KUMO IZAKAYA & SAKE BAR

152 Lygon St, East Brunswick

Visited: 16th December 2014

Design: I truly think the Japanese are born with a beautiful design aesthetic gene in their DNA. I mean, just look at this door. It is simplicity and harmony at its finest. The stone walling combined with what appears to be multiple strips of Red Oak timber joined together to form this magnificent door. The large glass paneled windows give a glimpse of the well designed interior. The black of the roof reflected the handcrafted steel handle consisting of two metal plates top and bottom, welded to a central vertical bar. There was an ancient rustic strength in the feel of the handle, yet juxtaposed with the clean modern lines of the surrounding materials the two periods became one to form an understated masterpiece. A small PUSH sign softly encourages you in. I think without it it could have raised the visual aspects even higher, but it doesn't intrude in any way. The weight of this door was incredible with a strong resistance. The interior side of the door complimented the fit out perfectly. Some doors just sit quietly within their surroundings and others scream, LOOK AT ME! What we have here is a door that almost feels enlightened or maybe in some way it has enlightened me. 

Could that be possible?     

Door resistance: 5

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Medium

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 49 sec

400 GRADI

99 Lygon St, Brunswick

Visited: 11th December 2014

Design: Dark, brooding and a little gothic was the feeling as we approached the entrance to 400 Gradi. Back to black again, but this time in a big way. If you cross the road on a diagonal to approach Gradi, it almost feels like a powerful black locomotive is coming at you. The arch and steel pillars of the front cover guide you in. The wrap around floor to ceiling windows encasing the building give you a full view of the action inside. The door consisted of a simple black frame with frosted glass panels at the top set in an asymmetrical frame. One panel glass in the door and a simple L-shaped tubular handle, put it amongst your standard shop front doors. It was more the view from the street at night that really made it stand out and come alive. With the terracotta coloured brick pavers and the Vespa parked out front, one could only visualise a balmy night in Northern Italy.

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 52 sec

FORM CAFE

32 Albion St, Essendon

Visited: 3rd December 2014

Design: At last a white door. Like a piece of modern art, the entrance to Form creates a space of contemplation. White and minimal, revealing very little of the interior on entry, one can only hope for the same once inside. Upon entering I am relieved to find a sensitivity and calmness to the design. 
I thought the design of the little enclave near the door with stools to sit, was the ultimate for a door reviewer to ponder and admire a work of beauty. A small bench seat clad in natural timber to the left breaks the cube of white giving the space a warmth and a touch of personality. The white 8ft high door towers over you as you enter, which I found made the small front entrance feel larger as the eye is guided to the roof by the extended vertical. Ahhh! a handmade handle, so rare these days. The dark grey of the welded steel, (a simple right angle of two panels) is replicated in the planter box behind the door upon opening and also used on the internal stairs inside the cafe. The door had a quick close, a comforting squeak and an unusual thud on the close that made me think of a carpet store door in Morocco I visited once. Strange! 

Door resistance: 3.5

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 2

Change return time: 25 sec

FISH CREEK HOTEL

1 Old Waratah Rd, Fish Creek

Visited: 21st November 2014

Design: Ahh Fish Creek, the surrounding countryside reminds of my time on the Knoydart Peninsula in Scotland when I was crab farming. 

The white wash of the newly renovated Fish Creek Hotel has really brought the old girl back to life. A beautiful Art Deco styled building built back in the late 1930's, still stands tall and proud and the centrepiece for the town as you drive in. The Hotel has a UK seaside charm about it even though the Fish Creek is still a good 15-20 minute drive to the closest beach. The door just glowed in the late afternoon sun and looked like a jewel against the blue sky. The sweeping curves of the corners, the guttering, all emphasised by the 3 horizontal lines that wrap the building, all guiding the eye to the entrance. Once again another black door, although in this instance the white walls provide a dramatic contrast allowing the door to become the focal point. The two rectangular steps appear to elevate the door and put it on a pedestal, presenting it in its full glory. The marine light to the left adds that touch of seaside appeal and the PUBLIC BAR sign is the icing on the cake. Clear, defined and with an arrow to die for. Harmony is created here with the streamlined curves against the sharp right angles. The entrance consisted of two black wooden doors with long rectangular top panels of glass. Behind these were two more doors to create a small wind block to cold winter winds. The entrance created a welcoming feeling where you know as soon as you walk through those doors, you are greeted by old friends, a friendly smile and endless hours of banter. There was a slight squeak on the open that really brought the charm of the building to the forefront. 

Doors create memories, doors create emotions and sometimes those moments are united when you have the right combination of architecture and the surrounding environment. In this case, thank you Fish Creek Hotel for taking me back to my days as a crab farmer, but also for creating new memories.             

Door resistance: 3

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 2

Change return time: 47 sec

TRULLI WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan

Visited: 20th November 2014

Design: Another black door, what is going on here? I was down the country this week for a mini break from the city and came across this great pizzeria. 

