The Hilltop House Harpers Ferry, WV

I recently discovered the Hilltop House in Harpers Ferry, WV is closed and awaiting renovations. Built in 1888 and located in the town limits, the hotel has been the host to several notable Statesmen as well as famous characters …

Cardboard Bench- Prototype #4

Prototype 4, hot off the press! Actually more like cold off the press–it’s been a while since we updated you on the cardboard bench project. This design departs from the rocking chair concept and builds upon the stool idea.

The …

Kranium- A Cardboard Helmet

We are always on the lookout these days for interesting cardboard applications and there is much to learn from this bicycle helmet by Kranium Design. Of particular interest is its water resistance. It is dipped in a water-based coating, …

Cardboard Bench- Prototype #3

This prototype is really a derivation of prototype #1. Adjustments have been made to the geometry of the seat and back to provide a more relaxed seating position and, most obviously, arms have been added to the chair. The …

Cardboard Bench- Prototype #2

While I was busy working on one cardboard chair prototype, Matt was busy concocting another design. It similarly relies on folding cardboard planes to achieve its strength. The seat of the chair is composed of one large sheet folded several …

Cardboard Bench- Prototype Load Testing

The next step was to test out the load bearing capacity of the model, so I weighed the model down with a bunch of porcelain tiles I had lying around. The total weight topped out at 126.6 lbs, which when …

Cardboard Bench- Assembly Video

I glued the seat and backrest pieces to the frame. Here’s a sped up video of the process.…

Cardboard Bench- Prototype Completed

Finally finished the first real prototype. After completing a few sketch models, we moved up in scale and built a prototype based on the design presented last week. 1:3 scale seems a little odd at first, but it works well …

Cardboard Bench- Design #1

I’ve fleshed out the design of the cardboard bench / rocking chair. I have begun building a study model out of cardboard to test it out, but I think this design has some merit. Its a hybrid of lamination and …