Het Drankenkabinet

Het Drankenkabinet was inspired by two earlier works of Atelier Espenaer that the client liked, Terrassen and De Secretaire. Like Terrassen, het Drankenkabinet features terraces and like De Secretaire, it appears suspended above the base and floor.

The main body of the cabinet is made up of a frame and panel construction. The central part is higher than the wing sections, producing terraces at different levels. The styles and rails of this frame are made out of black walnut and are joined to each other with mortise and tenons and at certain points with bridle joints. The styles stick out above the terrace levels, forming curved peaks. Triple rails, made out of salvaged ash, fill the space between these peaks and such appear like balustrades.

The panels are made out of salvaged ash and are noted for their stunning figures. The panels fit into the frame with tongue-and-groove joints. The most exceptionally figured parts of this salvaged ash were saved for the doors of the cabinet. The doors fit into the frame with quality brass hinges. Inside, the cabinet offers ample storage space for drinks and glassware, including an integrated wine glass rack for hanging wine glasses upside down.

The main body of the cabinet appears suspended above the base and feet, because it is only kept in place by thin triple rails. The feet are gently curved to match the shape of the curved peaks of the main body. The base and feet are made out black walnut, whereas the triple rails out of salvaged ash.

Het Drankenkabinet was entirely crafted by hand. All the joinery in this cabinet was created fully with traditional hand tools, including dovetail saws and chisels. The milling/dimensioning of stock was done through a combination of machining and hand work. The cabinet was finished with three coats of hardwax oil.