For this basement remodel, our clients wanted to utilize an unused space in their house, converting it into a secret room by modifying an existing bookcase, adding a narrow staircase, resulting in a secret accessible entrance. Whew! That was a mouthful...
The challenge? Working around existing elements.
If the pivot hinge was placed in the front left corner, the wall to the right would bind with the back of the cabinet preventing the operation.
If we modified the cabinet so it didn't bind on that side, the pivot would have to be placed at the very edge of the face-frame to prevent binding on that side and would continuously break through. And this placement would also cause the back of the cabinet to block half of the entrance which obviously poses a huge problem.
The concrete block foundation behind the cabinet extended all the way to the top of the cabinet and therefore had to be removed to create access and accommodate a folding stair system. However, the existing floor of the hidden space was about 20" higher than the bottom of the cabinet making it impossible for the door to pivot back into the opening (which would have been easy), so it had to pivot out.
Lastly, we wanted it to open with automation, at the push of the button.
And, of course, there wasn’t nearly enough budget to figure this all out for a one off project.
Alas, we set to pull off a miracle.
Zeke devised an innovative solution: actuators behind the door extend it outward on tracks, with pivots at the back of the cabinets allowing full clearance. Activated by a hidden switch in the adjacent bookshelf, the door slides forward, pivots open, and seals tightly against the face-frame trim when closed. The actuators ensure smooth, seamless operation, matching the ingenuity of the secret staircase we built years ago.(see hidden stairs blog here)
What kind of secret room would you love to have in your home? Tell us about it!
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