Doors

Beyond addressing the obvious function of allowing passage from one environment or room to another, these new door designs meet such rigid requirements as accessibility, weather-, impact-, and smoke-resistance, and energy efficiency—all the while keeping up appearances. — Linda C. Lentz

Faux realism
Mimicking the textural grain of true Alder, Peachtree’s Rustic Collection of entry-door systems are actually made of fiberglass—a well-priced material valued for being easy to maintain and energy efficient. Available in several styles, with optional retractable screens and wood or aluminum- or vinyl-clad frames, the doors can be prestained in Moorish teak, rose wood, dark mahogany, and provincial or golden oak. Peachtree Doors and Windows, Mosinee, Wis. www.peachtreedoor.com

[Reader Service: May 2008 #219]

Protective barrier
Smoke seals—a requirement for many hospital applications—help protect against the infiltration of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. Besam now offers smoke seals for its Unislide automatic ICU/CUU Sliding Door System. This also greatly reduces the potential passage of positive or negative air pressures and airborne infectious diseases, and provides an additional level of insulation. Besam Entrance Solutions, Monroe, N.C. www.besam.com

[Reader Service: May 2008 #220]

Bringing the outdoors in
The aluminum-clad Legacy Series bifold patio door by Weather Shield opens an exterior wall by stacking one panel on top of the next, accordion style, as it slides on the overhead track. It is available in widths ranging from two 3' panels up to eight for an opening as large as 23' with bottom rails of 10'' or 12'' and 5'' top rails. Hardware finish options include oil-rubbed bronze, brushed chrome, and bright brass. Weather Shield, Medford, Wis. www.weathershield.com

[Reader Service: May 2008 #221]

Grand Entrance
Made of the finest quality woods such as mahogany, rustic walnut (shown), American white oak, and cherry, Pella’s new line of wood entry doors are finished with furniture-like craftsmanship. Options include beveled insulated glass, metal caming in satin nickel and copper, forged iron accents, and decorative hardware. The company only sources its materials from environmentally certified suppliers. Pella, Pella, Iowa. www.pella.com

[Reader Service: May 2008 #222]

Linda Lentz is managing editor at Architectural Record, responsible for the Record Interiors issue, lighting sections, and schools. She joined RECORD in 2008. Previously, the Brooklyn native worked as a freelance writer and editor covering design, materials, and products for RECORD and such design and shelter publications, such as Interior Design, This Old House, and Consumer Reports. This followed 10 years as Articles Editor at Home Magazine. She holds an M.A. from NYU and a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute.