Changing trends in home design
Marjorie Calder, former property editor of a national newspaper, has worked with and around new home developers for over twenty years. She is now the proud owner of a c250 years old former coaching inn, which she and her husband have lovingly restored into a home.
As a former Homes and Property Editor of a national newspaper, I can confidently reveal that spending your working week visiting sensational showhomes almost inevitably makes coming back home a bit of a let-down.
I had only recently bought my first ever new-build when I took on the Property Editor’s job; an enviously sleek villa by an upmarket developer, set deep in a leafy suburb. And I had barely plumped the new cushions when the shine was stolen clean off my new, glazed cotton curtains, (In my defence, this WAS the ostentatious late nineties).
The designer, blush beige kitchen also began to look positively apologetic.
It seemed that ‘plum’ was the order of the day. And sparkles, Lots of sparkles. With every showhome I visited that year, I found my own home in bling-deficiency, causing an icy shame of inadequacy to creep over me.
Funnily enough, a similar thing happened when I first went on a “Girls’” trip to Florida a few years later. Being a working woman, I was a bit of a cuckoo in that nest and, when they all started comparing handbags, I found myself genuinely bewildered; not least since my generous lugger was full of practical things that ‘I might need’ on the flight, while their tiny clutches contained little more than a beautifully upholstered passport, keys and a lipstick.
The real point was though that, within three days I was on the same page. I truly felt I HAD to have the latest Kate Spade clutch in teal, or the LV tote in cobalt. I quickly came to believe that my life, or at the very least my social credibility depended on it.
Good marketing is a wonderful thing. It creates demand from desire, and desire through association with…. whatever presses your buttons.
So what’s new in 2022?
When I went to research this blog, I typed in “Interior design colour trends for 2022” and it came up with; “The key Spring 2022 hues are: Buttercream, Nature Brown, Green Quartz, Tech Blue, Dahlia Orange, Military Gold, and Pink Charlotte” (https://www.interiordesignmagazines.eu/2022-color-trends-for-interior-design)
Are you kidding me?
How am I supposed to decide if my signature look for 2022 is buttercream with, dahlia orange accents (and for the record, dahlias come in many colours) or military gold, whatever that is, edged in pink charlotte, (which I genuinely thought was a pudding).
And still, by next year, all will have gone the way of “plum” and “chintz”, requiring a total rethink and possibly extensive therapy bills. Spitfire Aluminium Front Doors are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, keeping up with the trends of 2022.
Substance over superficiality
Having worked with and around property developers for over twenty years, interior design trends come and go but, unlike changing a cushion or feature wallpaper, the things which make a desirable home stand the test of time, remain constant.
Where there is a feeling of love and security in a home, neither last year’s colourways nor even a stray sock will ever look out of place.
Where there is airy living space and good natural light to lift the spirits and energise the soul, or thoughtful mood lighting to cosy up winter evenings, then a home can feel like a true sanctuary.
And that mood starts even before you step over the threshold.
A stylish and solid entrance door speaks volumes about what lies behind. Contemporary or classic, timber or glazed; if the eyes are windows to the soul, your front door is a representation of the priorities and lifestyle which lies beyond.
Stylish, secure and long-lasting, aluminium doors are still a relative rarity in the UK. They cost more, for sure, but they are low maintenance, keep their looks over time and beautifully complement a wide range of construction and interior styles.
My conclusion is simple; style and substance work best when they work in harmony.
Spitfire Doors offers a range of over sixty aluminium front door styles. Each design is unique to Spitfire and comes in a range of opulent finishes, including timber, carbon-fibre, glazed and ceramic panelling. You can design your unique front door here.
Spitfire exterior doors offer solid aluminium construction of both door and frame. Light, safe and incredibly durable, aluminium doors are the preferred choice of architects working with discerning clients.
Please visit our online Gallery here. Our range is also available through a network of design and installation partners’ showrooms all across the UK and Ireland.
If you are looking for a new aluminium front door for your home, please get in touch with Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or contact us here. You can also visit our door designer to design your perfect front door. We will then put you in touch with the nearest Spitfire Doors partner, who can talk you through the features and benefits of Spitfire front doors.
What is a net zero home?
A net zero home combines advanced design and superior building systems with energy efficiency to produce a home which is well insulated with a high level of air tightness.
A net zero home can look like any other home. What makes them different is that the building components are more energy efficient and more durable than the average property. The walls are thicker and the doors and windows are made to a higher specification than standard doors and windows, with enhanced features such as thicker door sashes, triple glazing, excellent weather seals and a higher grade of insulation.
