Exterior pivot doors as design statement

In the world of architectural design, the entrance of a building is more than just a gateway; it forms a statement of intent. It should reflect the ingenuity of what lies inside while also serving as an open invitation to the world outside. This is likely why pivot doors have increasingly become the preferred choice for exterior entrances, especially in the United States.

Nearly 80% of pivot doors in the USA are used as exterior entrances. In Europe, the trend is reversed, with 80% of pivot doors being used indoors. Given these differences, it’s a good time to highlight some of the reasons why pivot doors are an excellent choice for exterior purposes.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind choosing pivot doors for exterior entrances. We will draw from their historical significance and highlight their unmatched mechanics and inherent safety. Our goal is to demonstrate that pivot doors are not only a viable option but a superior one for exterior doorways.

A brief history

Before we dive into the many advantages of the pivot door as an exterior doorway, we will first dive into a bit of history. Just to get a clearer and better view of where we are coming from and give some background, so to speak.

The narrative of pivot doors is as old as civilization itself. Many grand entrances of ancient temples pivoted on massive stone sockets, epitomizing both strength and ingenuity. We see many examples of those in a wide array of civilizations and applications. One thing they all have in common and that is that the visual impact is dumbfounding as well as overwhelming. To summarize, if you want to make an impression, an exterior pivot door is the way to go. That was true then as much as it is true now.

Because nowadays, pivot doors evoke the same sense of awe and wonder. They transform a simple act of entry into an overall experience. An experience that enriches every crossing of the threshold with a sense of occasion and significance. You do not merely enter of leave a building; you slide into and out of another world.

Visual impact at first glance

As we all know, first impressions count. In fact, we often base our entire judgment and belief system on them. Making a first impression that packs a positive punch is, therefore, not to be underestimated.

Exterior pivot doors create an impactful visual statement from the get-go, partly because of their expansive surfaces. Traditional hinges are not apt to support such broad and tall doors. Pivot doors are designed to allow for these larger dimensions, making them ideal for creating a striking entrance.

Since exterior doors are the first point of physical interaction with a space, it is impressive when that interaction turns heads and raises eyebrows. With an exterior pivot door, every first encounter becomes an unforgettable one.

Besides offering architects and designers a canvas for limitless creativity, pivot doors also provide the owner with a way to leave an indelible impression from the moment people arrive. Whether it's bold, oversized wood panels or elegant, frosted glass that whispers of the space within, pivot doors epitomize aesthetic flexibility. The impact is immediate and insurmountable. If you want a door that welcomes you and your visitors with inimitable open arms, the exterior pivot door is the way to go.

The engineering

The true genius of exterior pivot doors—and this applies to interior pivot doors as well—lies in the engineering of the hinges. Unlike traditional doors that hang from side hinges, pivot doors rotate on a set of precisely engineered pins located at the top and bottom of the door. These pins allow the weight to be distributed evenly across the door's axis, supporting larger, heavier doors with grace and ease while ensuring a movement that is unlike anything else. This movement feels both luxurious and safe, as well as welcoming and unique.

Another significant advantage of the exterior pivot door mechanism is the opportunity it provides for using materials and designs that were once deemed too heavy or unwieldy, especially with regular hinges. With the right pivot systems, this is a thing of the past. Nowadays, a 400 kg marble door measuring 10 meters high, and 4 meters wide becomes a viable option.

However, it’s important to remember that there are many different qualities of pivot hinges, and not all of them are suitable for carrying very heavy doors. Be sure to choose pivot hinges that come with a lifetime guarantee, can carry the weight, and are maintenance-free. We are honored to help you in any way possible.

Protection from outside

Exterior pivot doors form a visually stunning yet functionally adept shield against the challenges nature recently bestows upon us, holding their own in the face of increasingly volatile elements. This is because they can accommodate heavier, more insulating materials that contribute to energy-efficient sealing while keeping whatever mother nature throws at us outside.

The precision of their closure creates a seal that wards off wind, rain, and even sound, maintaining the sanctity of the indoors with superior insulation properties. This means no leakages, no drafts, and no harm. It ensures you can enjoy your home or office the way it is supposed to be enjoyed, with sounds emanating only from within.

Safe inside

Security for your home and family is paramount to living comfortably, and exterior pivot doors rise to the challenge. The concealed pivot boxes make the door's mechanics accessible only from the inside, thwarting any potential for external tampering and, therefore, danger.

Traditional exterior doors tend to sag over time, creating gaps that may be exploited to gain entry. Exterior pivot doors, supported at the top and bottom, are less likely to sag due to the even distribution of weight, maintaining their integrity and security over time.

Moreover, the solid construction and the option for advanced locking systems lend these doors a fortitude that is as much about peace of mind as it is about aesthetics. Accessories such as the Flush system, which uses strong magnets to align and secure the door perfectly with the adjacent wall, contribute to the door's stability and security.

Ultimately, ensuring everyone's safety is always the logical decision when considering an exterior pivot door.

An exterior pivot door reads superior

Exterior pivot doors are not just an alternative to traditional exterior doors; they represent a revolution in the ordinary building entrance. Combining history, functionality, aesthetics, and innovation, they forge a solution that resonates unmatched, both emotionally and rationally.

They define unparalleled aesthetics while keeping you safe from both the elements and harm. In the modern architectural landscape, where each element strives to become a testament to design, the exterior pivot door offers a versatile, powerful, and elegant solution.

A building's entrance should be a prelude to what is within. An exterior pivot door ensures that this prelude is as memorable as the spaces it precedes. From their majestic size and robust engineering to the elegant simplicity of their movement, pivot doors are not merely gateways; they are experiences, transitions, and statements. They capture the essence of architectural intent and present it with a finesse that lingers long after.

In the quest for the ultimate exterior door, the search culminates at the pivot door. It offers a choice that is as profound in its functionality as it is in its form. As we consider the future of constructive design, the exterior pivot door stands as a pinnacle of ingenuity, a force that drives us forward while embodying the principles that define the shape of tomorrow. And they actively help keep you and your loved ones safe.