Post 12 – Hidden Compartment Fantasy Aesthetic

Creating my fantasy-inspired hidden compartment was a journey of creative exploration, technical challenge, and aesthetic evolution. What started as a Lord of the Rings-inspired art piece became a compact minimalist artifact, and built through trial, error, and eventual refinement.

Fabrication Process

Unfortunately, I did not take nearly enough photos of my fabrication process, however, you are missing very little as the entire thing was created with a lasercutter and glue.

The process began in early February when I start idea generating. I spent several weeks sketching ideas, gathering visual inspiration, and debating between mechanical, minimal, and fantasy aesthetics. By mid-March, I had settled on the concept of a concealed compartment hidden behind a hobbit-style door, blending fantasy design with secretive utility.

To bring this idea to life, I entered the skill acquisition phase. Between March 17th and 22nd, I researched different locking mechanisms and revisited fabrication techniques like laser cutting and simple woodworking joints. I also brushed up on CAD tools to prepare for building components.

From there, the project entered the design iteration phase aka. me being indecisive. Between March 22nd and April 5th, I prototyped several locking concepts. My original design was a rack and pinion mechanism triggered by a rotating window. This proved too complex for the timeline. I pivoted toward simpler but effective locking strategies. After testing a magnetic latch and a rotational key-slot idea, I chose a design where a key hidden in the doorknob could turn and release a catch behind the door.

While iterating, I also spent time sourcing materials. Between late March and the end of the month, I gathered ¼” birch plywood for the frame and hobbit door, as well as clear acrylic for the internal box.

The fabrication phase took place between March 31st and April 14th. I laser cut layers of wood to construct the round hobbit door and faceplate. Each wooden ring was stacked and glued to create a textured, dimensional look. The internal storage box was cut from acrylic and I used adhesive to form the cube. I integrated the locking slot into the woodwork behind the doorknob and designed a matching key to align with hidden pegs that secured the compartment shut. The full frame (about 12″x8″) was constructed from wood and finished with sanding, dark stain, and faux greenery.

Installing the piece into a drywall section of my basement came next. I used a stud finder to locate a viable cavity and carefully cut the wall to fit the frame. After inserting the structure, I patched the drywall edges, painted touch ups, and finalized the aesthetic details.

Throughout the process, I documented my work with sketches, CAD screenshots, and fabrication photos. These records helped me refine my design and made the final write up easier.

Conclusion

Where I began: I originally planned to create a large fantasy-themed art piece featuring a complex rack-and-pinion mechanism and dramatic visual storytelling. My goal was to make something playful, mysterious, and visually striking.

Where I ended up: A smaller but more polished piece that still achieved my goals of whimsy, secrecy, and fantasy. The hobbit door remained charming and immersive, while the simplified key-lock mechanism enhanced the mystery without overcomplicating the build. The result feels like a clean blend of rustic fantasy and refined craftsmanship.

What I would change: I wish I had committed to a single aesthetic direction earlier in the semester. I spent too much time wavering between fantasy, mechanical minimalism, and narrative art, which slowed progress. Additionally, I could have pushed the fantasy aesthetic further with more weathered textures or carved detail on the door frame.

What’s next: The hobbit door is now a semi-permanent feature in my basement wall. It houses a few small trinkets and invites curiosity from visitors. It feels like a piece of Middle Earth transplanted into my real world space and that’s exactly the kind of aesthetic I was hoping to achieve.