It’s time for an overdue chronicle of the antique door we adapted and upcycled for the icehouse bathroom. From concept through re-fabrication and installation, this project demanded the focus, precision, and creativity of Peter Vaiciulis. The photograph of the bottom of this post offers testament to his impressive execution.
Although I prioritized upcycling and adaptive reuse whenever possible during the icehouse rehabilitation, all of the exterior windows and doors are new, custom fabricated by Marvin. I sought to balance this practical choice by emphasizing seamless integration of architectural salvage whenever possible.
The columns flanking the threshold from vestibule into main room are one of my favorite examples. Another is the bathroom door. I was excited by the prospect of adapting and reusing an antique door (ie. architectural salvage) for passage from the vestibule/coffee bar area into the bathroom. Today’s photo essay shares the adventure. Enjoy.
Close. Dimensions worked well, but adapting the panels and panel moldings would have been tricky.
Now this door, the one on the left, afforded the perfect combination of dimensions, age-conditions, and removable panel moldings. Perfect.
My quick sketch for Peter outlined the plan. We’d remove the metal moldings on the interior of the door (The exterior of the door would remain as is, but we’d repurpose one of the interior panel moldings to replace a missing piece on the exterior.) We’d have mirrors cut to fit within each recessed panel, sized slightly smaller than the openings to minimize risk of cracking. A thin layer of foam backing would help keep the mirrors, snug and reduce any vibration or rattle. Peter re-milled panel moldings to be thinner jn order to accommodate the mirror and foam backing.
Time to bring the old door into the icehouse to acclimate. As the old door slab adjusted to the heat and humidity of the building where it will be installed, Peter studied the condition and assembly of the door to plan his path forward.
Before removing the panel moldings, Peter repaired the door to ensure that the mortis and tenon joinery was sound, any voids were repaired with dutchies, etc.
Peter patiently removed each section of panel molding, salvaging the best piece to reuse on the opposite side of the door.
Structurally sound, restored to solid “blank” status, and ready to proceed.
Repairs remain visible, and layers of grime and filth camouflage the old paint.
Because of the delicate fabrication process (installing panel moldings to frame and secure mirrored glass) Peter pre-sized, pre-fitted, pre-primed, and pre-painted all of the panel moldings before installing.
Installing a thin layer of foam insulation behind each mirror, insured a snug fit and reduced cracking risks.
With installation of mirrors and panel moldings complete and all surfaces repainted, it was time to hang the door.
Almost done! The photograph above documents the door installed inside the icehouse bathroom with nickel hardware almost complete.
Ta-da! From architectural salvage (buried in Rosslyn’s carriage barn for almost two decades, and possibly a couple of centuries old) to spa-positive integration, bridge antique and modern with effortless grace.
Well done, Peter!
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