When a German architect and industrial designer who lives and works in Los Angeles decides he needs a cat tree to accommodate his three cats and fit into his ultra modern home, the carpeted monstrosities are absolutely out of the question. So what does he do? Well, in this case Peter Sehorsch went to IKEA for inspiration and then took his project far beyond an average DIY undertaking.
The result: The Hollywood Franklin Cat Tower. Named after the designer’s cat Frank, the Hollywood Franklin Tower is a unique combination of off-the-shelf modular structure and custom design. The tower is based on the IKEA Stolmen system, using the post and mounting fixtures. Peter and his design team created two different size platforms that attach to the post. The platforms come in three finishes and four carpet tile options. You get the IKEA parts then custom order the platforms to create the perfect climbing tower for your needs.
One of the big advantages to using this system is that it is easily moveable, so you can change things up for kitty when she gets bored with her tower in its current location. You can also change the position of the platforms, combining the small steps with the large platforms in either a clockwise or counter clockwise pattern.
Take a look at the incredibly cool presentation and be sure to click the navigation in the upper left corner for product specifications and ordering info.
June 16th, 2009 at 6:29 am
That is one amazing tower and beautifully designed website.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Truly a beautiful cat tower and the website is lovely. But it is difficult to navigate (at least in Firefox….all I use). And I can’t find where to order the platform kits. Don’t hide the thing you are trying to sell. I’ll spend 5 more minutes looking to buy before giving up.
So even if you lose this one sale……good luck with your product. It looks like a great one. I’m sure Franklin and his 2 roommates are very happy. They definitely are lucky.
p.s. I think a little cat Tiki but would look pretty sweet on one of the platforms.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:49 am
OK, now I see where I can contact him for pricing. But you know the old saying…..”If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can’t afford it.”
That’s OK, I can still dream about it.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Cute slide show BUT it’s hard to find your drop down window, or your next/previous buttons. Then when you find them, you can’t read your “About Us”, “Specifications”, “Contact” unless I go into the tool bar and enlarge the page to read your detailed information. Was the price of your GREAT planning platforms listed on your site?
Great creative idea, when you can’t build for people, the feline is a great alternative Looks fantasic, great portability and most importantly a space saver.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:43 am
awesome! I want one of these!!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:28 am
These look great but how much do they cost? I see that I can contact him to ask, but I think it should give a rough idea on the website.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:27 am
this is lovely. Like luke I’m certain it is out of my price range but it seems like it might be replicable. the ikea system is what gives the tower/stairs its stability so one would only have to make the platforms. While mine could never be as stylish–perhaps I could create or purchase a suitably attractive alternative…
June 16th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Fantastically intelligent design. Perfect in every detail.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Sehr Schon.
June 16th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Beautiful – I want one! However, the website should list the cost. The presentation was great, but I couldn’t move around the website. If they let us know how much it cost, it would sure spur me on…
June 16th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Incredible style, would actually add to my room’s decor rather than the shredded carpet thing I have now. I hope they price them reasonably so we can all enjoy.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Totally agree. It’s very beautiful and sleek and I totally want one but there’s no price listed. I already emailed him for pricing so I can post that here once I receive the info. It’s really cute!
June 16th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Hi, everyone:
Apparently there was so much traffic at their website today, it crashed their email for a little while. If you wrote to Peter and have not heard back, please shoot them another message.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:30 am
love how it looks like a tree with leaves…very neat
June 17th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Interesting design! More “modern” than some.
My kitties would love one of these.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Can you check in with them on pricing – I’m sure we are all interested in knowing a ballpark figure, even if prices do vary by kit.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Ikea has the posts for 40$ CDN.. I couldn’t find the mounting fixtures he is using on Ikea.. Must be sold out or something.. Assuming $2.50 and total of 10-14 holders.. Total price for ikea hardware is around $75.. Just for the Ikea gear though, then you would have to buy or fabricate platforms etc.. Im not sure what currency he is using.. Im assuming the holders will cost approximately the same.. If they are 5$ CDN ea the hardware alone can go well over $100 CDN..
June 19th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Hello All I found the totals in the Ikea Catalogue.. Although prices will differ pending on currency.. Assuming US Currency.. 1 Post = $30 .. 2×6 Pack of mounting fixtures are 15$ each.. Not a bad investment if you can fabricate the platforms.. CDN prices vary $40 for the post and assuming probably $20 per 6 pack mount hardware..
June 20th, 2009 at 3:36 am
What a fantastic cattree! It looks amazing.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:18 am
I actually sent an email about a week ago to inquire about the costs of the platform kits and never heard back! Seems like they are not in a hurry to distribute this and I agree with everyone else – they should list the prices on the site.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:47 am
Got a price back from them – $347.50 which includes 9 risers and 2 large platforms (same thing that’s in their photo). Seems like a reasonable price, but my only concern is that they have very few pictures of cats using it. Would they still like it even though there aren’t sides on the platforms?
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
The Hollywood Franklin Tower Pricelist is now available online! Please email us if you have any questions about the product or pricing.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I just called IKEA and the post and the required calmps are still available at every store location, they were not sure why it doesn t show right now on their webpage. Sorry for the confusion… If you call them up you can place the order by phone!
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
@Aly, there are two Kit #2 (large risers) and 4 Kit #1 (small risers) with one extra, in the photo.
It’s nice that they used Flor carpet tiles but I guess using a more sustainable/eco-friendly bass (plyboo), would have made it much more expensive. Don’t know if they’re doing this with MDF board but even plywood comes in a more eco-friendly form, minus the urea-formaldehyde.
I’ll have to think on this one.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:53 am
In response to sustainablilty and eco design questions: We are trying to use as many green materials as possible. MDF is available as a completely green material as well, though at the moment it is very difficult to purchase in the US, but we have already contacted suppliers to replace our existing material. In the near future we are planning to offer different varieties of wood (cedar, cherry wood, maple or bamboo), grown in california as an alternative to the MDF platforms and risers.
All the packaging materials we use to ship each kit is completely made out of recycled products.
August 4th, 2009 at 12:43 am
UPDATE: I now have my very own Franklin Tower (or I should say my cats do) and it’s fabulous! It is beautiful in our room and my cats absolutely love it. The people at Hollywood Franklin Tower are amazing to work with too. I would definitely recommend it.
October 7th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
As soon as the different wood varieties are available I will purchase it. Great design !!
October 16th, 2009 at 3:12 am
to Brian,
Hey Brian, please send us an email to franklin@sehorsch.com and let us know – since many people are interested in different kinds of wood as well, what you have in mind. It is very difficult to offer many different kinds, since all types off wood comes with different structural qualities and makes it difficult to pick the “right” ones. I would appreciate your feedback.
Best,
Peter
December 26th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
It’s a shame the site is sooo dang difficult to get into. I’m still in area of dial up, all I get is blk screen that doesn’t load. You’d think if it costs that much they’d want all to see it. Guess not! That’s too bad, cause from what lil I could see, it looks real nice and inviting to a houseful of kittehs. >^..^<
April 26th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Now having one of these for my kitties would certainly improve their living space.