0004 - Project CC3074 - Audio Unit Design - 01
Starting a Custom Veneered Entertainment Center: Initial Design Steps for Audio Video Storage Unit
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This woodworking project marks the beginning of a substantial custom entertainment center designed as an audio-video unit with integrated record storage and shelving. The piece will serve as a dedicated media hub, accommodating speakers, amplifiers, DJ equipment, turntables, and extensive cabling for a client passionate about vinyl records and audio gear.
The conceptual design features a full-width unit with an angled ceiling line that terminates at the room's ceiling height. The primary surfaces will be finished in veneer — most likely man-made or custom-sliced options — making grain direction, matching, and joint placement critical considerations from the outset. Key elements include:
Flap doors across the upper section for accessible storage.
A vertically sliding door mechanism with a counterbalanced lifting system (one panel rises as the other descends) to conceal and reveal components smoothly.
Provisions for electrical power supply and adequate ventilation to manage heat from electronics.
Ample internal depth and routing channels to handle complex cable management.
Because the unit qualifies as a "big beast" in terms of scale, careful planning focuses on efficient delivery and installation. The preferred approach involves pre-assembling major carcass sections and modular boxes in the workshop, then transporting them flat-packed or partially assembled to the site. This minimizes on-site assembly, reduces disruption in a confined apartment space, and leverages the controlled workshop environment for precision work.
Current project status remains in the early conceptual phase. Veneer selection is pending, which directly influences material thicknesses, framing details, and overall budgeting. Custom veneers offer superior aesthetic control but carry higher costs compared to off-the-shelf options; therefore, initial quantity estimates for sheet materials are required promptly to support accurate quoting.
To address these variables efficiently, the design employs a parametric modeling approach. Core dimensions derive from a master sketch that drives wall mapping, carcass framing, face frame thicknesses, and nested component blocks. This setup allows rapid adjustments if the TV area width shifts slightly or if layout refinements occur. The first priority is producing preliminary working drawings — ideally by the end of the week — to clarify:
Cable access and routing paths.
Door and flap mechanisms.
Veneer orientation (vertical versus horizontal grain flow).
Potential modular breakdowns for workshop fabrication.
These drawings will enable cost comparisons across veneer types and inform the client's budget decisions before committing to final materials.
This project highlights the importance of thorough upfront planning in custom veneered furniture, particularly for complex entertainment centers that blend functionality with high-end aesthetics. Future updates will cover material selection, mechanism prototyping, and construction progress.
Stay tuned for more details on this bespoke woodworking endeavor. If you have experience with sliding door mechanisms, veneer matching, or large-scale media units, feel free to share insights in the comments.