Simple black aluminium frame with a U-tube stainless steel handle. This had a comfortable thickness for the hand. No clutter in the window, just some unobtrusive stickers in the bottom left. The shop opening hours were hand written onto the window that provided a simple regional homely touch. I liked that the cross bar of the window was below the centre of the door. It seemed to ground the door visually. With large windows either side the full view of the interior from the street gives a lightness to the door that would otherwise be heavy, due to the black framing. The wooden decking worked well with the black and the light silver of the interior floor. An interesting feature was the placement of the black tiles to distinguish the opening curve of the door. The open was easy and there was gentle close. On warm summer nights the door can be left open for a gentle summer breeze. 

It's always good to have a backup door mat as well.

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 1.12 sec

MAJOR MAJOR

5 Smith St, Fitzroy

Visited: 17th November 2014

Design: 

PD: "Double Edge this is Pinnacle Driver do you read me?"

Silence

PD: "I repeat, Double Edge this is Pinnacle Driver do you copy?"

Crackle, silence

Crackle

DE: "Pinnacle Driver this is Double Edge, we read you go ahead. Over"
PD: "Double Edge, my search has confirmed the location of MAJOR MAJOR. Over"
DE: "All sins forgiven, proceed Pinnacle Driver and describe. Over"
PD: "I'm presented with strong, bold, vertical and horizontal matte black steel work, framing the front of the building. There is a defining presence in its visual weight that appears as though it could crush the subtle window frames below. It has the gracefulness of the Millau Bridge in Southern France. The frame work is accentuated by a skeletal number of protruding pieces of metal that come out at right angles to the wall. Over"
DE: "How does this affect you? Over"
PD: "It has a feeling of containment and everything is in its right place. Nothing can go outside of the boundaries. There is no room for error. Over"
DE: "Anything else? Over"
PD: "Yes. There are unusual box-like forms that extend out from the building acting like contemporary architectural signage. The boxes appear to reference Anthony Gromley's, RETREAT II or some bunker protection firing window. On closer inspection, I find they are extensions of the the smaller frames that frame the windows and door. They have a peculiar psychological effect, where I feel they could represent some unknown purpose of the future that we of the present day don't yet understand. Over"
DE: "Do you feel they are a threat? Over"
PD: "No, more beneficial to mankind. Over"
DE: "Explain the door, we need to know about the door. Over"
PD: "The door is a 3 panel beauty. It has a decent width that gives the light framing of the door a sense of contemporary grandeur. A vertical tubular handle fits to the hand perfectly. Not too thin. There is a soft close and nice resistance. Soft bristles on the edge seal the door from the elements outside. They have thought about aesthetics. One is the middle frame of the door lines up with the window frame and benches creating a continual line across the front of the building. By god I like their spirit! Over"
DE: "Anything else to add Pinnacle Driver? Over"
PD: "The colour choices are brilliant. Soft on industrial. Scandinavian undertones drip from ever pore. It takes me back to my student days in Ornskoldsvik. Over"
DE: "Well done Pinnacle Driver, information is being assessed. We will inform you of future action. Over"
PD: "If for some reason I don't make it back, I would like to share with the owners of this establishment the words of Churchill." 

"Then turn again to your task. Look forward, do not look backward. Gather afresh in heart and spirit all the energies of your being, bend anew together for a supreme effort."

"Pinnacle Driver, over and out."

Door resistance: 2.5

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 26 sec

THE DOJO RAMEN BAR

333 High St, Northcote

Visited: 30th October 2014

Design: Approaching this door always feels like you are about to enter a Japanese cage fighting arena. I think it's the smattering of great graphics, the wrap around windows and the strong vertical and horizontal framing of the black window and door panels. It's a full show from the street as there is nothing to hide here. I loved the symmetry and the full length glass panel on the doors with no interruptions. The solid black, frames the interior beautifully. A simple steel L-shaped handle, nothing too overstated or showy. The slight off gold signage compliments the black nicely. A soft open without too much resistance and an easy close. The thing I like about a lot of these old shop fronts that are renovated and converted when new businesses move in, are the random features that are left behind. For instance, the vertical louvers, the black paneling above the door, a power cable or an air-conditioning hose. They all come together to form a cohesive collage of history. Kappei (Katsuhei) Toyoguchi would be proud.  

Door resistance: 3

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 1

Change return time: 32 sec

RIPE CAFE

376 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras

Visited: 18th October 2014

Design: Back in Victoria and I come across this charming old wooden door at a little cafe in the Dandenongs. Almost an olive green in colour, the two panels complimented the weatherboard paneling of the walls. Just looking at it, the feel of the entrance had a warm inviting country home feel to it. The day I arrived it was a crisp wintery morning and I knew just by the look of this entrance, once I entered through that door, I was entering into a world of comfort food and people who care about their produce. Sure enough on the push open, there was a beautiful squeak that felt like a cashmere blanket being placed around your shoulders as you sit in front of a fire. The squeak held you and guided you in to a room filled with jams and gourmet produce. The close was soft and left you wanting more. The doors were uncluttered with a simple, OPEN & PUSH sign above a fantastic brass Lockwood lock that matched the brass push panel below. The handle had some nice wear and behind the brass panel the rustic chipped paint from years of hand action, added to the visual historical layering. The text wasn't too offensive, considering the whole town is filled with Devonshire tea houses that push the OLDE WORLDE to the limits. Two aluminium kick panels at the base, didn't distract the eye, instead I found them to bring a lightness to the olive green. All in all, this was a pleasant experience.  

