Designing a cover for an AC unit

Winter 2023

10 week project

Solo project

Transforming an eyesore into a simple minimalist piece, this project involved creating a sleek and modern cover for an old and unsightly 70s AC unit in my client's dining room.

Researching current solutions

Old, outdated AC's aren't an uncommon problem. Here are some of the solutions I showed the client to try and spark inspiration for their custom AC cover.

wicker around the unit would help the air flow from the AC

the client decided on white painted wood

Sketching

I continued researching and began sketching ideas to show the client.

the final inspiration

We decided on a removable wicker frame that attaches to a white-painted wood cover. The cover floats around the AC unit (and is careful not to encroach on the heating unit under the AC unit). The wicker is a breathable material, so the client won't have to take the frame off during minimal AC days.

To the woodshop !

I cut the pieces for the cover with a table saw, glued and nail gunned them together.

I screwed metal brackets and magnetic cabinet latches to the cover and started on the wicker frame.

I used scrap wood to make the frame then glued and stapled the wicker to the frame.

Finally, I made 2 keyhole cuts in the back of the cover and painted everything the same white as the client's walls.

The Final Design

The removable wicker frame allows for versatility in the cover.

During the fall, winter, and spring in Chicago, the family will be able to enjoy the minimalistic frame covering the AC unit.

Only during the hottest summer days will they need to easily detach the frame to allow the AC to flow without any obstruction.