Beginning a self-build project that would result in becoming neighbours Roger and Angie Stretton, and Martin and Sarah Smith, embarked on creating two modern, energy efficient family homes.  Seeking reliable, high quality ironmongery and interior door-sets, they specified Allgood to provide the ideal solution.

In 2015 Roger Stretton, an architect and one of the founders of the practice Berman Guedes Stretton, and Martin Smith joined together to bring to fruition their shared enthusiasm for contemporary, cutting edge, environmentally-friendly residential design. 

On an attractive, mature garden site near Dorchester in Dorset, two 2,100 sq ft detached, two-storey houses were designed around south facing courtyards with a one-and-a-half storey height living room. In addition, one house incorporates a double garage and the other a carport.

Acting as both architect and project manager, Roger lead the design and construction process for both properties. Supporting each other throughout the construction of both properties, Martin and Sarah's house was built first with Roger and Angie's house following later.


When designing the properties, environmentally responsible materials, products and processes were at the forefront of the specification.  To this end, incorporating renewable and innovative technologies, such as air-source heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation systems enable the buildings to be highly energy efficient.

Having previously used Allgood products, Roger recognised the brand for its quality and reliability, and consequently specified Allgood's Alite lever handles and Allgood door-sets for the project. He explains, "The new houses have a modern, minimalist design, so it was essential that the ironmongery and doors complemented this approach, Allgood's satin stainless steel Alite handles and bespoke factory finished doors met these requirements."

A cost-effective, well-designed range of ironmongery, Allgood's Alite offers a complete suite of products including lever handles, cylinder pulls and washroom furniture.

To complement the interior architecture of the buildings, twenty-six door-sets were supplied by Allgood to Roger's design, incorporating fully fabricated and finished flush doors with rebated frames to create a perimeter shadow gap.  An important design feature was a clear line of vision through each house along the main axis of the plan. To achieve this, four special, full-height glazed doors with glazed side panels were supplied. In addition, two 30 minute fire resisting doors were also specified to the plant-rooms.

Arriving on site, factory painted and with hinges and locks already fitted, the Allgood door-sets provide valuable savings in time, cost and waste as well as a higher quality finish.

Martin commented: "The doors and ironmongery are key components of the design and Allgood's response to the special requirements of this project have contributed to its success."

For more information, visit www.allgood.co.uk or follow @Allgood_plc on Twitter.