Inside the MEDWAY Project: Crafting Bespoke Ash Wardrobes That Will Last a Lifetime
Burr Olive Ash and White Ash wardrobes - part of “The Medway Project”
Inside the MEDWAY Project: Crafting Bespoke Ash Wardrobes That Will Last a Lifetime
Every bespoke project has a story.
Sometimes it's about solving a practical problem. Sometimes it's about making the most of an awkward space. And sometimes it's about creating something that feels quietly exceptional every time you walk into the room.
The MEDWAY Project was one of those projects.
Designed and handcrafted by Solum Bespoke, this collection of fitted wardrobes demonstrates what truly bespoke joinery can achieve when thoughtful design, premium materials and skilled craftsmanship come together.
Based in Wellington and working throughout the Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and across New Zealand for the right project, we believe every piece of furniture should be designed specifically for the people who will use it.
Solid and Ash and Tamo Ash wardrobes making the most of the available space.
A Design That Feels Effortless
The best bespoke furniture rarely shouts for attention.
Instead, it quietly belongs within the architecture of the home.
For the MEDWAY Project, every wardrobe was carefully proportioned to create clean lines, balanced symmetry and generous storage while maintaining a calm, understated appearance.
Rather than trying to follow short-lived trends, the aim was to create fitted furniture that would continue to look just as relevant twenty years from now.
Timeless design is rarely the result of adding more.
It's usually achieved by removing everything that doesn't need to be there.
The Beauty of Ash
One of the defining features of the MEDWAY Project is its use of carefully selected timber veneers.
The wardrobes combine:
Solid Ash
Japanese Tamo Ash veneer
Burr Olive Ash veneer
Each timber was chosen for a different reason.
Solid Ash
Ash provides warmth, strength and a beautifully consistent grain. It forms the foundation of the project and gives the furniture a calm, natural character that complements a wide range of interior styles.
Japanese Tamo Ash
Japanese Tamo Ash offers a distinctive ripple figure that changes as natural light moves through the master bedroom.
Rather than dominating the space, it adds subtle depth and texture that rewards closer inspection.
Burr Olive Ash
Burr Olive Ash is one of nature's most expressive timbers.
Every veneer is unique.
The swirling grain patterns create natural artwork that simply cannot be replicated by printed finishes or manufactured panels.
Used carefully and in the right places, it becomes a feature without overwhelming the overall design.
Preparing the Tamo Ash panels for the wardrobe doors. Careful veneer leaf selection and orientation is crucial for a consistent end result.
Why Bespoke Wardrobes?
Many wardrobes are designed around standard cabinet sizes.
A bespoke wardrobe works the other way around.
It is designed around your home.
That means every millimetre can be considered.
Storage can be tailored to your lifestyle.
Internal layouts can be adjusted for clothing, shoes, accessories or seasonal storage.
Lighting can be integrated seamlessly.
Door proportions remain balanced regardless of ceiling height.
The result isn't simply more storage.
It's better storage.
Craftsmanship Lives in the Details
The details are often what separate quality joinery from ordinary cabinetry.
Throughout the MEDWAY Project, considerable attention was given to:
Consistent grain direction
Precision door alignment
Balanced veneer matching
Fine shadow gaps
Smooth drawer operation
Durable construction methods
High-quality hardware
Carefully finished internal cabinetry
These details aren't always immediately obvious.
But they are noticed every single day the furniture is used.
That's where craftsmanship earns its value.
Pair of wardrobes made to fit exactly in their respective alcoves.
Built to Last
At Solum Bespoke, we don't believe fitted furniture should be treated as a disposable product.
Well-designed bespoke joinery should remain part of a home for decades.
Quality materials.
Thoughtful engineering.
Careful manufacturing.
Professional installation.
Together, these create furniture that continues to perform long after current trends have faded.
Working Together From Concept to Completion
Every successful bespoke project is built on collaboration.
Whether we're working directly with homeowners or alongside architects, interior designers and builders, our role is to help turn good ideas into beautifully crafted reality.
By becoming involved early in the design process, we can often improve functionality, simplify construction and ensure every detail works together before manufacturing begins.
This collaborative approach results in smoother projects, better communication and stronger outcomes for everyone involved.
Wide shot of the Master bedroom wardrobes. Beautiful Tamo Ash creating interest and texture.
Handmade in Wellington. Crafted for Homes Across New Zealand.
Although Solum Bespoke is proudly based in Wellington, our work regularly extends throughout the lower North Island and beyond.
We work with clients across:
Wellington
Kapiti Coast
Wairarapa
Hawke's Bay
The wider North Island
New Zealand-wide for exceptional projects
Wherever the project is located, our commitment remains the same:
Design with purpose.
Build with care.
Deliver furniture that becomes part of the home for generations.
The MEDWAY Philosophy
The MEDWAY Project perfectly reflects what we believe bespoke furniture should be.
Timeless rather than fashionable.
Understated rather than extravagant.
Beautiful because every detail has been carefully considered.
Great craftsmanship isn't about making something complicated.
It's about making something feel effortless.
Thinking About Your Own Bespoke Project?
Whether you're planning custom wardrobes, a bespoke kitchen, fitted cabinetry or handcrafted furniture, we'd love to hear about your ideas.
At Solum Bespoke, we work with homeowners, architects, interior designers and builders to create beautifully crafted interiors that are designed around the people who use them.
If you're based in Wellington, the Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay—or anywhere in New Zealand for the right project—get in touch to start the conversation.