Curved Revolving Door - when Elegance Meets Functionality
As an alternative to revolving doors, curved automatic sliding doors represent an optimal method to combine efficiency with an appealing appearance at a building’s entrance.
Curved sliding door systems offer a variety of options, from fully circular doors containing a pair of external and internal doors supported by a polished drum creating an access vestibule, to a single door that follows the curvature of a facade to maintain a linear aesthetic. These maximize passage capacity with relatively unrestricted access for all building users.
Circular sliding doors create visually splendid entrances that ensure maximum opening, making them ideal for environments with high pedestrian traffic, especially during peak hours in commercial offices, luxury stores, shopping centers, hospitals, hotels, and leisure facilities.
Circular sliding door systems are inclusive, offering unrestricted and unobstructed access for all building users without the need for an additional access door. By connecting with a fire alarm system, they are suitable as a final evacuation point.
Standard operating systems used contain an integrated unit with a backup battery to ensure emergency operations in case of a power outage. Compared to a linear sliding door system, circular sliding doors have improved aerodynamic properties, detecting and dissipating wind pressure much more efficiently while reducing cold air infiltration. Additionally, they allow for the additional inclusion of a concealed warm air curtain.
Design Flexibility
Regarding circular and curved sliding doors, architects have many options, including concave or convex designs. This aspect gives designers greater freedom to customize using different degrees of curvature or radii to complement the building’s architecture. There is also a variety of finishes available. From finishes involving polyester powder coating with specific RALs to custom metallic finishes like polished stainless steel or custom cladding. Most requirements can be adapted, and it is preferable for those responsible for specifying such a solution to be involved in the design process as early as possible.
Operator Options
When light penetration is a priority, the buried operator represents the best option as it does not require a solid metal vault above the opening to house the operating system. This means it can be replaced with a more aesthetically pleasing glass roof. If a warm air curtain is needed, a heat source in the form of a vertical column should be considered.
When the operator is mounted above the leaves, a suspended operating system option allows a warm air curtain to be concealed in the operator’s roof, as well as a custom lighting system, or CCTV cameras, etc. Minimal space is required for a ring in the floor, under the system, making it more suitable for replacing existing doors or when there is limited floor depth.
Integration into Facades
Curved sliding doors can be integrated into multiple types of facades, including curtain wall systems and fully glass screens with appropriate connection to the facade.
Some manufacturers can offer custom sizes with diameters up to 6000 mm and passage heights up to 3500 mm with the possibility of incorporating an operator vault to increase the system’s height, enhancing architectural freedom. However, the wider the door system, the more attention must be paid to delivery, service, and maintenance, as well as access and impact on the interior climate.
Security
When building security is a priority, such as in financial institutions, data centers, or other secured institutions, enhanced security options are available. From physical security options like anti-theft glass and electromechanical locking to operational security in the form of ‘anti-piggy backing’ and ‘anti-tailgating’ technologies. There is also the possibility of adding access control with options such as iris or fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and coded card readers.
Ultimately, it depends on what you want from the building entrance. Curved doors are less complex, including in terms of design, extremely flexible, and can be used as evacuation routes. One thing is certain, by opting for a curved door, you will achieve the elegant yet functional entrance your building deserves.
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