When kitchen designer/joiner Paul Stephen of Prime Interiors was approached to work on a high-end residential build in Plimmerton he noted the potential of the kitchen area. With its precious sea views, the owners wanted to ensure the space retained its light and airy feel. They were also keen on a high degree of integration, with no visible handles on door furniture plus the ability to screen off different zones.

To deliver an elegant yet multifunctional design in this relatively narrow space, Paul suggested REVEGO. This innovative pocket door system was about to be released in New Zealand, so Paul advised the client to opt for a pair of REVEGO duo double doors that open and close with one push.

We asked Paul to share his experience specifying and installing one of New Zealand’s first REVEGO pocket systems.

Paul, what made you suggest REVEGO?

“We’d seen REVEGO at an overseas show and this project provided the perfect opportunity to integrate a motor-less slide-in door solution with a handle-less design. We could see it working well with the sleek, dark aesthetic the client was seeking.”

What were the practical considerations?

“There wasn’t a lot of space, and the client really wanted a handleless look with the cabinetry. With REVEGO there’s no motor and the door pocket is integrated into the design. Then when it’s time to open or close off a space, one hand push is enough to release the door.

“The other thing we were concerned about was practicality during the installation phase. We’ve worked with other sliding door systems, and they can take a lot of work on site. REVEGO is supplied as a kit, so we wanted to find out whether it would be logical and simple to install.”

What design problems did REVEGO solve?

“We needed to avoid having extraneous components swinging out and cutting off the flow. So we specified REVEGO to screen off a bar space next to the pantry and baking area. The idea was to make different zones easy to access without cutting off views and adding complexity to the workflow.

“In a practical sense, we liked the fact that REVEGO is so easy to use. It doesn’t rely on motors — you can push the door with one finger and it moves in and out of the pocket space. It’s solid and substantial, so you can treat it as a mobile wall, but you don’t have to be a bodybuilder to operate it.”

How did you implement the design? Were there any issues that arose working with a pocket door system?

“It was extremely simple. We punched the dimensions into the Blum planning tool and imported the result into our programme. Then we sent it to a CNC machinist for cutting and the kit was delivered on-site as a pack with all the necessary elements. There were no hiccups whatsoever.”

“That said, we gave Blum Product Manager Claye McBride a call to say we wanted to use REVEGO. I ran the sizes past him, and he said, ‘That’ll work.’ Claye is a former cabinet maker himself, so it’s great to have his support at Blum.”

You mentioned the potential time on site installing a complete pocket door system. How did that work out?

“We installed the two kits straight out of the box. From start to finish it took less than four hours.

“We brought our apprentices along to watch and learn. After one of our experienced trade guys completed the first installation with the apprentices observing, they took over for the second door. There were no problems, no special tools, no special training, no cranes — and only one cut required.

“It was 10 times faster than we’ve experienced with comparable door systems.”

Now the job is completed, and I have to say it looks stunning. What do the owners say?

“They just love the design and the way it works. They said their vision has been delivered."

“You don’t often get feedback like that.”