The pivot door as a style statement
By De Rooy Steel Doors, and Wonderwall Studios
The ultimate pursuit of perfection is what unites Modular Lighting Instruments, Wonderwall Studios, De Rooy Steel Doors, and FritsJurgens. This pursuit reaches its peak in the showroom of Modular Lighting in Amstelveen. Here stands a steel pivot door with reclaimed wood elements from a swamp oak. Here stands a pivot door that makes both a spatial and functional impact. Seeing is believing.
Modular Lighting Instruments creates and delivers architectural lighting that explores the boundaries of beauty and functionality, especially for the most stylish homes, offices, and the hospitality sector. From elegant fixtures to refined light carriers, everything is infused with an unyielding pursuit of perfection. With its own R&D department and a dedicated execution team, the company collaborates with both internal and external designers to constantly push the limits of lighting design.
Additionally, Modular excels at creating thoughtful lighting plans that bring every space to life. From their headquarters in Roeselare (Belgium), their vision shines out to the world, supported by offices and showrooms in various countries. A prime example is the Modular Lighting Netherlands showroom in Amstelveen, where architects, interior designers, and their clients can see, touch, and experience the latest techniques.
Constantly evolving
Amidst an industrial neighborhood, just outside Amsterdam, lies the showroom in Amstelveen. The raw, industrial surroundings beautifully contrast with the high-quality lighting design. "The rise of LED technology and the increasingly smaller fixtures make architects and interior designers eager to experience firsthand how certain fixtures and light carriers work," says director Marco Tertoolen. "That's why we've adapted our showroom accordingly. We’ve added furniture and trend colors, and made the lighting dimmable."
Aesthetic and functional impact
What immediately stands out about the Modular Lighting Netherlands showroom is the large glass façade, allowing daylight to flood in. "This light enhances the creativity and well-being of our employees," says Tertoolen. "However, for optimal viewing of our lighting, it’s less ideal. That’s why we’ve designed part of the showroom to be darker, with a black ceiling and black walls." For the transition into this darker space, a high-end door design was developed that makes an impression both aesthetically and functionally. And with great success! In collaboration with Wonderwall Studios and De Rooy Steel Doors, we've created a pivot door based on the sleek Rohe model. It’s finished with wooden panels, a high-quality powder coating, and a minimalist, handle-free design. A door that inspires every visitor."
Making a style statement
The pivot door measures 1.50 by 2.50 meters, weighs around 200 kilos, and stands out with its dark wooden panels featuring two striking ribbed patterns. "The panels are made entirely from swamp oak, harvested from an ancient swamp in Ukraine, and are crafted in close collaboration with a local family business," Tertoolen explains. "The 22 mm thick wooden panels are mounted on a steel door, resulting in a solid-looking door with a thickness of 80 mm. Combined with the refined finish of the wood to the frame, the door has truly become a statement piece. The smooth pivot movement only adds to its impact."
Minimalistic technology
The pivot door is equipped with the self-closing System M+ hinge from FritsJurgens, with an installation depth of just 8 mm. Tertoolen discovered this system at a design fair in Milan and was immediately convinced. Not only because of the door's smooth, controlled movement but also due to its minimalist design. "The technology is simply perfect," he says. "And on top of that, it's a product of Dutch craftsmanship. I absolutely wanted it in my showroom."
Highly elegant movement
“The System M+ hinge stands out with its adjustable closing damper (soft close) and hydraulic opening damper,” explains Jeroen Iemhoff, project manager at FritsJurgens. “This ensures an elegant door movement and significantly reduces the risk of fingers getting caught. Additionally, the surrounding walls are protected from impact damage, regardless of how forcefully the door is opened. The double-acting door allows for a 180-degree rotation, greatly increasing its versatility. Moreover, the System M+ is maintenance-free and has been tested up to 1 million cycles, guaranteeing long-term durability and reliability.”
The System M+ is suitable for doors made from any material, up to 500 kilos. “For installation, only a floor and ceiling plate of 40 x 80 mm need to be fixed. While the ceiling plate is secured with regular screws, two 8 mm holes are sufficient for the floor plate. This makes the system ideal for installation in combination with underfloor heating,” Jeroen adds.
Finally, a shared pursuit...
Striving for perfection can sound generic; after all, everyone who creates something aims for perfection. It almost feels like a cliché. But that’s certainly not the case for the companies we’re dealing with here. This pursuit isn’t just a statement; it’s a promise they collectively make and uphold. Anything less simply isn't enough. It means that in the future, they will undoubtedly find each other again whenever there’s a need for perfection. And let’s be honest, that need is always there—especially when it comes to beauty, delivering an unforgettable experience, and making a positive impact.
Until then, have a perfect day.
Credentials
Designer: Wonderwall Studios
Manufacturer: De Rooy Steel Doors
Photographer: Enrich Visuals
Location: Showroom Modular, Amstelveen, The Netherlands