Tag Archives: construction

Architecture, Community Involvement, Current Projects

Current Projects: NCSU Chancellor’s House Update

The Chancellor’s House at North Carolina State University is really starting to take shape!  We wanted to share some of the most recent photos with you.  The exterior is beginning to look awesome with the addition of concrete patios and planter boxes (below).  When all the landscaping is complete, it will be an inviting backyard retreat, and a great place to hold university functions.

Since we last posted, the interior has undergone major transformations with the addition of drywall, paint, and cabinetry.  Below, you can see one of the house’s 8 fireplaces, newly fitted with its stone surround and wood mantle.  This room will serve as the living quarters for the Chancellor’s distinguished guests.  A built-in desk will make it a comfortable place to work.

One of the biggest transformations happened when the staircase was painted.  The sensous curves of the stair are newly accented by black picketts lining both sides.  It looks really smart!

Upstairs, work is nearly complete on the Chancellor’s family room, a lofty space with tons of natural light.   Below, you can see a few of the home’s finished doors.  All the doors will be painted black and accented with polished chrome hardware.

The floor stain was finalized last week (below).  Applied over a beautiful oak floor, the timeless color we chose will complement the mahogany woodwork throughout the first floor.

When we visited, the kitchen cabinets were still being installed.  They are looking great! (above)

The master bathroom is starting to come together – marble tile of different sizes is being applied throughout.  Glass panels for the shower will be one of the finishing touches.

There are so many new things to see everytime we visit the house.  It’s exciting to see how quickly things are coming together – but there is still a lot  to be done!  Above, you can see the fireplace in the Dining Room waiting for its wood mantle (above left).  One of the most impressive features of the house (yet to be installed) will be the front door and flanking windows.  Currently, a temporary plywood partition protects the opening (above right).  I can’t wait to see how beautiful the entrance hall looks when it’s finished!

For more on the Chancellor’s house, check out our previous posts:

March 23, 2011

July 19, 2010  

-Robert

images: by DLL

Hickory Chair

“Hickory Chair University: Ashley’s Perspective”

After visiting Hickory Chair University I was amazed to actually witness the term we all have heard, “8-Way Hand Tied.” But really, is it better than the other companies? I was very surprised to see why this system works and why this quality is better than the rest. As quoted by others, “8-Way Hand Tied Springs are the Cadillac of upholstery.” Wonder why your grandmother’s sofa is still around to be pawned off to you?

8-Way Hand Tied is a traditional style of support. The springs are laid over webbing, sewn in place, and then the springs are compressed to the desired firmness. They are then tied, with jute twine, to the webbing in the compressed state, and then lashed and tied one to the other. Of course it is tied eight times, twice vertically, twice horizontally, twice at one angle, and then crossed twice and the other angle (that adds up to eight). This technique provides a very firm, solid base for the padding that comprises a fully upholstered seat. This technique, if done right, can cost more but it is worth it. Hickory Chair does not cut corners on this technique which allows for the quality to out last many others.

As labor becomes more expensive and the buying public less willing to pay for it, substitutions are being made. These substitutions can be costly to you if you are not aware, and you will be buying a new sofa in the next 5 years. The jute twine that Hickory Chair uses is being substituted by other companies. Some substitutions include wires and hot rings. This is faster, requires less skill on the part of the upholsterer, and is ultimately cheaper to accomplish.

Being in the plant and seeing the gentleman above do a 8-Way Hand Tied application was amazing to see. It took about 15 minutes to do a full upholstered chair with only the seat being applied. It can take double the time for a sofa or sectional, but it is well worth it. It was great to see how this support effects the way a sofa or chair can sit. Well worth the money in my eyes.

So next time you got to by a sofa, get the facts. Make sure it is a true 8-Way Hand Tied application. It is not entirely uncommon to hear of an 8-Way Hand Tied sofa holding up for several decades, in fact, some can last as long as 50 years. Don’t you want to be able to pass your Hickory Chair or Sofa down to your grandchildren?


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