Why ultra flush doors are trending in modern architecture

Modern architecture encompasses many diverse styles, but it can largely be described as championing ‘minimalism’. This is the idea of using clean, geometric lines and removing as much ornamentation or decoration as possible. It also means often using industrial materials and incorporating designs which can be integrated into their surroundings, and which provide multiple purposes.

This is why ‘smart’ solutions are so popular today, because they efficiently solve various problems in a single item, and ultra flush doors are a good example of that. So in this guide we will explain what ultra flush doors are, and why they are so popular in modern architecture.

What are ultra flush doors?

Ultra flush doors are a type of interior door system often also known as invisible or concealed doors. This is because they have no architrave surrounding the door, and hence sit flat against the wall with no protruding edges or surfaces. It is not just the absence of architrave which helps the door achieve this seamless visible look, it is also the clever use of hidden hinges and special edge profiles to ensure the door system integrates perfectly into the wall plaster.  

Although this flawless visual aesthetic is the main feature and benefit of the ultra flush door, this type of door system also provides other benefits. These include:

• Operational versatility – The ultra flush door can be configured four different ways, meaning the aluminium frame can be adapted so the door can open inwards or outwards, and can have a left or right-side hinged opening.
• Decoration – The flat visual profile means that you can decorate the door the same as the surrounding walls, and it is essentially invisible. Whether it is plaster, paint or wallpaper the door can be finished to match the walls and seamlessly blend in.
• Concealed – The hardware of the door can also be concealed, including locks and latches that can be integrated into the door to prevent any protruding features which can ruin the aesthetic.   

Why are ultra flush doors ideal for modern architecture?

This is mainly because of the ability to blend the door into the walls and present an uninterrupted and blemish-free setting. Much of this is about relegating the door to an incidental position and accepting it as a purely functional feature. This means visually, it barely exists, and allows other elements of a room or corridor to be more prominent and to carry the weight of design style. It is also easy on the eye and hence creates a seamless transition between wall and door and therefore from one room into another. By maximising the visual space in this way, designers are able to introduce other visual elements to take centre stage, and with a bigger blank canvass to work with.

So in terms of modern architectural trends, ultra flush doors allow for:

• Continuity – Because ultra flush doors sit flush with a wall surface, they create a clean and straight line with no visual interruption.
• Space – This lack of protruding edges and surfaces provides the impression that a room is larger than it is. This effect can have a positive impact on relaxation, comfort and mental wellbeing.
• Versatility – You can further conceal the door by blending it in with your surrounding design scheme, ie. paint, wallpaper or clad the door to match the surrounding walls.
• Insulation – Ultra flush doors often feature a solid core, which are excellent for preventing the transfer of heat and sound, making them energy and noise efficient.
• Compliant – Ultra flush doors can be supplied as fire-rated, meaning they have been tested to withstand the spread of fire for a certain period, usually 30 minutes and hence an FD-30 rating, and so help towards ensuring your building is compliant with fire safety regulations.
• Different applications – There are various different ways in which modern architecture can adopt ultra flush doors in an interior design scheme. They can be used as a full-height wall, meaning the door is floor to ceiling, creating an impressive, clever and visually arresting feature. They can also be used to completely conceal a door, which is ideal in small spaces such as an en-suite or a kitchen storage space. This creates a clutter-free design where ‘detail’ is hidden. Another popular use in modern architecture is using ultra flush doors in commercial settings. This is ideal in quiet spaces where people want to feel calm and relaxed with no distraction, and hence they are used widely in modern commercial office spaces, but also boutique settings such as restaurants, hotels, salons and shops.  

You can check out our range of ultra flush doors at MB Direct, including fire and non-fire-rated doors, to suit your compliance needs.