2015 Wood Diamond Award

Main Category: Kitchen
Sub Category: European
Dollar Amount: Over $25,000

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Clear Select Hard Maple drawer panels, doors and exterior end panels with Maple Melamine cabinet boxes and European Steamed Beech plywood drawer boxes. Blum Euro with Soft Close (Inserta) hinges, Aventos Servo Drive.

Describe, in detail, the project/item’s construction.
This project was destined to be installed in new construction in a lovely semi-rural home on a secluded lot. The homeowners wanted a modern European look with lots of well-organized storage for dishes and appliances. Low voltage lighting was placed below the upper cabinets to provide lighting over the sink and countertop.
The island is comprised of two levels, with the larger upper level playing home to a large range with built-in downdraft venting. The oven and microwave occupy a space on the wall with the refrigerator. Multiple power outlets for kitchen appliances are placed along the backsplash for easy access. The cabinets utilize an in house designed adjustable roll out shelving system to allow for maximum accessibility and customization by the customer.

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
The client asked us to hide a safe inside the cabinets. For obvious privacy reasons we can’t disclose the location, but hidden somewhere in this cabinet is access to a perfectly concealed small safe for jewelry and other valuables. It is hidden so well that unless you know where it is, you’d be hard pressed to find it, yet it doesn’t interfere with any of the other functions of the cabinetry.

List any items that were outsourced.
The granite countertops were produced by Stoneworks of Colorado, appliances and safe were provided by the client. All boxes, drawers, doors, drawer fronts were produced in house.

How being a member of the CMA has benefited you and/or your business.
As members of the CMA, we hope to leverage the knowledge base of other members, as well as share our extensive experience in cabinetry and fine woodworking with others in our industry. The CMA forum is a great resource to share experiences, technical knowhow and make contact with other craftsmen in our vast, but tight knit woodworking community.