work: Residential Galleries: Altamont House

This project involved the design of several new spaces that were built to house a private collection of Asian artwork. IKD designed custom casework with integrated storage to display ceramics in a dedicated room, as well as a suite of art display apparatus in a large gallery including a freestanding wall system, display tables, and a large pedestal for Ja panese folding screens. The apparatus was required to be versatile in function and capacity in order to accommodate the growing collection as well as rotating exhibitions. The ceramics case, a modern take on Japanese temple architecture, was engineered so that even when shelves are moved around, they are constantly supplied with power for lighting. All hardware is invisible. The freestanding wall system in the main gallery featured large yet slim and lightweight panels anchored by blocks with an internal vise mechanism.  

Display tables which could be combined on end to create long display surfaces for handscrolls had removable glass tops. All apparatus was designed to be easily moved by one person, that would not only allow for the intimate viewing of objects, but also be integrated seamlessly with the historical language of the rest of the building.