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"Just a guy who sells Real Estate and involved in some construction and property development. Our house has a sunken basement under our sunken living room, so I thought this was perfect for a Home Theatre. Being as the home theatre has a Hi-Tech kind of look to it, I wanted to make the entry door equally appealing."
For most guys, home decor isn't exactly on top of the "to do" list - unless it involves customizing that sacred (yet misunderstood) area known as "the Man Cave". Tim wanted a unique entrance to his home theatre room and, being a fan of science-fiction films, opted to convert a plain doorway into a futuristic portal. The switch-activated doors are painted to look like metal, with custom labels and lighting. The end result definitely creates a very cool (and maybe unsettling) atmosphere. Should we be watching our backs?
Excellent projet, Tim! Thanks for sharing it with us!
See it in actionhere
Q: What is it?
A: A set of homemade pocket doors that are operated using air pistons and related components, all bought from Princess Auto. After a fruitless search to find some cool Home Theatre doors, I decided to make my own, as an evening project, which got out of control. Between Christmas and New Year's, I usually have some down time, and use this time to undertake little projects to keep myself occupied. As I have owned several rental properties over the years, and have all of the tools to do most improvements and renovations, I figured that a fun project was in order. The theatre room was the first project, and I wanted a cool entryway as part of the experience. I have always been a bit of a sci-fi fan; the room itself is pretty hi-tech and futuristic with diffused LED lighting, so I was looking for the same in an entryway. The room is operational and wired for 7.2, though we only have 5.1 sound surround set up. I have to say I had more fun building this than the kids have using it. I scrounged some old PVC and ABS pipe from a client and built in some piping along with a ridge vent and some Eave Baffles (I insulated the attic better last fall) and they work well as props. We had some plywood laying around and it just sort of evolved from there, with a set of closet doors I had removed from another room. All of the walls are constructed with 3/4 and 5/8 plywood. Silver, blue and black paint was used; I was trying to simulate rusty metal, like on a derelict spaceship or space station...or an isolated zombie infested facility (I know, I know...I got carried away).
Q: What is the main power source for your project? (e.g. electric motor, gas engine etc.)
A: Air pistons operated by a small compressor. The compressor will kick after about 3 or 4 door openings and closings.
Q: How do you control your project? (e.g. hydraulic control valve(s), electric switches etc.)
A: I used pressure control valves, and an electric air switch module. The buttons are housed in a cheap toilet paper roll holder that seems to do the job, but it's shiny and fits in with the overall theme.
Q: What components are used to perform the work for your project? (e.g. hydraulic cylinder(s), hydraulic motor(s), sprockets, pulleys etc.)
A: I used a pocket door frame, air pistons, air lines, and small air flow valves, 12V electric switch wired to open/close push buttons. All on a 12V system, except for the air compressor. Some of the LEDS are from Princess Auto, only because I did not look there first. I have a separate 12V system set up for lighting.
Q: What design/build challenges were overcome?
A: The speed of the doors. After constructing it, I showed some friends some photos of the doors, and they all commented that "wouldn't it be cool if they were automatic with that Star Trek door sound". After completely dismissing the idea, I started thinking about it...then thought, "Why not stop by Princess Auto?", as I has bought hydraulic parts from them before. I showed one of the clerks the photos and a video of the manual doors and we went to the Air piston section, assembled some parts on his work bench, and... Voila! These doors are modular, and can be taken down and placed anywhere there is an 8 foot section of wall. I constructed a small mechanical area that is incorporated into the theatre room lobby area, (spaceship themed) with the appropriate props, ticket booth and such.
Q: If you had to build it again, what would you do differently?
A: Make a metal door frame. Currently I have push button operation, but I'm thinking about adding sensors. My wife really wants me to focus on the new basement bathroom...
Q: Which Princess Auto location do you visit most?
A: 34th Ave location in Edmonton, AB