As we move forward from our review on Wednesday, it is time to get to work on the details of the project. There are plenty to choose from, from the roof structure to the ADA ramp. However, we have been challenged to figure out the best way to enter into the kitchen. The first thought is, why not just put a door in a wall, and to be honest that would be the simplest solution, but not an architectural solution. There is so much more you can do with the door detail than simply opening and closing a space. What we are trying to achieve is a way to open the space to the outside, for ventilation, but still accomplish DHEC regulations. So, we will need to have screen doors to allow air though, but also solid door to enclose the space.
This is where it gets trick because you have to start to consider more than what the door does, but how it impacts the rest of the project. For instance, if the screen door were hinged to swing out towards the dogtrot, then we would have to think of the position of the hinge on the wall, how they will secure together, how they will seal up, and so on. Furthermore, the solid doors on the other side have to somehow move and open without interrupting the interior space. So, it could pocket into the wall, swing into the wall, be on the exterior as a sliding barn door, and all the possibilities have their own advantages and disadvantages.
So, how does one pick the best solution? Well, from my experience, you have to look at each opinion very closely and see which one will benefit the project the most. This could be considered through cost, maintenance, assembly, and practicality. As we push forward, this next phase is all about putting the final pieces together and producing a finished produce. So each detail, big or small needs to be looked at and considered accordingly. It may be a lot of work, but we can handle it!
CACCV Team- Glad to see you’re considering cost, maintainability, assembly and practicality in your door design, as these are important issues. I would also consider security as well. In today;s world, this is a necessary requirement. On the issue of practicality, I would recommend discussing the operability requirements with your client to ensure a deep understanding of how “they” will be using the entrance/exits in their daily work routine, This is the kind of research that makes a project successful to the client long after the project team has moved on. GOOD LUCK! Greg Overstrom PE, PMP, Project Manager – Science & Technology, Corning Incorporated.