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BuiltWithNOF

Current Project; The Kratz Residence

Stainless impact glass entry door, with electric locks.

                                    This project is a second time around project. First, a bit of history.... Back in 92’ I was approached by Dr. Gerald Kratz to build a set of hurricane proof doors. “Ole G.H.”, as we lovingly refer to him, had a very over priced set of doors blow in on him during Hurricane Andrew. He asked me to create a set of doors that were, as he put it impenatrable . So, the “Fortress 5000 doors” were created. G. H. and I were of the same mind. We both lived by the rule “Nothing succeeds like excess”. The new doors were made of 1/2” plate aluminum, clad with cypress, and equipped with key pad operated electric locks. In addition, actual bullet-proof glass was used for the side lights.

Fast forward a few years to today. The Kratzes have moved to a new residence, and it is time to build a new entry. This time around we have the benefit of input of his wife Peggy. She has requested a more “refined” product, as well as a more modern one. In the original entry we went for bulk, and were stuck with the materials of the day. This time, we will have the best of both worlds . Also, our shop is far more sophisticated now, than it was back in 92’

Here are some pictures of the early entry, A set of photos of the new entry will be posted as they become available.

fortress1 crop
fortress 5000 entry
fortress 4 crop
fortress3
stainless door exterior

   Here are some photos of the new entry system. This entry is a lot more sophisticated than the last one. This entry benefits from the fully tooled machine room that we have today. The original was made with a bare minimum of tools.

    The mechanisms in this door were completely machined by us. They feature a geared planetary actuator that moves the strikers. All of this is machined into a billet aluminum door that then houses full thickness impact glass. Finally the whole frame and door are clad in brushed stainless steel.

  New features we added to this door are a low power solenoid for lock. And a motion activated circuit was added for guest arrival. The new solenoid allows for longer operation on the back up battery than the previous system. The motion activator is really cool. It trips when people walk on the patio. this allows guests to enter the house freely without using the solenoid continuously. This saves a lot of power, and adds to the life oft the solenoid.

 

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rough in for lock and gears
gear set
testing final assembly
stiker close up