Modern contemporary commercial commission for Tubbercurry Credit Union in Tubbercurry, County Sligo. Hand-made from walnut and european white oak to meet the need of disabled customers with a split level counter design.
Tubbercurry, County Sligo, Ireland
As part of a larger refurbishment project, Handcraft Furnishings was commissioned by the board of Tubbercurry Credit Union to design, make and install the new service counter with a luxurious and durable wood finish.
After winning the initial tender process, Handcraft Furnishings presented a range of computer generated designs with samples of materials and finishes for approval by the board.
The final design needed to accommodate a lowered section for seated customers and wheelchair users, and was adapted to be installed in modular sections due to limited access through the main doorway of the premises.
The service counter sections are based around a beech structural frame, with a moisture-resistant HDF base, and built-in access for computer cabling, phone lines and power points.
The counter sections are joined with solid walnut pillars featuring burr oak book-matched veneer inlays.
The front counter panels are mounted on an L-shaped walnut plinth, and feature a european white oak marquetry design with walnut inlays. The veneers are carefully book-matched to maintain a uniform appearance, using the natural grain of the wood as part of the design.
The service counter top is made from solid american black walnut, butt-jointed and glued, and connected to the low level section with mitre joints that follow the wood grain pattern in a continuous waterfall effect. The counter top was also designed to be installed in four sections to make access and installation more practical.
For durability, each section was lacquered with a heat and scratch resistant spray polish in a matt finish.