By Julie Gedeon
Imagine a large front door textured in a once-liquified metal. Or having that metal resemble a fine leather that resists the outdoor elements. Making a grand entrance takes on a new meaning with RK Pivot Doors, now in Canada and exclusively showcased by Eurostar Windows. Some homeowners will take an immediate shine to the glass finish that resembles wood from the curb but reflects its guests at the doorstep. Others will be dazzled by the doors with hexagonal edges. “We also have models with Patagonian marble panels backlit to fully reflect this stone’s beauty,” says Norm Shubat, Eurostar Windows’ director of operations. Hinged at the top and bottom a third of the way across, the pivot doors can be significantly heavier to accommodate larger heights of 10 to 13 feet and widths of six to eight feet. “These doors are definitely a luxurious home’s focal point,” Shubat says.
RK has addressed the challenges of Canadian winters. The exterior and interior aluminum components are separated by a thermal bridge that prevents the outer panel’s lower temperature from penetrating the inner core. “A hydraulic damper automatically comes down and seals itself against the threshold when you close the door,” Shubat says. “There’s also a damper above the hinges that retracts when the door opens and then automatically lowers to make the door airtight.”
RK prides itself on the quality and originality of its products. “Our founder, Robert Karasek, is great at business, but also has an artist’s soul,” says Jakub Siemiatkowski, RK’s commercial director. The artistry is what takes the doors to another level by having renowned artisans from around the world use ceramics, bronze, and other out-of-the-ordinary materials. RK’s latest collaboration is with Venetian craftsmen who specialize in engraving, beveling, and/or layering glass and mirrored surfaces. Once a design is established, the utmost care and craftsmanship is used to reproduce it. “The liquid metal to create a unique texture on the aluminum structure can take 55 hours to apply because it’s all done by hand,” Siemiatkowski says. “That’s after a team member has spent a couple of days out in nature looking for unique patterns to replicate.”
After manufacturing its own products for years, Eurostar Windows began importing doors in 2003 on a small scale, learning along the way how European products had to be modified to meet Canadian standards. “Once half our sales became European imports, we began looking for something truly special to represent exclusively,” Shubat says. “When we visited RK’s premises, we could see the passion that goes into making these doors.” Eurostar Windows is unveiling the RK Pivot Doors at The National Home Show (March 7 to 10) and will display them at The Living Luxe Design Show (April 19 to 21).