A net zero home is comfortable, healthy, sustainable and carbon-free and the total cost of living in a net zero home is lower than that of a comparable standard home.
Rocia Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said in 2021: “Decarbonising millions of households across the UK is a vital but complex component of the government’s net zero strategy. The level of support consumers need must not be underestimated.” Spitfire Doors has always been ahead of the game with the specification of the S-500 Signature Series doors meeting Passive House standards. Contact Spitfire Doors
Energy efficient front door
An energy efficient front door will have excellent weathering properties to ensure there aren’t any gaps around the door which would allow cold air in and will help to reduce heat loss within the home.
Selecting the correct doors and windows is essential when taking steps to achieve a low-energy building.
What is a good U Value?
U Values measure how effective a material is as an insulator. The lower the U Value the better, meaning that less energy is required to maintain comfortable conditions inside the building.
In 2018, Part L building regulations specified that a replacement front door should have a U-Value no higher than 1.8 W/m²K.
Spitfire Doors S-500 Signature Series Doors have a good U value of just 0.6 W/m²K. Every door, regardless of the style, is combined with excellent weather seals and thick thermally enhanced door slabs. Every front door with glazing features triple-glazed, laminated safety glass for extra security and thermal enhancement.
There are over 400 customisable Spitfire Door designs and fully bespoke options to complement a wide range of properties, with each style being capable of achieving Passive house standards.
Find out more about Passive House standard (German: Passivhaus)
Is Aluminium Sustainable?
Whilst an Aluminium front door will look good and perform well for many, many years, it is reassuring to know that Aluminium is one of the most environmentally friendly materials on the planet. The process of melting aluminium down to its molten form does not change any properties of the metal. At the end of its life, a Spitfire Aluminium front door can be recycled infinitely, creating minimal long-term impact on the environment.
Carbon Footprint reduction
We all have a carbon footprint. At Spitfire Doors we are taking steps to actively reduce ours. As a company, we proactively reduce, reuse and recycle where we can. We take care when delivering our Aluminium front doors and encase our S-500 Signature Series Doors in a timber frame, rather than using wasteful packaging. In our offices and showroom, our lights operate on a sensor, so when the rooms are not in use, the energy usage is kept to a minimum.
In 2021, Spitfire Doors made the decision to invest in a Carbon Offset programme with Ecologi.
Ecologi invest money into projects that remove more greenhouse gasses than a company’s carbon footprint puts in. Every month we support a range of carbon reduction projects that are certified at the very highest levels by Gold Standard and equivalent. Within the first four months of supporting Ecologi in their work, Spitfire Doors reduced 17.68T of carbon emissions and facilitated the planting of 280 trees.
If you would like to find out more about Spitfire Doors wide range of Aluminium front doors, please visit our door designer and take time to create the perfect door design for your home. Our Gallery of images includes a wide variety of styles available.
You are very welcome to visit our Showroom in Macclesfield, Cheshire, where we have over 14 Aluminium Entrance Doors on display. Please get in touch with our Customer Services team by calling 01625 412570 or contact us by email and we will be happy to help you.
An Aluminium Door makes the perfect entrance
As featured in Windows Active February 2021:
It is clear from market research that there are exciting growth opportunities for sellers and installers of residential entrance doors of all materials across the UK. Consumers are very aware of their options and they now have the freedom to design a secure, energy efficient, bespoke door of their choice via a plethora of online door configurators. Aluminium entrance doors are the ‘new kid on the block’ in the UK and Irish residential markets but they are widely specified across central Europe, with over 50% of replacement and new build doors in Germany being aluminium. Surprisingly perhaps, composite doors whilst ubiquitous in the UK, have not really been widely adopted by consumers or installers on the continent. Aluminium doors share the continental market with timber and premium quality uPVC panel doors.
German consumers prioritise product quality and material specification above price in their selection process because outstanding daily performance and longevity are pre-requisites. Price and choice of installer are important issues but they are of secondary importance in the decision-making process. Aesthetics and Design are increasingly important and every market in Europe has idiosyncratic door designs, particular to a country or region. Generally, at this time UK consumers have a fairly conservative taste in front door design but as people become more affluent, there is a desire to make a personal statement on a property’s frontage, using the front door, particularly if its a mid-high-end, bespoke home.
