A grand French country estate called for an entry that could match the scale of its two-story arched stone portico. This was new construction, built as part of the home's original design rather than a replacement.
Project Story
The thinking behind the work
The Starting Point
The Thinking
An entry of this scale needed genuine architectural weight, not a standard flat door, but a design that carries the curve of the brick archway all the way down through the door itself. Each leaf combines multiple raised panels below with an arched, multi-pane glazed section above, finished with a decorative cast medallion set into the panel as a signature detail. A rich mahogany-tone stain plays beautifully against the warm brick and stone, while simple straight pull handles keep the hardware understated next to the more ornate glass and medallion work.
The Execution
Built in Mahogany as a double door filling the full arched masonry opening, with a matching arched transom above and a narrow arched sidelight, all glazed in the same textured glass. Each leaf pairs a multi-panel raised lower section with an arched, multi-lite glazed upper portion, and a decorative cast medallion set into the panel just below the glass line. Finished in a deep, even reddish-brown stain with matched straight pull handles in a dark finish.
The Result
The entry is now a genuine architectural centerpiece for the home, the arched glass, transom, and medallions give the two-story portico a focal point equal to its scale, with the door's rich stain and the surrounding stonework playing off each other beautifully.
Specification
Unit Size
6'-0" x 8'-6"
Panel Thickness
1¾"
Joinery
Mortise-and-tenon, no mechanical fasteners.
Glass
Full-height textured/dimpled privacy glass, gently arched top edge on each leaf.
Finish System
Marine-grade exterior finish, six sides
Hardware
Matched dark pull handles, integrated keypad entry system.
Installed By
Scobis
Common Questions
Why move from a single door with sidelights to a full double door?
The original single door left most of the glazing in narrow strips beside the door rather than the door itself. A true double door fills the arched brick opening with much wider presence, giving the entry the kind of scale and openness that a single leaf plus sidelights can't match.
Why full-height textured glass instead of clear?
Textured, dimpled glass lets daylight flood in at eye level while still keeping the entry private from the street. It's the difference between light coming only from a transom above and light coming through the door people actually walk up to.
Why add a keypad entry system to a traditional wood door?
Keyless entry is a practical, everyday upgrade, no fumbling for keys with groceries or guests coming and going. Setting the keypad into the door face itself keeps it clean and integrated, so the convenience doesn't come at the cost of the door's traditional wood-and-glass look.
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