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Build your own storage

as4 modular furniture system uses cold-rolled steel bars and hardwoods

• Manufactured by Atlas Industries
• 718-596-5045; www.atlaseast.com
• Cost: Prices are per component, starting at $600 per linear foot

Is it furniture or shelving? Two partners in Brooklyn, N.Y., have developed the as4 Modular Furniture System, which can be configured into home offices and workstations; open and closed storage for every room; electronics and A/V display; and that furnishing stalwart, the wall unit, all with the same basic components. The as4 system uses cold-rolled steel bars and hardwoods, including white oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and custom species. need from the infinite possible arrangements. “If you’re handy, installation is very straightforward,” says Atlas’s Thomas Wright. About half of his customers install their as4 systems themselves. Nationwide delivery is available, and costs vary with system size. Components all have dovetail-joint construction and a clear satin-lacquer finish.

You can build your own as4 system using Atlas’s online tool. Each component you drag and drop into your drawing revises the running price quote. Component sizes are standardized, but they can be customized. When you submit a layout to Atlas, one of the partners responds in short order to review your design and to ascertain that you have what you need from the infinite possible arrangements. “If you’re handy, installation is very straightforward,” says Atlas’s Thomas Wright. About half of his customers install their as4 systems themselves. Nationwide delivery is available, and costs vary with system size.

When your workspace or storage requirements change, your as4 system can adapt. Best of all, when you move, you can take it with you.

Photo: Courtesy of Atlas Industries
From Fine Homebuilding195 (Houses) , pp. 40 April 16, 2008