Across the UK and Ireland, demand for aluminium entrance doors is steadily increasing. Market share is still modest, but growth is being driven by demand from developers and consumers building high-specification homes, where aluminium front doors are typically chosen to complement aluminium glazing or premium quality uPVC flush window systems. Typically today, aluminium entrance doors are sold into homes that are valued at circa £400k minimum, so they are still very much a niche product.
Because aluminium is relatively light and very strong, much wider and higher entrance doors can be manufactured up to 1250mm x 2700mm, which is perfect for ‘grand design’ new builds, particularly where the front door is glazed-in, within a large glass façade. Aluminium is an excellent choice for door skins because hundreds of different bespoke designs can be achieved and with 3mm skins in particular, spectacular finishes can be produced using a CNC machine.
Improving the thermal efficiency of buildings is now a legislative requirement and this is forcing door manufacturers of all materials to react. Aluminium entrance doors provided by Spitfire Doors and others are all under 0.9 w/m2K and can be as low as 0.6 w/m2K. With an aluminium entrance door, very high levels of security protection against intrusion are a given.
The Spitfire Doors journey began in 2016. Following almost 2 years of research into European markets, products and suppliers, the decision was taken to introduce two distinct residential aluminium door systems to the UK, via a network of independent installation partners. Essentially, a door range at the very top-end of the market and a mid-market door series, both sourced from highly respected European manufacturers. The main criteria for selecting manufacturing partners was to collaborate with companies that only make aluminium doors and they must have a respected pedigree of producing ‘fit and forget’ front doors. Price for Spitfire Doors is a distant second behind product quality and performance, because service calls and unhappy customers are a money pit for door installers.
Whilst recognising that composite doors enjoy a dominant share of both the replacement and new build markets, which will continue for many years, Spitfire Doors predict that aluminium entrance doors will take a significant slice of the mid to high-end new build market, exactly as aluminium windows, sliders and bifolds have done. 15 years ago, who would have thought that aluminium window and door systems would have made such a successful comeback in the UK residential market or that uPVC systems houses would be forced to launch aluminium systems to maintain market share?
To discuss your Aluminium Entrance Door requirements, contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or why not design your own door using our door configurator?
Biometric Fingerprint Technology
What is Biometric Technology?
Biometrics identification is the only mode of authentication that can unequivocally validate a person's identity. Biometric authentication is the automated recognition of an individual using unique physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, which have been pre-stored in a biometric security system or scanner. Biometrics most commonly refers to the use of technology to authenticate or identify a person based on their Fingerprint. Fingerprint readers analyse a fingerprint to digitally identify a person to grant access to systems, devices or data. There are other systems like face recognition, voice, hand geometry, Iris recognition, and DNA but fingerprint readers are most prevalent and are the only biometric solutions fitted to high-end aluminium residential entrance doors.
Why select a capacitive fingerprint scanner to unlock and open your front door?
Of all the biometric techniques, fingerprint scan is the most convenient and most secure way of proving identity, guaranteeing trusted access to the right people, at the right times. Plus, capacitive scanners are very reliable and easy to use. Children's fingers from age of 6 upward are recognized and Spitfire Doors scanners are easy for young and old to use.
The Signature Spitfire Doors capacitive fingerprint reader requires the user to simply press and briefly hold the finger on the scanner for less than a second to open the door, which is a huge improvement over the old technology and far less reliable ‘swipe’ scanners.
The Signature Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner is intuitive and each time you use the scanner our unique algorithm adapts to your finger. This unique feature is particularly useful in hot and cold conditions because the scanner will still recognise your finger as your finger expands and contracts. The encrypted software guarantees peace of mind because it means your entrance door is totally secure.
Design your unique front door complete with fingerprint scanner
Are Fingerprint Readers Secure?
Your unique fingerprint is much more secure than a key, which could be stolen, copied or lost. Authorized individuals can be programmed to unlock a door using their unique fingerprint. And a fingerprint scanner is one thousand times more secure than the 4-digit code on a bank card.
A fingerprint reader has a patented fingerprint recognition algorithm at its core and biometrics are extremely hard to fake. Our advanced reader is very sensitive and detects the temperature of a finger placed on it, if the temperature is outside normal parameters the scanner will deny access.
No impression remains on the scanner when you use a Spitfire fingerprint scanner, which provides an extra level of security.
Biometrics provide strong authentication and accountability because no-one can later deny having accessed the scanner, because the scanner retains a record of activity.
