the details and they also fabricated all of the steel. Chuck Hiskey, local artisan, fabricated all off the reclaimed wood slabs.

Architect: Heather R.B. Washburn, AIA
Product Design: Calico Creates
Collaboration & Steel Fabrication: McConnell Studios
Reclaimed Wood Fabrication: Chuck Hiskey
Photographer: Keith Isaacs