Matt Coffey Design specializes in doors and windows using traditional hand-forging techniques. Steel doors and windows represent the ultimate expression of industrial elegance in residential and commercial architecture. Replacing wood with metal instantly changes the acoustic profile, tactile w... Browse 18 portfolio pieces below.
Doors and Windows
Architectural steel entryways and fenestration solutions
What is Doors and Windows?
Steel doors and windows represent the ultimate expression of industrial elegance in residential and commercial architecture. Replacing wood with metal instantly changes the acoustic profile, tactile weight, and visual authority of an opening. Unlike aluminum alternatives that feel hollow and conduct heat, properly engineered steel fenestration provides thermal performance while maintaining incredibly narrow sightlines and substantial heft.
My door and window portfolio spans the spectrum from wine cellar gates to grand entryways, pivot doors to bi-fold systems. Each installation is engineered to house modern insulated glass while maintaining sightlines as narrow as 1.5 inches—impossible with wood frames. The steel itself becomes a design feature, available in finishes from raw industrial to sophisticated blackened surfaces, often complemented by hand-forged bronze hardware.
Why Doors and Windows Matters
Steel fenestration solves problems wood and aluminum cannot. Pivot doors weighing hundreds of pounds operate smoothly on precision-engineered hardware systems. Steel casement windows achieve larger glass areas with narrower frames than any alternative material. The thermal break technology in modern steel systems prevents condensation and energy loss while maintaining the aesthetic qualities that make steel desirable.
Security considerations make steel the material of choice for high-value installations. Vault-style doors for wine cellars, panic rooms, or secure storage areas rely on steel's inherent strength and the precision achievable through fabrication. Custom locking systems, multi-point hardware, and reinforced frames provide protection that decorative alternatives cannot match.
Acoustic performance distinguishes steel fenestration in urban or high-traffic environments. The mass of steel frames, combined with proper glazing selection, provides superior sound dampening compared to aluminum or vinyl. For lakefront homes facing wind exposure or commercial spaces requiring acoustic separation, steel delivers measurable performance benefits.
Materials & Finishes
Material selection depends on environment, aesthetic goals, and budget. Outdoor pieces require weather-resistant materials like Cor-Ten or stainless steel. Indoor work offers more flexibility with bronze, copper, and raw steel finishes.
Typical Use Cases
- Grand entry pivot doors
- Wine cellar gates and doors
- Steel casement and awning windows
- Interior barn and sliding doors
- French doors and bi-fold systems
- Vault-style security doors
- Industrial office partitions
- Custom garage doors
Material comparison for architectural entryways and fenestration
| Attribute | Steel | Wood/Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Extremely high; 50+ year lifespan | Moderate; requires ongoing maintenance |
| Thermal Performance | Excellent with thermal break systems | Good (wood) / Poor (aluminum conducts heat) |
| Sightlines | Very narrow (1.5–2 inches) | Wider (3–4+ inches required for structure) |
| Security | Maximum; inherent strength | Limited; can be forced or decayed |
| Maintenance | Minimal with proper finish | Regular refinishing required |
| Cost | Higher initial investment | Lower initial, higher lifetime cost |
Doors and Windows Portfolio
18 hand-forged pieces • Click any piece to view full details
Doors and Windows FAQs
Do custom steel doors rust?
When properly protected with zinc primer and baked-on powder coat finish, steel doors resist rust even in harsh Northern Michigan climates. For exterior applications, I specify marine-grade powder coats and proper drainage design that prevents water pooling in frames.
Are steel doors energy efficient?
Modern steel door systems incorporate thermal break technology—polymer separators between interior and exterior metal faces that prevent thermal bridging. Combined with insulated glass units, steel doors can achieve U-factors comparable to high-performance wood alternatives.
Can steel doors accommodate smart locks?
Yes. I engineer steel doors to accept standard smart lock hardware or create custom integrated locking solutions. Strike plates, bore holes, and mortise pockets are fabricated to match your selected hardware specifications.
How heavy are steel doors?
Weight varies dramatically based on size and construction. A standard 3x7 interior steel door might weigh 150–200 pounds. Grand entry pivot doors can exceed 500 pounds. All installations include properly sized hinges, pivots, or sliding hardware rated for the specific weight.
Do you handle glass installation?
For standard tempered or insulated glass units, I coordinate with local glass suppliers for installation. For specialty glass (low-iron, textured, or custom configurations), I can fabricate frames to accommodate glass you source separately.
Ready to start your doors and windows project?
Every piece in the gallery above started as a conversation. Bring your dimensions, sketches, or simply an idea of what you need. I'll help engineer the solution and forge it at the anvil in Traverse City.