Case Study: Ultra Flush Doors Provide Style and Practicality in Cambridgeshire Barn Conversion

The Rocket Door Frames team recently visited Cow Shed Barn in Abington near Cambridge to see how its ultra flush doors had been installed in an ongoing barn conversion.

Owners Pete and Sarah initially began the project to build a ‘forever home’ in 2019. Pete spotted a dilapidated 1980s barn up sale while out walking their dog, Lexi. It has since become a real labour of love and despite taking two years to get through planning the results are stunning.

Sarah told us: “We were very clear on the look we wanted. It was definitely an industrial aesthetic that we were after and the ‘secret door’ effect with sleek clean lines was integral to that. Nothing floral or pastel as that’s just not our style.”

Pete added: “We work in events and making the best use of technology with innovative, adjustable lighting and sound systems all being part of the overall vision. Everything needed to be special.”

First Impressions Count

The entrance to property is impressive; a central black metal staircase and polished concrete flooring, with a rusted metal wall feature in the works to further enhance the industrial theme. From here, four of Rocket’s ultra flush doors can be seen which already look to be a great addition to the design scheme.

In total, the property has 14 ultra flush doors. These have been used to great effect between living areas such as the hallway and downstairs toilet, pantry, as well as bedrooms and ensuite bathroom facilities. There is also one fire rated door leading into the garage. When choosing the door accessories and fittings the couple were also very clear on what they needed. 

"We wanted functionality but we also wanted the handles to be tactile and have that quality feel,” Sarah continued. “And there was a good selection available to choose from online.”

Pete says: “Ultimately you get what you pay for and we have certainly have had great experience with Rocket. The products are great and the team have been responsive whenever we have had any queries to make sure we had everything we required.”

Creativity and Flexibility

Not all homes are the same and occasionally you have to be extra creative to find the right solution. In one bedroom an ultra-flush door had been skilfully trimmed at an angle to run parrel with the roof line. While this is not something that Rocket usually recommends it demonstrated the benefits of using quality materials and trades people on their building works.

A renovation on this scale rarely finishes exactly the same as envisioned on the initial plans. While there have been the inevitable tweaks along the way the doors themselves offered flexibility should they couple have decided to have changed the direction of a door opening. The unique left/right/pull or push is all in one product. This meant that any changes or second thoughts were already catered for. This offered peace of mind when ordering.

Ease of Installation

Part of the ultra-flush’s appeal is the simplicity of installation. The door kit comes with only four screws to assemble the frame and is designed for use with the readily available 44mm flush panel doors.

All Rocket ULTRA systems are supplied pre-routed with a magnetic lock and strike plate which can be specified as a latch, bathroom thumb turn or cylinder lock. Completely invisible 3-way adjustable hinges for perfect shut lines are also part of the package.

What’s more, the ULTRA Flush doors are fully tested and approved for 30 minutes fire protection FD30. They come supplied with their own intumescent kit that fits into the frame and not the door saving time and money.

In Conclusion

“We love the impact that these doors have had in our home”, Sarah says. “There have been so many positive comments from visitors and we are so proud of what we have been able to do. It has been a real passion project.”

Rocket Door Frames introduced its ultra flush doors to its product range a couple of years ago and are growing in popularity. Wall murals, paint effects or wallpaper can continue uninterrupted and visually, that is obviously going to appeal to designers and architects alike.

Ruth Barnard, Rocket Door Frames Managing Director, said, “We believe it’s important to meet our customers whenever possible. It enables us to better understand if there is anything we can do better to ensure all our customers get the best experience possible.”

“It was a pleasure to meet with Pete and Sarah to see what they have achieved so far. We look forward to seeing the result of the renovation when it’s finally completed.”