Unlike keys or passwords, biometrics are non-transferable and the Spitfire Doors scanner unlocks the door in 1.2 seconds.
What is NFC Technology?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contact-less communication technology based on a radio frequency field using a base frequency of 13.56 MHz. NFC technology is perfectly designed to exchange data between two devices when they touch, or are in very close proximity to each other and that is why millions of modern payment terminals now feature NFC. You will have witnessed the rapid transaction between a contactless credit card and an NFC device, which is just like the contact between your Spitfire Doors fingerprint reader and your Smartphone will be.
The latest generation of Spitfire Doors feature NFC readers, that will communicate with our Smartphone App, meaning you can open your Spitfire Door using your Smartphone as you approach the door. The security of near field communication technology is emphasised by the word “near”. NFC signals only transmit data centimeters away from the NFC device and unlike wireless internet technology, near field communication signals can’t be hacked from across town, across the street or even across the room.
NFC is actually a subset of RFID (radio-frequency identification), a technology that allows identification through radio waves.
Can other technology be integrated into a biometric scanner?
Fingerprint readers and electrical unlocking systems allow more effective connections with smart phones.
The Spitfire Doors scanner has a double relay so that a second door could be programmed and opened using the same scanner; eg. a garage door or adjacent gate. An intercom system can also be wired into your door, allowing you to unlock the door with a single 24V pulse.
If your door or handle has LED lighting built-in, this can be controlled via the Smartphone App and scanner.
Spitfire Doors fingerprint readers can be combined with a codepad and wireless doorbell, in one small and aesthetically pleasing unit which is flush mounted on your door sash. These unique combination units can be integrated within the external pullbar handle or built-in to the external face of the door.
Our online Door Designer will help you configure your perfect door.
How easy is it to programme a scanner?
Fingerprints can easily be added to the Spitfire scanner using our Android or Apple Smartphone App or by using the control buttons located between the hinges of the door itself. There is no need for a PC or sets of buttons on the door itself. Only an ‘Authorised Administrator’ can grant access to other users, by first unlocking the scanner using their own fingerprint before they record a new users finger.
Adding a new user to the Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner takes about 30 seconds and they can be removed just as quickly.
Can you allow free access through the door during a party for example?
Yes, our scanner has a ‘Free Access’ mode which can easily be activated or de-activated via our Smartphone App. This mode overrides the scanner technology and will allow any fingerprint to be read to open your Spitfire door, until you re-activate the scanner.
Can I check who is using my scanner?
Yes, via the App you can view the last 100 visitors and what time of day they entered.
Plus, you can restrict access to a user or users, at different times of the day e.g. cleaners or gardeners.
What type of lock is fitted on a Spitfire Door with fingerprint or codepad access?
An extremely secure, multipoint, electronically operated lock will be fitted to your door. This lock will be released when the scanner recognises a valid fingerprint, and you can simply push the door open.
Immediately as you close the door from either inside or outside, the electronic lock will automatically operate and all locking points will engage inside their security keepers with a reassuring whirr.
So, whenever your Spitfire Door is in the closed position, it will be totally secure with all locking points engaged. Safe, secure, sophisticated.
What happens in a power cut?
Your electronic lock will still operate if you access your Spitfire door using a key.
Find out more about our S-500 Signature Series Doors
Paint Powder Coating and Decoral® Luxury Effects
Spitfire Doors are all powder coated and many customers request doors with an extra treatment, to add a sophisticated finish, like wood, concrete or carbon-fibre effect.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating was first developed in the 1950’s and is a dry finishing paint process used in many industries where a high quality, long lasting finish is required. Powder coating will retain its perfect finish for up to 20 years with negligible fading. Powder coating is noted for its resistance to chemicals, corrosion and weather.
Why choose to Powder Coat?
Since around 1980, powder coating has been increasingly accepted as the preferred industrial finishing process for many products, including residential entrance doors. The reasons for the conversion from wet to dry powder can be attributed to these key factors:
- Material utilization is much higher with powder, with 92%-98% of the powder being utilised versus an average of 60% when using an electrostatic liquid system. The remaining 40% of liquid paint is toxic and has to be carefully disposed of.
- Powder is not considered hazardous waste, so the cost of disposal is minimal.
- Air used in the powder coating spray booth is returned directly to the plant, eliminating heating and cooling costs.
- The cured powder finish is less susceptible to damage than a liquid finish. There is less need for repair work on the finished item. This results in the need for much less elaborate packaging saving time and cost on re-working and packaging.
