Like the first line of a novel or the opening of a film, the design of a threshold sets the theme and draws you in, according to Sam Jacob, one of the speakers at Making an Entrance: fresh thinking in threshold design, an Architects Journal webinar. Supported by INTRAsystems, the event took in everything from the wider concept of the threshold to the details of specifying entrance matting.Speakers presented case studies that explored these important gateway spaces. Jacob kicked off proceedings with a lively presentation that referenced Daphne Du Maurier and the work of Saul Bass, as well as work by his own studio. For Jacob, the entrance is a really important place where you move from one world into another world. He clearly seizes the opportunities this presents with gusto, such as the utilisation of Somerset Houses architecture for the exhibition The Horror Show! with an archway appropriated to evoke a gaping mouth to dramatise the moment of crossing the threshold.For a new threshold at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the practice sought to make an entrance that talked about the values of the V&A, said Jacob. This included a new glass entrance door and ceramics in the toilets in reference to the museums glass and ceramics collections respectively. The ceramics included terrazzo made from crushed, discarded Jasperware a nod to the museums strong connection to Wedgwood and digitally printed tiles using figures from the ceramics collection. The result, said Jacob, achieves a kind of cultural resonance even in the most functional parts of the V&A.AdvertisementMorrow + Lorraines reworked and extended entrance to Alder Castle, part of a Cat A refurbishment of the eight-storey, 1990s office building, presented the practice with many challenges. The building overlooks the London Wall a scheduled monument and is close to the Grade I-listed St Anne & St Agnes church in the City of London. As well as improving the entrance, the practice addressed the underwhelming approach via a bridge over the Wall and adjacent public realm.The resulting design, presented by associate Sarah Matheou and architect Radostina Stoyanova, was an opportunity to create something very meaningful and remarkable, said Stoyanova. As part of the extension, the massing is brought forward to the bridge midpoint with a single-storey canopy that both marks the entrance and amplifies the contrasting spacious volume of the new reception beyond. Care was taken to follow the existing strong datum lines and to create a more delicate transition with the immediate environs, with an information point halfway across the bridge, and improved landscaping.We wanted it to look as if it had always been embedded within the fabric of the existing building, said Matheou.The Part M challenge of navigating the level changes to the gardens was a particular issue. The final design provides a 1:21 slope, and outward opening automatic opening doors.Joanna Warda, a senior interior designer at tp bennett, presented the practices ongoing 7,500m2 refurbishment of The Langfield, which will transform two end-of-life commercial offices close to Victoria Station. The retrofit will move the entrance to the left of the building down a wide portal and walkway to enable the practice to activate the whole frontage of the building, and allow us to create a pocket garden, says Warda. In combination with a public caf and distinctive walkway soffit, this will increase the buildings presence and public offering.Advertisementtp bennett plans to retain as much structure as possible, with the exception of a part of the faade that has been condemned. Warda talked about the practices use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to inform its specifications, along with its ADLib specification resource, which enable it to fully understand a products environmental, health and social impacts. She recommended asking hard questions and getting familiar with EPD terminology. The plan is for ADLib to become an open source platform later this year.Aaron Dixon, specification consultant at INTRAsystems, set out some of the practicalities of specifying entrance matting which, he says, plays a crucial role in keeping an entrance safe and tidy. This is generally used in three zones external matting, primary internal matting and secondary walk-off area. In terms of amount, while British Standard and WELL standards are 2.1m and 3m respectively, INTRAsystems rule of thumb is 4m, with matting depths up to a maximum of 21mm. Environmental performance is increasingly relevant Dixon has noticed that design teams now want to see EPDs for entrance matting, which the manufacturer has for all its products.He set out the circular credentials of the INTRAform DM ecoSwitch product, which has a replaceable insert system that avoids replacing the aluminium profile system. As well as its practical functions, matting can also contribute to the wider design aesthetic, whether through the use of different colours or configuration, such as chevron patterns. This can give a much more dynamic, creative look and feel to an entrance, he said. Different shapes are also available in the INTRAshape range.While thresholds clearly offer great creative potential, they also present plenty of technical challenges. Jacob talked about their very demanding nature and the logistical difficulty of incorporating necessary equipment and cabling without it becoming a total mess.Achieving certifications for bespoke elements was also challenging. Working with existing buildings can present extra difficulties, especially for Part M compliance. Dixon identified the challenges of weather draught lobbies are a big help in counteracting cold air. And on a maintenance level, as entrance matting is designed to collect dirt, its important that clients understand that it will need regular cleaning.The panelAaron Dixon specification consultant, INTRAsystemsSam Jacob founder, Sam Jacob StudioSarah Matheou associate, Morrow + LorraineRadostina Stoyanova architect, Morrow + LorraineJoanna Warda senior interior designer, tp bennettHattie Hartman (chair) sustainability editor, The Architects Journal