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"I dream my painting and then I paint my dream", said Van Gogh. Well, it is this same process that brought images and forms from the imagination of designers, computer artists and talented woodworkers into reality on the Chinook Post.
From initial drawings created by Naval Architect, Greg Marshall, with input from the owners, a Philbrook's employee altered them using computer technology to custom fit every inch of the interior of Chinook Post.
The process continued on-board, beginning with the construction of the forward statesroom using a material known as "Tricel", an airy, almost hollow material with a honeycomb style interior, which was chosen for it's light weight. All of the cabinets and drawers were constructed of this newly innovated material. The bulkheads and walls were constructed of a similar material called "500 Core Cell", laminated between 4mm Marine Plywood.
Due to it's hollow features, in every place where a screw or bolt needs to be utilized, a space is machined out, and a plug of solid wood is inserted so that the screw has something significant to hold on to.
Quarter Sawn Douglas Fir veneer was then glued and vacuum pressed to the Tricel panels, being left to dry completely overnight. Vacuum bagging laminates ensure integrity and rigidity. Once completely in place and dried, the edges were sanded.
A space was left between the top edge of the counter and the top of the drawer or cupboard for two reasons - function and form! Not only does it add to the aesthetic appearance of the overall design, the cupboards and drawers are not opened by handles, but rather by touch latch, and the space allows room for fingers if preferred.
The simplistic beauty of the Douglas Fir creates a feeling of openness, airiness and spaciousness, which causes Chinook Post's 65 feet to appear to be much more, due to the unbroken, flowing lines.
The paint department finished the project by protecting the beautiful wood with clear, protective varnish, which highlights the wood's natural grain.
From imagination, to computer images, to wood in form and function, took well over a year and the full time focus of many of our skilled craftsmen. The dream is now visible for all to see and admire!!
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