The Power of Materiality: Connecting Interior and Landscape with Oversized Steel Doors
Studio Omo reframed the load-bering wall to create opening for swinging steel doors.
As an architectural practice we believe in the power of thoughtful design to connect interior spaces with the natural world. In one of our recent minimalist home renovation projects, we introduced oversized steel doors from Pinky’s Door LA. This bold design choice not only opened up the home to the outdoors but also transformed the interior with a clean, modern aesthetic.
The challenge was clear: create a connection between the interior and the landscape and establish feel of openness and flow.
Why did we choose steel doors that swings vs sliding door?
Steel’s inherent strength and sleek profile made it the perfect material for this project. Door LA provides beautifully crafted, oversized steel doors that not only offer security and durability but also bring a sense of luxury residential design to the space. The natural patina of the steel gives the space a timeless quality, while the use of wood balances the design, ensuring it never feels too industrial. When it comes to installation costs, there are significant differences between three sets of swinging doors and one large sliding door panel. To open the entire 25’ loadbearing wall and install one panel of sliding door would require much more structural reinforcement, therefore the cost of installation would be much highter. Studio Omo opted for separate swinging panels- not only
more cost a effective option but also easier to operate and more elegant looking
The Installation Process:
Engineering, Permits, and
Execution
Steel doors installed to extend the living room into the landscape, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection in a residential renovation.
Opening up a load-bearing wall, especially one that supports a second story, is no small feat. It requires more than just knocking down the existing structure — it demands careful planning, precise engineering, and the right team to execute it.
In order to begin this part of the renovation, basic architectural plans are essential, accompanied by engineering drawings to ensure the structural integrity of the home is maintained. For city permits, the plans must meet California’s building codes, as removing or altering a load-bearing wall can affect the stability of the entire structure. When opening such a large wall, several stages of work are involved:
• Stucco chipping and demolition of the existing wall to prepare for removal.
• Reframing the opening to accommodate the new doors while ensuring the structure is properly
supported.
• Reinforcement of the framing to handle the load once the wall is removed, often including the addition of beams or other support materials.
This is where the expertise of Studio Omo comes into play. We work closely with contractors, framers, plumbers, and masonry workers to ensure every step of the installation is handled with care and precision. Have a look at the installation process here: Instagram
Once the structural changes are made and the steel doors are installed, we complete the finishing touches, which include any necessary masonry work and adjustments to the wall’s finish, ensuring that the doors not only function perfectly but also look like a natural part of the home’s architecture.
The finished product showcasing transformed back yard wall, flooding the room with natural light and sense of openness.
