Local Love - Group Hug

As a small business in the Hudson Valley, we value those that help us do what we do. We believe that the local businesses that supply us with materials, services and tools are doing much to support the economy, which is important to all of us.

We have used some of these vendors since our beginning and we think it's important to acknowledge them for what they do individually, as well as how we all work together to support each other, which is equally relevant. 

Props to these men and women. We appreciate you and are happy to be associated with you...

Williams Lumber

Davies Hardware

Sarjo

Albert Kemperle

HG Page

Foreign Car Specialists

Valley Courier

Lightning Express

Done and Done...Union Square Loft

This project in Manhattan is an excellent example of how concrete can be mixed with other materials and unique elements to create an inviting space. 

Those elements include reclaimed teak cabinets, a vintage chalkboard backsplash, blackened steel panels, and a repurposed industrial dust collector (used as an exhaust hood).

The 1.5" thick, precast countertop has an eased edge and a simple drainboard (fancy formwork on a small scale).

The bathroom has precast countertops as well as a bath surround.

A complete list of resources and a nice write up on this project can be found in Architectural Record. 

Formwork is our forte...

This project, a private residence in Manhattan, boasts a curved stair that leads up to the living area. 

These photos show the extensive formwork that was built to create the stairs. 

Notice the white bags of material in the photo below. They were bagged by hand especially for this project, which is clearly unique (a nice way of saying labor intensive).

 You may be wondering things like-

How long does that take to build?

How many people work on a project like this?

How does one keep from tripping over the formwork?

Rest assured. We've spent years figuring out how to make things like this happen. It's complicated and messy and exhausting. We love it.

In the works...Hobbit

These fun and functional tables were designed by Julie Hillman Design. 

Cute right? One is slightly larger than the other.

They're called Hobbit, as in small and stout, like those mythical creatures.

Apparently, Hobbits are shy, but are nevertheless capable of great courage and amazing feats under the proper circumstances. 

Given their shape and name, we can't help but think that at some point they may take flight or roll away. We'll keep you posted. 

In the Works...giant black countertops

Sometimes we make something in our shop that takes just as much effort to install as it does to make. 

This kitchen will have an awful lot of counter space.

The tops have a four inch edge that will appear chiseled, making them a little more interesting than the typical edge. 

How will we do it? 

Styrofoam, which may seem like like cheating to some, but to us it's creative and smart. 

Check back and we'll have some nice shots of them in the finishing department and we'll all get to see just how well the styrofoam worked.