How to specify an aluminium pivot door on an architectural project

To specify an aluminium pivot door, the architect needs to pin down seven things before asking for a quote: the opening and leaf sizes, the position of the pivot axis, the estimated weight, the type of pivot (floor-mounted or concealed in the floor), the approach to weathersealing and the threshold, the finish and the hardware. With these defined, the manufacturer can check technical feasibility and the fabricator or installer can prepare the site without surprises.

Below we go through each point, including the questions that tend to get left out of the specification.

What is a pivot door and when does it make sense?

On a pivot door the leaf turns on a vertical axis fixed at the floor and at the head, instead of swinging on hinges fixed to the jamb. The axis can be set in from the edge, which splits the leaf into two unequal parts when it opens.

It makes sense when the design calls for a large-format entrance, with a tall, wide leaf that reads as a single plane on the elevation. It is common on contemporary houses, at the entrances of residential buildings and in commercial spaces where the door is part of the building's identity.

It makes less sense in small openings, at entrances heavily exposed to rain with no shelter, or where clear opening width is critical, because the part of the leaf behind the axis takes up passage space.

Which dimensions matter?

Structural opening and finished opening

Give both. The manufacturer designs the leaf from the finished opening, but the fabricator needs the structural opening to plan frames, fixings and tolerances. Also give the finished floor level on both sides, because the threshold and the floor pivot depend on it.

Leaf height and width

Pivot doors depend on proportion. Very tall, narrow leaves are more prone to bowing; very wide leaves add weight and load on the pivot. The right size comes from balancing design, weight and stiffness, so it is good practice to send the drawing early and ask for confirmation before fixing the sizes in the project.

Axis position

The axis is usually placed far enough from the edge to give a useful clear opening and a comfortable swing. The further it sits from the edge, the more of the leaf swings into the passage. Define:

• the distance from the axis to the edge of the leaf;
• the opening direction (inward opening is the most common for entrances);
• whether there is a door stop or the door swings freely to 90 degrees.

Weight, stiffness and the effect of the sun

The pivot is chosen according to the weight of the leaf. An aluminium leaf with a full panel, an insulating core and cladding on both faces weighs a good deal more than it looks on the drawing, especially in large formats. Ask the manufacturer for the estimated weight and check that the specified pivot has headroom.

Leaf stiffness is the other issue. When the outer face is in the sun and the inner face is at room temperature, the two faces expand differently. On large leaves and in dark colours this can cause slight bowing for as long as the temperature difference lasts. Dark colours are still possible. In those cases it is worth:

• stating the orientation of the elevation in the quote request;
• asking how the leaf is reinforced internally;
• allowing for a canopy or recess where exposure is high.

Floor pivot, weathersealing and threshold

Type of pivot

Some systems use a box recessed into the floor, which needs a pocket in the slab or screed, and others use a simple pivot with no floor box, with or without integrated hydraulic closing. The difference has a direct impact on site: a pivot with a floor box has to be planned before the floor is finished. Talk to the fabricator and the main contractor at this stage, not at the end.

Weathersealing

A pivot door does not have the continuous rebate of a hinged door, so sealing relies on brushes and seals around the perimeter and on a well-detailed threshold. On elevations exposed to driving rain, a recessed entrance or a canopy does more for weathertightness than any seal.

Threshold and accessibility

Define whether the threshold is low or flush and whether the project has accessibility requirements. The choice affects the bottom seal and has to be coordinated with the internal and external floor finishes.

Finish, panel and hardware

Colour and finish

Powder-coated aluminium allows practically any colour on the RAL chart, as well as wood-effect finishes. Specify the RAL reference, the gloss level (matt, satin or gloss) and whether the door needs to match existing windows, because in that case you should send a sample or the exact batch reference.

Panel

The panel design defines how the door reads. The usual options are:

• a flush panel, for a clean plane;
• a grooved panel, with horizontal or vertical grooves that add rhythm and break down the scale;
• a glazed panel, to bring light into the hall;
• stainless steel details, such as full-height pull handles or inset lines.

Handle and lock

On pivot doors the handle is often a tall vertical pull bar. Define its height, position and material, and whether the lock is mechanical, multi-point or with electronic access control. The lock preparation must be included in the request, because it affects the inside of the leaf.

Specification checklist

• Plan and elevation of the opening, with structural and finished sizes.
• Finished floor level inside and outside.
• Opening direction and axis position.
• Type of pivot and whether it has hydraulic closing.
• Orientation and degree of exposure to rain.
• RAL colour and gloss level, or wood-effect finish.
• Panel design (flush, grooved, glazed, stainless steel).
• Handle, lock and any access control systems.
• Thermal and acoustic performance requirements, where they apply.

How we work with architects

Portancora manufactures bespoke aluminium entrance doors, including pivot doors and monobloc doors, with flush, grooved, glazed or stainless steel panels, powder coated in any RAL colour or with a wood-effect finish. We have been working for 25 years from the Zona Industrial da Gelfa in Âncora, and many of our projects come to us through architects and the fabricators who install the door.

If you want to see how a door would look on the elevation before finalising the design, try the door visualiser. To check the sizes, weight or finish of a specific project, get in touch.