“Creating a circular door introduces complexities into a build. And having that front door as a centre point and an entry point for our building, it was really important to have a premium feel, premium product. FritsJurgens was pretty much the only company in the world that we could go to for a product that delivered what we were requiring out of it in terms of a full 360-degree rotation, dampening, self-closing; it provided even more than what we originally wanted.”
In the world of architecture, innovation often stems from the desire to challenge conventional norms, to push boundaries, and to create something unique. This is exactly what Hayden Kidd and Dan McKerrow, the visionary developers behind the house they named Lantern, accomplished with their ambitious project—featuring a circular front door that has become the centrepiece of their architectural masterpiece. And the talk of the town.
One a pilot, the other a veterinarian, Hayden and Dan need architecture as a creative outlet. Renovating and flipping houses gives them, what their day jobs lack. And with undeniable success. As their home in a small coastal town near Brisbane proves beyond any sliver of a doubt.
The concept behind Lantern
Lantern is not just a building; it is a manifestation of Hayden and Dan’s passion for architecture. Originally, architecture served as a creative outlet for them, a way to escape their day jobs and immerse themselves in the process of designing and building something truly extraordinary. Over the years, their shared passion evolved into a desire to execute perfection, leading to the birth of Lantern—a concept that embodies what they envision as the future of architecture.
Hayden and Dan’s design approach for Lantern involved combining modern, square architectural elements with an unexpected twist: a circular front door. What started as a placeholder on their initial plans, quickly transformed into the defining feature of the entire project.
The challenge of a circular door
Creating a circular door is no easy feat. It introduces complexities that most builders and architects prefer to avoid, but for Hayden and Dan, it was a challenge worth taking on. Especially as the design came from befriended architect Nick Elias, partner at world-renowned agency Architectus.
His unique design had to be functional and seamlessly integrated into the overall look of Lantern. As the main entry point to the property, the circular door needed to make a statement—one that would resonate with visitors from the moment they set foot near the building. Initially, the idea of a circular door almost seemed like a joke to Hayden and Dan.
“When we saw it on the plans of Nick, it was almost as if it was a bit of a joke, like, creating a circular door is something we’ve never seen before. Is that even possible?”
Yet, as the project progressed, the circular door went from being a whimsical concept to the hero element of the design.
A local icon
“Because of the unique nature of the circle door, it's become quite famous in our local area. It has sparked conversations and intrigued many who pass by, helping to establish Lantern as a standout project in our community.”
More than just a design feature, the circular door has been a source of inspiration for Hayden and Dan.
“It's really made us excited about what other shapes, sizes, and applications we can use FritsJurgens products on.”
The experience of working with FritsJurgens systems has opened new possibilities for them, allowing their creativity to flow freely and dream of future projects that push boundaries even further.
A door that defies expectations
Clad identically on both sides, the circular door blends seamlessly with the rest of the building, creating the illusion that it is part of the wall when closed. The design is simple yet impactful, and it draws visitors to it without overwhelming the visual aesthetic of the building. And despite its weight, the door opens with remarkable ease.
“Our front door is very heavy. It's just over 400 kilos, and yet opening that door is the first time one interacts with the building. And that interaction becomes even a more memorable moment because you open it with the mere touch of a finger. Thanks to FritsJurgens.”
One of the standout features of the FritsJurgens system is the ability to keep the door open at a full 360-degree rotation. This functionality has allowed the circular door to serve not just as an entry point but also to provide ventilation, and frame beautiful views.
Looking to the future
As Hayden and Dan continue to work on Lantern and other projects, they remain committed to exploring new possibilities. Their collaboration with FritsJurgens has set the stage for future projects that challenge traditional design norms.
“Having seen the impact that the FritsJurgens pivot system has had on Lantern, we're really excited to see what it allows us to do with designs in the future,” Hayden concludes.