The original double doors already carried real character, a dense, intricate wrought-iron scroll pattern layered over textured glass, set into a substantial stone archway. It's an ornate, traditional design, but the ironwork was busy enough to compete with itself, and the entry relied on a single decorative pull handle with no modern access options.
Project Story
The thinking behind the work
The Starting Point
The Thinking
The stone archway and existing ironwork tradition were worth keeping, not replacing outright, the goal was refinement rather than a full style change. A new, more open scroll pattern was chosen: fewer, wider swirls with more breathing room between the ironwork and the glass, letting the pattern read as a deliberate design rather than a dense filigree. Matched black pull handles were added to both leaves in place of the single handle, giving the doors symmetrical, functional hardware. A keypad smart lock was integrated alongside the handlesets, bringing keyless entry to a traditional wrought-iron design without disrupting its look.
The Execution
Built as a double door with arched wrought-iron scrollwork over textured glass, using a simplified, more open pattern than the original, wider swirls with more visible glass between the ironwork. Finished in a dark, rich stain. Hardware includes matched black pull handles on both leaves along with a keypad smart lock and separate deadbolt, replacing the original single handle setup.
The Result
The entry keeps its established wrought-iron character while feeling more refined and less busy, and the addition of matched hardware and a keypad brings genuine everyday functionality to a design that previously relied on a single decorative handle.
Specification
Unit Size
6'-6" x 8'-6"
Panel Thickness
1¾"
Joinery
Mortise-and-tenon, no mechanical fasteners.
Glass
Textured glass with an open wrought-iron scroll overlay, arched top
Finish System
Marine-grade exterior finish, six sides
Hardware
Matched black pull handles on both leaves, keypad smart lock, separate deadbolt
Installed By
Scobis
Common Questions
Why simplify the wrought-iron pattern instead of keeping the original design?
The original scrollwork was dense enough to compete with itself, filling most of the glass with tight, layered ironwork. Opening the pattern up keeps the same wrought-iron character but lets the design read more clearly rather than blending into a single busy texture.
Why add a second matching handle instead of keeping the original single handle?
With two operating leaves, a single handle only served one door while the other stayed unmarked. Matching hardware on both sides gives the entry a coordinated, symmetrical look and makes it clear both doors function equally.
Why add a keypad smart lock to a traditional wrought-iron door?
Keyless entry is a practical, everyday upgrade regardless of a door's style, no searching for keys with hands full. Integrating the keypad alongside the existing handleset keeps the addition functional without disrupting the door's established wrought-iron look.
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