Working with stained glass had long been a goal for the studio. As an outdated material, it presented the perfect opportunity for reinvention. When @denizensofdesign requested an extra special cabinet for their client, stained glass was immediately proposed as the feature element.

The glass, both reflective and translucent, was set against a brutalist form to exaggerate its inherent qualities. The cabinet’s main case was designed to resemble a massive stone block, and full-surface texturing elevated the entire experience. Every component—the case, the doors, and even the leg system—was meticulously textured for 100% coverage. The process required over 100 hours of work.

A glass case element slices through the brutalist mass like a quartz vein catching sunlight. Its untextured frame provides a visual contrast that clearly separates the cabinet’s two core elements.

The stained glass was designed to reflect the Ontario landscape: rushing water, rolling hills, and expansive blue skies. A second-generation stained glass artist cut and assembled the pieces before they were fitted into the cabinet frame.

Constructed entirely from solid wood using traditional joinery, the cabinet is built to endure. Process photos reveal a variety of joinery techniques that accommodate wood’s ever-shifting nature. Proper design and execution prevent warping and structural failure, ensuring longevity—possibly hundreds of years.

@mack_makes applied traditional methods and hand-cut each joint with precision. The glass case, for example, features 1” dimensioned frames—an achievement made possible only through correct joinery in exact proportions.

This piece is a major showcase of the studio’s capabilities: integrating diverse materials, designing with proportion and intention, and pushing the boundaries of woodworking. Stained glass, once relegated to history, has proven its value and will continue to feature in future work.