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 3

Change return time: 42 sec

I'M BACK!!

In case you were wondering, I didn't get abducted at Raj's. I wasn't forced to be a drug mule hiding Fijian trinkets in my lower intestine to serve an Indian supplier in Malaysia. 

No, life just became busy and I haven't had a chance to get on the old digital typewriter.

So, I have some more doors, check em out.

RAJ'S CURRY HOUSE

Queens Rd, Sigatoka, Fiji

Visited: 11th August 2014

Design: You know you are in a good neighbourhood when the front of your shop has to be  caged in as well as your bar (inside) the restaurant. Raj's Curry House, where do I begin? As we arrived in Sigatoka for dinner we were warned by the taxi driver to be careful as Sigatoka had just beaten Suva in a major rugby match and the locals were known to go a little crazy with a win, (kind of like English soccer hooligans, but Fijian). Ok, I can roll with that. We then spotted the cages on the front window, that's reassuring. We made our way through the cage door only to find we were the only customers where we were then lead into a separate room off the restaurant that felt like an interrogation room in Colombia. Now I feel relaxed. 

So let's get back to the door. The wire was a solid steel fencing wire welded onto steel bars. All locally made, you have to give it to them for supporting local business. Company's will customize your cage to fit each window. Brillant! There was a decent padlock and bolt to keep unwanted hands out. A nice design touch I found was the safety hole on the right door for mail or having a safe conversation from behind the wire with a potential customer, (owners discretion) was replicated with a small metal panel to the bottom left. I quite liked the fact that the wire pattern replicated the red tiles, (seamless) and the red tiles  complimented the Coke sign which Raj had made an important part of the sign. Once entering through the cage door, (which had nice squeak to it) you come to the main door. An aluminium framed two panel that was simple with some 70's inspired wood laminate panels across the centre added a nice touch. Easy on the push with a manual close, there was a slight squeak on the open and close. I did find the entry width of the doors a little narrow but on hot balmy nights they apparently both open and lock in, to give you ultimate space on entry.

All in all, despite its appearance from the outside it was clean, simple and uncluttered and even though there was the smashing of bottles and yelling out on the streets and a thumping bar coming through the walls when you were in the toilet. The food was some of the best Indian I have had in a long time and the service exceptional. Vinaka Raj.
  

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Manual

Draft: Medium

Squeak level: 3

Change return time: 48 sec

The thing I loved about this place is that there was consistency right through to bar. It kind of puts a little edge on your dinning experience when you have a waitress serving you drinks through a cage. MOOODY!!!!!!!!                                                                                                          Kick in Phil Collin's, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord". 

PRINCE ALBERT RESTAURANT

Grand Pacific Hotel, 584-618 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji

Visited: 10th August 2014

Design: No clutter here. Everything is in its place, perfectly positioned and symmetrical. This was a nice take on the glass panel pivot door, as the entire wall was large panels of glass that extended from the door. This incredible glass barrier acted as a metaphorical division of the past to the present. The designers had managed to the marry the modern, with the pre-existing structure of the original building, seamlessly. The door appeared to magically float in the wall and almost disappear. The sleek contemporary refinement of the door was balanced by the light, airy, white interior, giving the impression of the room being suspended in an ethereal bubble of high-class elegance. The tubular stainless steel handles were a decent size and helped visually to emphasis the vertical height of the interior. The simple wooden restaurant sign on the glass reflected the timber panelled floors and I hope this was a recycled piece of the original floor which would be a nice gesture to the past. With a full wall of glass, it created the perception of a room open to the elements, (common in the tropics.) Once inside though, you are contained and surrounded by the comforts of a controlled environment.        

Door resistance: 3

Closure mechanism: Hidden Pivot

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 37 sec

STEAMSHIP BAR

Grand Pacific Hotel, 584-618 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji

Visited: 10th August 2014

Design: Before lunch we headed in to the STEAMSHIP BAR. You enter through the exquisite foyer and reception area with its modern/nostalgic fit out that transports you back to 1920. It had that feel of a lodge one would retreat back to after a day of big game hunting. The natural timber flooring against the white French windows and doors simply could not be faulted. The soft yellow lamps on wooden tripod stands entice you in to the comfortable interior of the bar. I found the three ribbed bands that followed the contours of the room, broke up the pillars and reflected the wooden louvers at the top of the door. The brass handles were of a time long gone but still held an antique beauty that will never pass. You could imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald putting to pen to paper many years ago in this bar plotting out the foundations for The Great Gatzby. 

Door resistance: 1.5

Closure mechanism: Manual

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 43 sec