This stunning bookcase was an early design c. 25-26, when he was developing his Skyscraper style bookcases. As far as is known only 1 was produced, maybe as a commission, but it seems strange more were not made or the idea further developed, as the shape and practicality were eminently suited to appartments in NYC, with their need for storage & display. This bookcase doesn't receive the attention many of his better known bookcases do, but it an absolute peach of a design. Bone simple in design it is such a wonderful shape, the roofline echoes the NYC skyline around him at the time. His lively design mind made all the sections different depths, echoing the step backs of the buildings.

The original bookcase was made from wood, probably Redwood, and has a very natural look. This could look just as stunning in a painted lacquered finish in any colour you want. The almost modular sections are easily adapted to whatever shape of room you have, and can be shortened or lengthened as you need. Speak to us if you are interested in commissioning a new bookcase like this. Made to order. We're due to produce this bookcase shortly, we'll show you the design process below.

New bookcase project;

This is the room the customer wanted the bookcase to go. The views are stunning over Chicago, with it's classic skyscraper skyline. The original idea was to have a Frankl freestanding Skyscraper bookcase on the wall, to the left of the TV. However, this room called for something more dramatic to compete with & compliment the view, and the customer was enthused by our idea of the large bookcase along the wall. This fitted the space perfectly, but what to do with the space under the large TV? We tried a few options, as below.

How to treat the space under the TV?;

The solution;

After trying several options, including nothing, under the TV, we decided to continue the Skyline look, as shown above. This is a great solution, ties the whole thing together, gives more storage and display space, and best it visually leads your eye from the room to the buildings skyline; it links inside & outside as a continuation of each other.

2 more Frankl bookcases in the same room;

As if that large Frankl bookcase wasn't enough for one room, we are also supplying 2 freestanding bookcases on the other side of the same room. They are exactly the same bookcase, just handed as they will sit either side of double doors. They will be painted dramatic black with silver edges on the top sections. The drawing below shows the almost modular nature of this bookcase design - this clearly shows how we could play around with these sections to fit most room requirements.

The various sections of the bookcase;

Work in progress photos;

The above photos show the start of the process to produce this bookcase.It starts with cutting so many boards down to the accurate components, and rebating the verticals for flush fitting bookcase strips. The first 2 sections are shown dry assembled. The last photos show the book case components after being stained a rich wood colour. The bookcase won't be assembled until it is in situ and assembled there, then we'll add some final photos.

Being installed in the clients living room;

After a long delay for various reasons, the bookcases are now in the process of being installed in the client's condo. You can start to get a feel for how the finished room and pieces of furniture will look, but at this stage it's still a building site. You can also see in these photos the large bookcase table we designed to act as a room divider, seperating the kitchen from the living room area in the open plan interior. We should add some finished photos in the near future.

These designs are recorded as they are added to the website. The images may not be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved.