'Despite new laws and regulations, unlimited design freedom remains possible'

This means that residential entrance doors in residential buildings must also comply with these new rules. In addition, there is an obligation that all these doors be self-closing with a (freewheeling) door closer. "These are justified new rules," states Marco van den Hoven, commercial director at Kegro Deuren. "After all, it's all about safety and reliability. But, that doesn't mean we forget the aesthetic aspect. On the contrary!"

After all, the eye wants something, too. "With regard to the doors, nobody wants a clinical look. Design and functionality should always go hand in hand. And that is also of this zeitgeist: residents want to see their own stamp and thus their own identity in the doors as much as possible. And, architects go for their own signature. Fortunately. And that remains true in the new laws and regulations. The unprecedented design freedom with Kegro doors therefore remains undiminished. Nothing has to be standard."

According to Van den Hoven, in the design phase - by the architect - there can still be plenty of play with the models and possibilities. "A door may be image-defining. But with a lot of aesthetics. It has been the basis for the introduction - earlier this year - of our new fire and smoke-resistant doors."

"Yes, indeed: fire- and smoke-resistant. Because of course, even with us, the performance of the door is of course the basis. No concessions will be made by us to important actors such as not only fire and smoke resistance, but also sound attenuation, insulation and stabilization of the door. Simply put: a door is and remains a door. But immediately after that comes aesthetic freedom. One has come to the right place at Kegro for that."

Van den Hoven explains that the choice of models and versions is very wide. "That applies both to the Kegro fire and smoke-resistant doors and also to the flat or solid doors with the EW-30 and EW-60 classification for wooden frames, with and without sidelights or fanlights. In addition, luxury design models with decorative mouldings, design grooves, bulges and bossing panels are of course also possible on request. Of course, the doors can be finished with a top covering 3K coating system, even in multiple color combinations on one door, an HPL top coat or a clear lacquered oak or mahogany noble veneer."

"It goes without saying that all exterior door models are delivered under GND warranty," says Van den Hoven. "With this, we visibly stand for our quality based on the performance we simply must deliver."

When asked what the trends are in terms of design, he is clear. "We are again seeing an increase in finished doors and different color combinations on one door. There is also an increasing demand for noble veneer doors with a clear finish. Examples are available, of course. And furthermore, there is a growing need for personalizing doors. After all, these do add some extra sparkle to the often anonymous buildings out there. I am convinced that this is where architects can seize their opportunity. Anything is possible. And as already stated, but not unimportantly: this can be done without making concessions to the important new safety standards."