door / window design

[sue denim]

I am due to create a window for an art gallery which must double as a fire escape. It is not the main entrance.
The opening is approximately 3000 wide and 2300 tall.

As it is an art gallery and this is a big visual panel into the gallery it needs to be a bit special design wise. I cannot see myself putting in a standard half glazed door #-o

I need some inspiration to create a doorway / window that will catch the eye.

Any ideas ?

Regards

'Sue'

 

[Togalosh]

Hiya Sue

..the most inspirational place for doors I've been to is France (Provence at least)..& Palma De Majorca.

Google earth the old town of Palma to see hundreds of stunning examples (if they have been done yet/if the car fitted down the alleyways)..& perhaps find a local hand blown glass maker (depending if building regs allow) & let you imagination go.

I'd advise strongly that you make it a proper, safe, functional fire escape first & foremost not a window that doubles as as fire escape.

Keep us/me posted. Good luck.

 

[RogerS]

Isn't that big fire door bar going to screw the design up for you? You know...the 'push to open' one.

 

[sue denim]

The thoughts I have had so far include making the door head with side panel in the shape of a three centred arch.... need to draw it out to make sure the sides don't come down too low. Then a curved middle rail (down at the sides)... this will cover the push bar.

Must be double glazed as it is onto a departmental route.

Thanks for the above suggestions..

'Sue'

 

[RogerS]

Ah..just seen where you are located. Your health and safety rules must be more relaxed than here in the UK

 

[sue denim]

Being France things are very different.. The gallery is a private building to which the public have access.

I was just going to make a frame and door from douglas fir with double glazed units (acoustic) fitted.

Regulations ? am I missing something ?

Just for info the gallery is in a barn that was built circa 1760 ish so it isn't a new build. Just an upgrade on the door.

Any info regarding regs would be welcome.

Regards
'Sue'

 

[RogerS]

Can't help you re regulations in France. I do know that there are a fair few French members over on thewoodhaven.co.uk who might be able to help.

 

[sue denim]

I believe that for all regulations in France it is obligatory to ignore them ;-)

 

[Togalosh]

..you could spend many an enthralling hour searching for the regs online but you could copy what others have done in yiou area or in the same buiding or ask the local fire officer.

..the pushbar & mechanism could be made by a local blacksmith (not that I've looked closely at how they are made)..that'd be tres French.