- Epoxy, acrylic, and hybrid powders provide excellent adhesion and offer improved resistance to chipping, abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals.
- Polyester powders provide additional advantages in ultraviolet and weathering resistance.
- Stringent regulations are being aggressively enforced in an effort to control air pollution and hazardous waste disposal.
- Powder coating eliminates solvent fumes from spray booths and oven exhausts that pollute the air.
- Potentially toxic sludge from liquid paints could contaminate the earth and must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Every Spitfire door has a powder coated paint finish because it is such a high-quality, durable finish and the painting process is relatively environmentally friendly. This advanced process is available in an almost limitless range of colours and textures, and technological advances have resulted in exceptional performance, which allows us to give a long warranty on our doors, with confidence.
Because powder coated finishes are so tough, they are used on thousands of products that we come into contact with every day. Powder coating is used to protect equipment like JCB’s and aeroplanes, as well as everyday household products like doors and windows. This exceptional finishing process is more durable than a liquid paint finish and is much more resistant to fading or degradation when faced by attack from impact, moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light or extreme weather conditions. This coating therefore reduces the risk of scratches, chips and corrosion. In summary, a powder coated Spitfire Door looks fabulous, the paint is consistent across the door and frame and the finish will last a very long time.
All of the powders used in the powder coating process are non-toxic, non-volatile and completely safe. Powder coating has no known short or long-term health risks and does not pose a fire risk.
A summary of the key benefits of powder coating
Durability - powder coating is extremely durable which means your Spitifre door will withstand the elements and will stand up well to daily use
Corrosion Resistant – salt, moisture and humidity attack metal. Powder coating provides a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion.
Chip Resistant - unlike other treatments that can easily crack, peel, chip, scratch and corrode, powder coated aluminium doors are much more durable and will withstand the weather better
Zero Maintenance - because of its durability and resistance to abrasion and corrosion, powder coated aluminium requires virtually zero maintenance. Just a wash down with warm soapy water once a month will ensure that you Spitfire Door will look good for more than 20 years.
Long Lasting, Colour Fast Finish - powder coating is a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Because of this, colours stay brighter and more vibrant for longer than conventional paints.
Environmentally Safe - the powder coating process has very little impact on the environment. No harmful solvents are used and powder coating does not emit vapours or fumes like liquid paint.
10 Year Warranty – a ten-year warranty is only possible because the quality of powder coating is so high and consistent
What is Decoral®?
Decoral® is a patented process for Decorating Aluminium, based on Sublimation, which is a physical-chemical process; the direct transition of a substance from the solid phase to the gas phase. Such technology is also called a ‘Heat-Transfer Process’.
The basic requirement being that Spitfire Doors aluminium profiles and aluminium sheets can resist a temperature of 200° Celsius in an oven for 10 minutes with no deformation.
Using the Decoral® process, countless effects and patterns such as woodgrains, concrete or granite can be transferred onto the aluminium surface of our profiles.
In order to apply the Decoral® process, first all profiles must be powder coated and cured. Then a Decoral® heat transfer film, carrying the desired effect is wrapped around the profile. This sublimination film is printed with special inks which can replicate for example a woodgrain effect. Then the wrapped profile is placed inside an oven for 10 minutes and whichever effect is on the film will be burnt into the powder coated finish. The final finish will faithfully replicate the effect that was previously on the sublimated foil.
Advice for choosing a door when installing in a Marine or Hostile Environmental situation
It is universally recognised that entrance doors installed in close proximity to the sea, an estuary, a swimming pool or certain industrial sites, will be constantly attacked by salt or other corrosive substances. It is important to follow our advice when choosing your front door, so that you enjoy years of trouble-free use and learn how to keep your door in pristine condition.
Which Door would be suitable in a marine environment?
We would recommend you specify our S-500 Series if you live in a hostile environment, because this door series is supplied with a full 5-year marine warranty. Within reason, you are free to choose from any of over 400 designs from this series. View the range of S-500 doors
Door Finishes and Colours
Our textured IGP finishes are the most resistant to attack. This luxurious textured finish is best suited to the following colours:
Which door handle is best in a marine environment?
