Farmhouse, Entrance, Framed, Wedged, Traditional, Exterior
Farmhouse Door
This bespoke entrance door was made for a traditional Sussex farmhouse where generations of joinery already form part of the character of the building.
Rather than introducing a visibly modern replacement, the new door was designed to feel as though it had always belonged there. Traditional framed, ledged and braced construction sits alongside contemporary security hardware and exterior protection, allowing the door to retain an authentic appearance while performing as a modern entrance.
BRIEF.
The client wanted a new timber entrance door that felt entirely appropriate to the farmhouse and the traditional joinery already found throughout the property.
At the same time, it is the main entrance to the home, so security, weather protection and dependable year-round operation were essential. The design needed to respect the building without compromising those modern requirements.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS.
The project required traditional appearance and modern performance to work together without either feeling compromised.
Through-wedged mortise and tenon joints provided the strength and character expected of traditional farmhouse joinery, while security-rated hardware was incorporated in a way that did not dominate the design.
The vertical boards were housed within machined grooves rather than fixed rigidly. This allows each board to expand and contract naturally through the seasons, reducing stress within the door and helping it remain stable over time.
THE MAKING PROCESS.
The existing entrance was surveyed carefully before the new door was set out and manufactured in the workshop. Its proportions were developed around the farmhouse itself, using traditional framed, ledged and braced construction rather than adapting a contemporary door design.
The main frame was joined with through-wedged mortise and tenon joints, leaving the wedged tenons visible as part of the construction. Each vertical board was individually machined and housed within the surrounding frame so it could move naturally as humidity changes through the year.
Once assembled, the door was carefully prepared for the full Teknos exterior paint system, giving the timber long-term protection from moisture, UV exposure and changing weather. After curing, it was installed on site and fitted with the security hardware before final adjustment to achieve accurate alignment, smooth movement and reliable locking.
“Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship, we're extremely happy with the care and attention throughout the project. Thanks so much!”
- Sara Stindum, Lewes