In this private residence, the client wanted a warm, textural backdrop for a casual entertaining space that could function as both lounge and wine cellar. The brief called for solid oak joinery with enough presence to stand against the existing brickwork and exposed beams, while still feeling relaxed and lived-in.
ChêneOak supplied single-origin French oak planks for both the open bookcase and the low cabinetry, creating a continuous frame that anchors the room and celebrates the natural character of rustic oak.
Private residence – combined living room / cellar
Custom open bookcase and integrated cabinetry in solid French oak planks
Architect / Designer: Confidential
Builder / Joiner: Confidential trade partner
Open Bookcase
Material: Solid single-origin French oak
Section: 300 × 54 mm planks
Grade: Rustic (knots and variation retained)
Finish: Clear hard wax oil
Application: Vertical and horizontal framing members forming the open grid
Cabinetry
Material: Solid single-origin French oak
Section: 420 × 32 mm planks
Grade: Rustic
Finish: Clear hard wax oil
Application: Door and drawer fronts, benchtop and end panels
Single-origin French oak, responsibly sourced and PEFC certified
Milled from solid boards (not laminated or engineered)
Expressed thickness – the 54 mm bookcase sections and 32 mm cabinetry planks are left visually honest, giving the joinery a substantial, furniture-like presence.
Rustic character – knots, checks and natural variation are deliberately retained, balancing the industrial brickwork and the more refined furnishings.
Shadow reveals – subtle shadow lines separate oak from brick and floor, preventing moisture transfer and giving the joinery a light, “built-in but not glued-on” feel.
Integrated wine storage – lower bays of the bookcase are configured for bottle racking, with open shelves above for books and objects.
The solid oak planks provide:
The client now uses the space as a favourite entertaining zone, with the oak joinery acting as both storage and a feature backdrop for shared meals and wine tastings.