There are options to consider here:
- Choose a recessed handle outside, so that there is no external furniture, except the brushed steel rosette that reinforces the area around the profile cylinder
- If you choose to order a rain deflector at the base of the door (recommended), always choose a polished finish
- Avoid furniture on the outside of the door, but if you want an external handle, it must be polished chrome
- Avoid fingerprint scanners and LED’s
- All S-500 series furniture is manufactured from AISI 316L. Steel Alloy 316L is austenitic stainless steel, with a high nickel and molybdenum content, which is more resistant with regard to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments
Get in touch with Spitfire Doors
Best door lock for use in Marine environments
We recommend fitting a Spitfire electrically operated lock because it is more consistent in pulling the door slab tight-in against the frame, as the door closes.
Door frame
In hostile environments, we recommend a stronger and more stable outerframe than usual, choose from our AT100 or AT100P profiles.
Cill
We recommend a specifying a 150mm cill in marine environments to take water away from the door more quickly.
Maintenance
CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL – every week is recommended
Stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains at least 10.5 percent chromium. Although stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, it is not stain-proof. If salty water dries on a stainless steel surface, it usually leaves behind a white film. Remove salt spots from stainless steel by using cleaners that are effective yet safe for this surface. If you use harsh, abrasive products to clean stainless steel, you run the risk of making it susceptible to corrosion.
DO
- Use the mildest possible cleaning agents
- Use plastic or wood tools
- Follow any polishing lines if you use slightly abrasive cleaners
- Rinse thoroughly
- Wipe dry
DON’T
- Use steel or metal scrapers as they will cause rust spots
- Allow chemicals, bleaches or chlorides to remain on the steel for more than a minute
- Another method is as follows:
Things You'll Need - White vinegar - Baking soda – Soft cloths
Step 1 - Moisten a soft cloth with white vinegar
Step 2 - Dip the cloth into baking soda
Step 3 - Wipe off the salt spots with the cloth
Step 4 - Rinse the cloth under clean, running water, and use it to wipe off the area. This will remove any lingering residue from the baking soda
Step 5 - Dry the stainless steel surface with a lint-free cloth.
Other advice:
Cleaning the aluminium powder coated external surface of the door - every week is recommended
Powder coating is one of the most durable colour coatings and with very little effort on your part, it will provide you with many years of excellent service. To extend the life of your powder coated door and to comply with our warranty, a simple, regular maintenance program should be implemented.
The effects of ultra-violet light, atmospheric pollution, dirt, grime and airborne salt deposits can all accumulate over time and should be removed at regular intervals.
In beachfront homes, industrial or geothermal areas a cleaning program should be carried out weekly.
Simple steps to cleaning your powder coated Spitfire Door
- Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge
- Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a diluted solution of a mild detergent, eg, pH-neutral liquid hand dishwashing detergent in warm water to remove dust, salt and other deposits
- Ensure you thoroughly rinse the surfaces with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove all residues
- Stubborn marks on the powder coating may be removed with methylated spirits
- You can order special aluminium cleaner containing citrus in a 500ml can from Spitfire Doors, to spray on your door, which can be gently buffed to remove water marks and general dirt, like fingerprints.
To speak to a member of Spitfire Doors' customer service team, call 01625 412570, or email sales@spitfiredoors.co.uk
SPITFIRE OPENS THE DOOR TO MACCLESFIELD SHOWROOM
Spitfire Doors was established 3 years ago and we now have 30 Design Partners across the UK and Ireland many with S-500 doors on display. Find out where our Design Partners are located.
We recently opened a new showroom in our Macclesfield head office, where eleven S-500 doors are on display, incorporating Automatic Locking, Fingerprint Recognition, Keypad Entry, LED Lighting, Swarovski Crystal and a wide range of colours and finishes to whet your appetite.
Quite a few visitors to our showroom bring their Architects' drawings with them and are looking for a door with great design and technical features with high levels of security, which would provide them with a grand entrance. Very few consumers are put off by a £5-8k price tag and many expect our doors to retail at £10k+.
Spitfire Doors is recognised as a true luxury brand, with each door combining premium quality Schüco aluminium profiles with engineering excellence. There are over 400 designs to choose from in every RAL colour or combination of colours, durable wood-effect detailing and tactile textured finishes. Contact Spitfire Doors.
The S-500 Series of doors offer a very high level of certifiable security, having passed level RC3, at IFT Rosenheim in Germany and PAS24 at BSI in the UK. This guaranteed level of security coupled with exceptional thermal performance, where doors can be manufactured to achieve U-Values as low as an industry leading 0.7 W/m2K and the opportunity to design your own door, really does offer homeowners the perfect entrance door.
