Wright Wainscot Design | Mission | Arts and Crafts

Wright's Influence Lives on in Classic Modern's Design from New England Classic

Inspired by the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, New England Classic introduced its modern decorative wood panel system at the ASID show.

Classic Modern is a to-the-trade modular flat panel surfacing system designed to emphasize the natural linearity of wood.  Wright's use of flat, rectangular wood panels and his attention to grain detail are at the very heart of the concept for our Classic Modern wood panel systems.

Classic Modern expands upon Wright's renowned use of flat, rectangular wood panels to create a product geared toward contemporary applications.  Its modular components are precisely matchined to acheive a 1/8" shadow in slight relief between rail, stile and panel, giving the system a distinct thrid dimension.  As a result, a series of modulating planes are formed when viewd from different angles.

There are fouteen standard panel sizes in the Classic Modern system with corresponding stiles that can be used horizontally and verically to create unique design patterns.  And, like New Englad Classic's other modular systems, rail, stile and panel components can be configured to create a range of heights.  The flexibility of Classic Modern allows generous freedom for design possibilities to emphasize the wood's natural beauty. 

Components are constructed of an environmentally smart, highly stable engineered wood core. Premium-sliced veneer is fused to the core using high performance adhesives. Species of wood are oak, maple, and cherry that are flat cut, slip matched and color balanced to emphasize the natural grain patterns. A ready-to-paint finish is also available. As learned from Wright, the dramatic rhythm of light and dark, as in the gradations of wood, is an essential ingredient to the art of architectural form making.

Standard Classic Modern components are Class 3 in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories UP 723 Flame spread rating test.  For an additional cost, this can be upgraded to Class 1 (generally for commercial use).

For more information, review our Classic Modern pages or call (888) 460-6324 M-F.