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Bifold Doors Found in Ruins of Pompeii

Announcement posted by Doors By Nature 12 Nov 2014

Custom builder of timber bifold doors from Perth recaps history and usage of bifold doors on company blog.
Perth, WA, 12 November 2014 - Recently, a custom designer, builder and installer of timber bifold doors from Perth created an entertaining blog post about the history of bifold doors. The post cited ancient history of folding doors and traced their resurgence through the current era, where they have become a trendy item in many Perth households.

What is a Bifold Door?

A bifold door is any door that consists of one or more panels connected by hinges which allow them to fold together like an accordion. In a strict sense, a bifold door consists of three panels, thus creating two folds. However, in popular use, any door with panels and hinges may be referred to as a bifold door.

Bifold doors can be made of solid timber or solid timber with a “window” containing slats. They are often built with timber frames and glass bodies, especially those that are used as a transition between a home and the outdoors. The glass allows sunlight to enter the home while providing a view to the outdoors. The timber frame not only helps insulate, but also provides aesthetic and visual transition from natural surroundings to the indoors.

A Brief History of Bifold Doors

Folding doors were first mentioned in the Bible in the first Temple of Solomon. The original temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, in 589 BC. The first historically verified folding doors were in the rebuilt Temple of Solomon, built in the sixth century BC.

Folding doors were also mentioned in the first century BC as being in Rome at the hall of Eumachia, who was the Public Priestess of Venus. Eumachia may have gotten her inspiration from her time in Pompeii, when she was married into one of the more powerful families there. A folding door was found in the ruins of Pompeii, which was destroyed by a volcano and buried in lava in 79 BC.

The blog post traced the popularity of folding doors to the 19th century, when closets became more common in homes. The classic use of folding doors is for closets; it may still be the most popular use today.

Current Use of Timber Bifold Doors

In the current era, bifold doors are used for many purposes in the home. Besides still being used for closets, they are used as doors in bedrooms and bathrooms. They are also used in open floor plans or to create an extra room in many large rooms. Another popular use of timber bifold doors in Perth is as a way to seamlessly integrate a patio, deck or alfresco living area into a home.

According to Tish Thompson, the Office Administrator of Doors By Nature, it makes sense that bifold doors have such a long history:

“Bifold doors are perfect for so many uses. I’m not surprised that they have such a long history. Still, the folding door from Pompeii is an eye opener.”

Doors By Nature design, build and install custom timber bifold doors for Perth homes. They are specialists who work with timber doors only. For an obligation-free consult, reach them through phone on 1300 345 116 or check out their website: http://www.doorsbynature.com.au/.