You can design your own door here and we will put you in touch with one of our Design Partner who will be able to discuss your design in more detail. Alternatively, call our Customer Services team on 01625 412570 or email sales@spitfiredoors.co.uk and we will be happy to answer your questions.
21 Stunning front door designs from architects around the world
At Spitfire, we love finding new front door designs and front entrance inspiration.
Here, we've collected some of our favourite examples of amazing work from Architects from around the world. If you're looking to upgrade your existing front door with a modern solution or are looking for some inspiration for your next project then look no further.
1. This stunning front door design example from Hertfordshire.
Dovecote Barn is a contemporary rear extension project to a recently converted barn in Hertfordshire.
2. From the Firth of Forth & the Ochil Hills
This project is on the edge of a conservation village and on a site overlooking the Firth of Forth & the Ochil Hills.
3. An lovely example from Bude, Cornwall
A traditional property in Bude, Cornwall that was set in a large plot. The garden benefited from panoramic sea views but the existing house had been positioned tight to boundaries which meant the views were obscured.
4. This timber entrance door from David Butler Photography
5. This traditional door
6. A modern example from Platform 5 Architects
7. This timber door looks perfect here
8. Modern and minimal
9. Another timber door design from the USA
10. Sleek and modern
11. Another minimalist example
12. Chic and modern door example
13. This door design works perfectly here
14. Just wow...
15. Stunning entrance from Maxa Design
16. More timber door design from Eco Edge Architecture
17. Stylish entrance from Bau-Fritz in Germany
18. Grey and timber entrance from Creative Arch
19. No words...
20. Simple and minimal example
21. From the main article image, copper front door anyone?
Feeling inspired? why not talk to us about your next project.
We have a range to suit any budget or requirement.
Why you should invest in an Aluminium door
The Spitfire S-500 Series is our premium range for good reason.
For one, it's widely regarded at the best front door in Europe.
A big claim indeed, but one that is more than justified as you'll read...
Our Aluminium doors are built to last a lifetime
Over two hundred S-500 Series aluminium doors are installed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland each week, specified by architects because they combine premium quality Schüco aluminium profiles with engineering excellence.
Spitfire Doors are designed to be virtually burglar-proof.
The way we combine the aluminium profiles with high security locks and handles ensures security at home.
Spitfire S-500 Series aluminium doors have a baked-on powder coated paint finish which guarantees colour durability, weather resistance and low maintenance.
Spitfire doors have been tested and passed level RC3, at the most highly regarded test house in Europe, the Rosenheim Institute in Germany.
Biometric options
Spitfire S-500 Series doors are all equipped with a high quality multipoint lock with a 5 point German Winkhaus hook lock with 4 hooks. Our double-doors are equipped with an end-to-end adjustable shootbolt made of solid stainless steel.
You can upgrade the anti-burglary security with a choice of automatic lock with finger scanner, keypads or Bluetooth for communication with your mobile phone.
Contact us for more information on our biometric options.
600+ designs
Design your door from a blank canvas or customise our existing styles from over 600 different entrance door models.
RAL colours
We offer every RAL colour or combination of colours, durable wood-effect detailing and fully textured surface finishes to compliment your home.
Swarovski Crystal
Give your front door that extra touch of individuality.
We can subtly incorporate stunning Swarovski ® gems inside your door’s glass panel or you can even choose our special vertical handle featuring a magnificent single crystal.
Ultra low U values
S-500 Series provide extraordinary thermal insulation. With leaf-enclosing infills on both sides (85 mm thick), three circumferential seals and three panes of window protection glass (U-value 0.5 W/m2K), you can be assured of thermal efficiency and comfort in your home.
Try before you buy
Come and experience S-500 Series at our new showroom in Macclesfield, Cheshire, North West.
Everything you need to know about Passive House in 2020
Looking to make your home more energy efficient? Or, perhaps you’re looking to build a Passive House from scratch?
With the number of Passive House standard builds increasing around the world year on year we thought we would help you understand the fantastic concept and why your next build should be Passive!
This guide will break down some common myths and all the benefits of passive and why it's leading the way in architectural technology.
Ultimately, we aim to help you make the right choice for your project.
WHAT IS PASSIVE HOUSE?
Passive House (known across Europe as Passivhaus) is not a brand but instead a construction standard given to properties and designs that are energy efficient, offer exceptional air quality and ensure a small carbon footprint.
Originating in Germany in 1988, it's the result of the vision to benefit the planet and its habitants, through creating low energy properties that offer comfort and remarkable air quality and ventilation, for an affordable price without sacrificing on architecture and design.
