SHORT ROUND

731 High St, Thornbury

Visited: 26th April 2014

Design: Once again the old aluminium black frame comes into play. I do prefer the simple metal panels in the centre to push rather than the L-shaped handles normally attached to these doors. They have kept the doors free of clutter, a beautifully crafted wooden hexagon OPEN and CLOSED sign, a simple CLOSED MONDAYS to the right without all the hours for the rest of the week confusing the view. Lastly, a great little disabled sticker to the bottom right indicating an entrance around the corner. You can't get more minimal than that. I do love the vertical louvers of these doors which appears to be a common theme for this design. The black frame with the blue tiles works really well and also helps to frame the beautiful timber floors and decor colours inside. 

Normally I only like to review the front door but wondering around the corner I came across the back entrance used for the disabled entrance that I couldn't let go unnoticed. The simple grey arch continuing through what I think is called the Triglyph, marries the stained glass panels in the top with the wood panels and the two narrow side windows. The wooden frame surrounding the door, appears to have been sanded back and restored creating a warm feeling of rustic Victorian comfort. I'm not usually a fan of red brick, but in this instance works well with the historical reference to the building. The combination of the modern elements of the steel support railings, natural timber panels and the planter boxes filled with brilliant green herbs, merge effortlessly with the original features and gives a personal touch that would otherwise be just a back entrance.     

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 28 sec

Front Door

Back Door

HONG'S IZAKYA RESTAURANT

159 St George's Rd, Northcote

Visited: 18th April 2014

Design:  Well it's another Hong, it's been back to back Hong's the last couple of weeks. Let's get into this one. It's so hard to make an entrance appealing when the shop front sits on a busy city road with endless trucks and cars speeding past. I have found from some doors I have visited on such roads, the only way to bump up a standard aluminium door is to chrome it or in this case. MAKE IT GOLD. 

WOW!!!

What a difference to what would otherwise be an unnoticeable shop front. I am always amazed at things that should not go together, but work really well when they do. In this instance, the textured brown chunky brick. Throw in a hexagonal window to the mix and POW, Chinese temple wall. Amazing! Then combine that with a gold door, Italian 70's style floor tiles and some red lettering and you have an interesting entrance. Nothing really to comment on the door other than its colour. To be honest, I am getting a little sick of these aluminium doors, they are almost like a franchise filling the landscape with ugliness. Don't get me wrong though, I do like this entrance for its kitsch elements and simplicity. I have also got to give it to them for producing something pleasing, with very little to work within an environment that is very uninspiring. 

A major road / on an intersection / in the suburbs. 

Door resistance: 3.5

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 1

Change return time: 42 sec

ZHEN HONG

191 Russell St, Melbourne

Visited: 2nd April  2014

Design: To push a glass panel door of this height is impressive. There is something about the slender fragility. The only way I could compare would be if you put the Burj Khalifa on two metal pins and pushed it. I liked the blonde wood framing the tall glass panels. The central lettering of the left door, (maybe done in Helvetica) simply beautiful. Clean details, not too much clutter on the windows and a small visa sticker discreetly placed out of eye view below the handle, all make this a great door to enter. The one stand out feature of this door was the handle. Very unique, as I had not seen this design before. A beautiful long chrome tube that curved off to the left where the mid section extended out, (about the thickness of a small rolling pin) to contain a surface that was textured with a crosshatch pattern with small indented holes placed in vertical strips as though it had been embossed with ball bearings. Then on the top and bottom of this section two polished bands. It felt amazing on the hand to touch.  

Door resistance: 4

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 32 sec

MISS CHU

276 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

Visited: 20th March 2014

Design: I visited Miss Chu's on a balmy night which just added to the authentic feel of a Vietnamese street vendor in down town Ho Chi Minh. Despite the lack of a door the design of open air casually blowing in off the street creates a space of comfort and laid back conversation. The single entrance ramp and walls lined with old passport photos work well with the natural timber beams that frame the entrance and divide the front window concealing the eating bench. Once again the lack of door forms a sensation rather than a tactile experience as one enters. I like the fact that from the street you catch a glimpse of the energy inside and even though the interior is exposed, there is still a sense of mystery as to what is down the back behind the long narrow walkway. There appeared to be by-folding doors that went horizontally to the roof. I like the versatility.  

Door resistance: 0

Closure mechanism: Continually open (in summer)

Draft: Maximum

Squeak level: 0

Change return time: 1.46 sec