Best Pivot Door Contest 2024

Best Speciality Application Nominees

Designed by Juneau Architects
Manufactured by Steel Traditions
Hardware supplied by Bridgeport Worldwide

United States

Words by maker:
"This 3.65-meter-tall full round-top door is a remarkable architectural feature, incorporating a center pivot mechanism and a thermally broken design for superior energy efficiency. The door harmonizes structural elegance with functional innovation, perfectly complementing the arched architectural frame. Its sleek metal frame enhances the luxurious display of the backlit feature wall, showcasing an artistic arrangement of wine bottles set against a luminous stone backdrop.

The thermally broken technology ensures excellent insulation, making it ideal for temperature-controlled spaces, such as wine cellars, while preserving its striking aesthetic. The pivot mechanism enables smooth operation, highlighting the sophisticated craftsmanship behind the design. This door is not only an entrance but also a bold statement piece, elevating the atmosphere of the entire space."

Designed and manufactured by Trend Thermal Windows And Doors SDN BHD

Malaysia

Words by the maker:
"This awe-inspiring 7-meter-tall custom aluminum pivot door is a balanced combination of design and engineering, making a bold statement with its monumental scale and impeccable craftsmanship. Designed to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, the door is equipped with a state-of-the-art pivot mechanism that ensures smooth operation and remarkable durability, effortlessly accommodating its impressive height and weight.

The sleek black aluminum frame, paired with expansive glass panels, allows an abundance of natural light to fill the interior while maintaining optimal privacy and thermal insulation. The glass features advanced treatments for energy efficiency, ensuring comfort throughout the year. Its minimalist design is further accentuated by concealed hinges and custom-crafted wooden handles, adding warmth and a touch of natural elegance to its modern aesthetic.

This door is not merely a functional entryway but a striking architectural element that elevates the surrounding space. It exemplifies the perfect harmony of form and function, combining clean lines, cutting-edge technology, and premium materials to deliver a design that is both timeless and innovative. Whether closed or pivoted open, it transforms the atmosphere, bridging indoor sophistication with outdoor grandeur."

Designed by Sujiva Architects
Manufactured by Rangka Indah
Hardware supplied by Habitus Concept

Indonesia

Words by the architect:
"This project draws inspiration from the rich tradition of Chinese folding screens, incorporating both artistic and functional elements. The space features seven pivot doors and four additional doors, all crafted from Merbau wood and equipped with the FritsJurgens System M+ for smooth operation. The intricate wallpaper inlays on each door reflect the storytelling found in ancient Chinese screens, adding depth to the oriental design concept.

Much like the historical Chinese folding screens, which were both practical dividers and decorative art, these doors serve as functional partitions while enhancing the room’s aesthetic. The luxurious Merbau wood and detailed craftsmanship echo the opulence of the Coromandel Screens, blending traditional design with modern architectural elements. These doors stand as both art pieces and architectural features, seamlessly combining history and innovation."

Designed by Lukas Imhof Architektur
Manufactured by Hechelmann Schreinerei
Photographed by Hannes Heinzer Photography

Switzerland

Words by the architect:
"A part of a larger continuous space in a loft-style apartment is designed to function temporarily as a studio and workspace, but can easily transition back into the open space continuum when not in use.

This flexibility is achieved through a series of 10 doors comprising 12 panels, allowing the space to be opened or closed as needed. On the studio side, the panels are clad in walnut, while on the living area side, they are either mirrored or painted green. All panels are operable in both directions, offering maximum adaptability. Additionally, a bookshelf is encased with six movable walnut panels, which can be fully folded away and stored as desired.

When the space is closed, it transforms into a cozy, intimate environment characterized by walnut finishes, vibrant colors, and carefully curated lighting. Externally, it becomes a mirrored box with a striking green double-door entrance.

When the space is opened, it creates a kaleidoscopic effect reminiscent of a hall of mirrors, fragmenting the room and establishing new visual relationships. The reflections create a sense of disorientation, as individuals moving through the space appear and reappear as mirrored or double-mirrored fragments. Walnut wood, mirrors, color, light, and the existing concrete elements interact and overlap, creating a dynamic visual interplay.

Between fully open and fully closed, countless configurations are possible. The space unfolds, transforms, and closes again—each time in a new and surprising way, offering endless possibilities for spatial interaction and expression."

Designed and manufactured by Studio Make LLC
Hardware supplied by Bridgeport Worldwide
Photographed by Provisuals Media

United States

Words by the architect:
"I designed this piece for a luxury vacation rental in Scottsdale, Arizona, called The Brexley. Known for its unique and elegant design, my creation needed to reflect the same level of sophistication. Using randomized diameters, lengths, and patterns of steel pipes, I crafted a textural masterpiece consisting of approximately 8,000 individual parts, each hand-cut, beveled, and brushed. Inspired by the desert's mysticism, the design echoes Arizona’s natural textures, particularly the thorny patterns of cacti, and creates dramatic shadow effects when illuminated at night.

Given The Brexley’s status as a work of art, the door had to harmonize with its flow and structure while also standing as a unique statement piece. I ensured a universal reveal by using the precise gap measurements from the FritsJurgens System 1 Hinge, creating a floating effect for the door. Weighing approximately 450 kilograms, the door required a highly durable and adjustable hinge system, and FritsJurgens System 1 was the only one that met the demands of both form and function. Its stainless-steel construction has performed flawlessly in Arizona’s challenging outdoor conditions, maintaining smooth and elegant operation.

The handle is crafted from a 20 mm diameter steel rod housed within a 200 mm diameter steel pipe with 6 mm thick walls. To address Arizona’s extreme heat, the handle was wrapped in custom, hand-stitched leather, ensuring it remains cool and comfortable to the touch year-round.

This project has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding of my career. Creating and controlling the randomized patterns required immense dedication, patience, and precision. The framework, made of 10 mm by 75 mm thick steel plates, incorporates over 1.6 kilometers of steel pipe and approximately 50,000 welds. Completing the door and wall section took five weeks of focused work to perfect the patterns.

The result is a functional piece of art built to last for decades with minimal maintenance. The play of light through the intricate design creates an experience that feels almost ethereal—like stepping inside a bottle of freshly corked champagne. This labor of love represents a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, artistry, and engineering, embodying both the beauty of the desert and the innovative spirit of modern design."