Ent Area - Glass doors
A sliding door can be fully recessed into the framework so it completely disappears, maximising the space of the opening. They do not require a structural support within the opening, and the weight of the door is on the bottom track. Sliding glass doors can be framed or frameless to suit the style of the house. A sliding mechanism is ideal for large glass doors as the weight is fully supported on upper and lower tracks. Sliding glass doors are space-saving, as a large door can be used without needing to consider the space in front of or behind the door when it swings open. However, if it is sliding alongside a wall, be sure it is free of obstruction.
A series of pivot doors can be angled to direct or obstruct breezes. Pivot doors can generally be bigger and heavier than single doors or French doors, because the weight-bearing point is more centred and it supports two sides of the frame, rather than just one. Thus, the opening space can be wider than a single door. However, the open door will obstruct a portion of this. Because the pivot door sits across both sides of the structure when open, a clear space needs to be both in front of and behind the door – the width of this will depend on the position of the pivot.
This contemporary Melbourne home has bi-fold doors teamed with one hinged door (to the left), which enables movement in and out without fully opening the bi-fold system. Once opened, these bi-fold doors are also moveable along the sill track so they can stack to one or both sides of the opening. The team at Sketch Building Design say the reason they chose these frameless doors was mainly for their aesthetic value. “Due to the site being very small,” says a company representative, “it was important to ensure the connection with the rear yard was maintained to its fullest potential.”
Bi-fold doors can help create the illusion of a larger interior, as the wall opening does not have obstructive structural posts. Like single and French doors, they can open inwards or outwards depending on interior or exterior space. Bi-fold doors provide flexibility to be fully or partially opened. Additionally, one door panel can function as a single active door, being used for entries and exits without opening the entire door system. Be aware that most bi-fold doors are top hung, so structural supports will be required to withstand the weight.
Hinged doors can be framed or frameless and, as these two images demonstrate, each offer a very different look. The selection of door handle also contributes to the overall look and style of the door. Hinged doors can be used to maximise the space of a narrow opening, and are a good alternative when there is no allowance to install stacked or folding doors. However, do remember they will require a clear space in front of them equal to the width of the door. Hinged doors come in a variety of sizes, but the structural frame and hinges will need to be able to support the weight of the door when open. They can be teamed with security or fly screens to let the breeze in while keeping unwanted bugs – and people – out.
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