Passive houses require 90% less energy than standard builds when heating and cooling.
In recent years, the concept has gained more recognition.
Today it holds its own specific certified building standard, maintained in Germany through the Passivhaus Institut, with over 60,000 certified builds worldwide.
CHARACTERISTICS
- High levels of insulation
Efficient insulation is identified as the most important feature of a passive house.
Insulation must be bound around the exterior envelope of the building and beneath the concrete slab, creating a barrier between outdoor and indoor spaces and temperatures.
This maintains even temperatures throughout the year and sees buildings act almost “passively”.
Climate conditions of a build establish the correct type and level of insulation to use.
Well-insulated homes are also proven to have superior weatherproofing and soundproofing.
- No air leaks
In order to create exceptional air quality and a fresh air supply system, passive structures obtain airtight construction within the external envelope of a building.
This prevents moist room air, mitigating the chances of mould and its negative effects on air quality and building damage.
- Absent thermal bridges
Thermal bridges refer to the area of a building that has greater heat transfer and frequently occur when a break or puncture is present in the envelope of the building.
In a passive house, thermal bridges must be mitigated as much as possible, through the careful and considerate planning and execution of the building’s corners, edges and connections.
- High-efficiency doors and windows
Selecting the correct doors and windows is essential when taking steps to achieve a low-energy building.
The effectivity of doors and windows in a passive house lies in its glazing and frame technology.
Despite being seen as opposing, Passive House windows execute 2 roles. Firstly, they reduce heat loss, and secondly, they have the ability to increase heat gain.
BENEFITS
- Comfortable
Passive houses maximise comfort for all.
By heating ‘passively’, these builds provide excellent comfort levels that are consistent from room to room by keeping temperatures at the optimal level in both the summer and winter seasons, without heating or cooling systems.
Such builds also provide inhabitants with a constant supply of high quality fresh, dust and pollen free air.
- Innovative and individual
With over 40,000 certified builds worldwide and more currently under construction, this building standard is driving modern building innovation.
By demanding no set construction methods, Passive House standards give power to designers, architects and engineers.
- Sustainable
Passive House standards provide a noble way to contribute to the protection of the environment and climate change.
Compared to generic new builds, passive houses require 90% less energy.
Passive House standards offer a way to preserve non-renewable resources including gas and oil. By using reliable and renewable energy sources including the sun, occupants and everyday appliances to heat the build. Find out about net zero homes
- Energy efficient and affordable
The Passive House building standard ensures high quality builds.
As well as saving money on expensive state of the art heating and cooling systems, Passive House accredited insulation and the use of solar power generates lower energy bills and running costs.
Some Passive House standard builds have also been seen to achieve the green design ‘gold standard’, resulting in residents paying no utility bills – at all.
PASSIVE HOUSE MYTHS
Let’s bust some Passive House myths!
- You have to keep doors and windows closed in a Passive House
The most common confusion surrounding Passive houses is that you cannot open the windows.
The Passive House Institute state that every build should be fitted with fully functioning windows.
Instead their necessity to be opened is reduced as the advanced ventilation system used in Passive House ensures the right amount of fresh air enters the building.
- Passive houses are not aesthetically pleasing
Passive houses come in a range of shapes, sizes and styles.
Passive houses are not a design concept, but instead a building standard.
Therefore, Passive houses can be made to look how you want! Giving you creative power to make your own unique build just how you want.
- Existing builds cannot be refurbished to Passive House standards
Despite being a challenge to achieve the complete building standard, Passive House technology can be used to significantly reduce a buildings energy demand and usage, such as by using triple glazed Passive House accredited doors and windows.
In 2010 the EnerPHit standard was introduced to recognise energy efficient builds where the full Passive House standard could not be achieved.
Based on the these standards, EnerPHit guarantees the energy demand by the property and its quality is fit for a green future through the use of energy efficient technology and components.
Take the steps to the Passive House standard
Knowing who to turn to when taking the steps to make your next build Passive House certified can be confusing.
Here at Spitfire Doors our S-500 range of doors are the perfect first step to reduce your energy use and help you save money.
Spitfire doors have:
- U value of 0.6 W/m²K
- Very thick, thermally enhanced door slabs
- Excellent weather seals and thresholds
- Outstanding materials used in construction
Find out more about our range of doors.
Contact Spitfire Doors to discuss our wide range of doors. We look forward to speaking with you.