What Are Pivot Doors? The Ultimate Guide to This Growing Trend
Pivot doors have become increasingly popular in modern architecture and interior design. These doors are unique in that they rotate vertically on a pivot box in the floor and the top jamb, rather than using traditional door side hinges. Pivot doors are ideal for large panels and have a cool contemporary vibe that can create unique opening architectures.
The hinges of pivot doors stand away from the edge of the door, allowing the weight of the door to be transferred vertically, as opposed to hanging off the side frame horizontally. This hinge placement accommodates large, heavy doors that may not work well with traditional hinged door setups.
Pivot doors can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and wood, and can be customized to fit the design aesthetic of any space.
Key Takeaways
- Pivot doors rotate vertically on a pivot box in the floor and the top jamb, rather than using traditional door side hinges.
- Pivot doors are ideal for large panels and have a cool contemporary vibe that can create unique opening architectures.
- Pivot doors can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and wood, and can be customized to fit the design aesthetic of any space.
Understanding Pivot Doors
Definition and Basic Function
A pivot door is a type of door that rotates on a pivot point instead of using traditional hinges. Pivot doors are commonly used in modern and contemporary architecture due to their unique design and functionality. Pivot doors can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, glass, and even concrete.
The basic function of a pivot door is to provide an opening and closing mechanism for a room or space. Pivot doors can be used for both interior and exterior applications and are often used in spaces where a traditional hinged door would not be practical due to size or weight restrictions.
Historical Origin
The origin of pivot doors can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. These cultures used pivot doors in temples and other important buildings. Pivot doors were also commonly used in medieval castles and fortifications. In modern times, pivot doors have become more popular due to advancements in technology and design.
Components of a Pivot Door
The main components of a pivot door are the top pivot, floor plate, and ceiling plate. The top pivot is located at the top of the door and is used to support the weight of the door as it rotates. The floor plate is located at the bottom of the door and is used to anchor the door in place. The ceiling plate is used to anchor the top pivot and provide additional support for the door.
In addition to these main components, pivot doors may also include additional features such as locking mechanisms, handles, and weather stripping. Pivot doors can also be customized to fit specific design requirements and can be made in various sizes and shapes.
Design and Aesthetics
Pivot doors are not only functional but also offer aesthetic appeal to any space. With their clean lines and modern design influence, they are a popular choice for contemporary architecture and interior design. In this section, we will discuss some of the design elements, material choices, and modern design influence that make pivot doors a popular choice.
Pivot Door Design Elements
Pivot doors are unique in their design elements. Unlike traditional hinged doors, pivot doors rotate on a spindle or vertical axis. This allows for a wider opening and a sleek, modern appearance. Pivot doors can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile option for any space.
Material Choices
Pivot doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and glass. Each material offers its own unique appearance and benefits. Wood pivot doors provide a warm and natural appearance, while steel pivot doors offer a sleek and modern look. Glass pivot doors provide a clean and minimalist appearance, allowing natural light to flow through the space.
Modern Design Influence
Pivot doors have gained popularity in modern design due to their clean lines and minimalist appearance. They offer a unique and contemporary look to any space, making them a popular choice for architects and interior designers. Pivot doors can be customized to fit any design aesthetic, from traditional to modern.
Types of Pivot Doors
Pivot doors come in a variety of types, each with its own unique design and function. In this section, we will explore the different types of pivot doors, including exterior and interior pivot doors, as well as specialized pivot doors.
Exterior vs Interior Pivot Doors
Exterior pivot doors are designed to provide a grand entrance to a home or building. They are often made of solid wood or glass and are larger in size than interior pivot doors. Exterior pivot doors are typically used as the main entrance to a home or building, and they can be designed to match the style and architecture of the building.
Interior pivot doors, on the other hand, are used to separate rooms within a home or building. They can be made of wood, glass, or other materials, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. Interior pivot doors can be designed to match the decor of a room, and they can be used to create a dramatic entrance or to provide privacy between rooms.
Specialized Pivot Doors
In addition to exterior and interior pivot doors, there are also specialized pivot doors that are designed for specific purposes. Glass pivot doors, for example, are a popular choice for modern homes and buildings. They provide a sleek and elegant look, and they allow natural light to flow through a space.
Double pivot doors are another specialized type of pivot door. They consist of two doors that pivot in opposite directions, creating a dramatic entrance to a room or space. Double pivot doors are often used in large homes and commercial buildings, where they can provide a grand entrance to a space.
Shower doors and closet doors can also be designed as pivot doors. Shower doors typically consist of a single glass panel that pivots on a hinge, while closet doors can be made of wood or glass and can pivot in either direction. Pivot shower doors are a popular choice for modern bathrooms, as they provide a sleek and minimalist look, while pivot closet doors can be used to create a unique and functional storage solution.
Mechanics and Movement
Hinge Mechanism and Placement
Pivot doors are unique in their design and mechanics. Unlike traditional hinged doors, the hinges of pivot doors are fixated on the top and bottom of the door, allowing the weight of the door to be transferred vertically, as opposed to hanging off the side frame horizontally. This hinge placement allows for a smoother and more stable operation of the door.
The pivot mechanism is mortised inside the bottom of the door, allowing it to pivot smoothly. The top pivot is also mortised inside the top of the door, and it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the door’s stability and balanced movement.
Swinging and Movement Patterns
Pivot doors rotate on a vertical axis, known as a spindle. This allows the door to swing both ways, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas. The spindle is fixed to the door and the floor, allowing for a smooth and stable rotation.
Double-acting pivot doors are another popular option, allowing the door to swing both ways without the need for a floor-mounted pivot. This is achieved through the use of pins, which are inserted into the top and bottom of the door and allow it to rotate freely.
The movement pattern of pivot doors is unique and adds to the overall aesthetic of the door. The swinging motion of pivot doors is smooth and effortless, making it a popular choice for modern and minimalist designs.
Installation and Customization
Installing a Pivot Door
Installing a pivot door can be a great way to add a modern and stylish touch to any space. The installation process can vary depending on the type of pivot door being installed. For example, a tail pivot door will require a mortised pivot, while a frameless pivot door will require a different type of pivot hardware.
To properly install a pivot door, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This may involve adjusting the damper to control how far the door will swing open, as well as marking pivot points on the floor and ceiling. It is also important to select the correct drill bit for the floor and determine the drilling depth.
When installing a pivot door, it is recommended to have the assistance of another person to help lift and place the door into the pivot hardware. This will ensure that the door is hung properly and securely.
Customization Options
One of the benefits of pivot doors is the ability to customize them to fit a specific space or design aesthetic. Pivot doors can be made in a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal, and can be tailored to fit a wide range of sizes and shapes.
In addition to material and size options, pivot doors can also be customized with various finishes and hardware options. For example, a hands-free option may be desirable for those with mobility issues, while a sleek and modern handle may be preferred for a more contemporary look.
Practical Considerations
Durability and Maintenance
When considering pivot doors, durability and maintenance are important practical considerations. Pivot doors can be made from a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, and glass. Each material has its own unique characteristics and maintenance requirements.
For example, wood pivot doors require regular maintenance to prevent warping and rotting. On the other hand, aluminum pivot doors are low maintenance and highly durable. They are resistant to corrosion, rust, and weathering, making them ideal for exterior use.
Regular maintenance of pivot doors is important to ensure their longevity and functionality. This includes checking for wear and tear, lubricating hinges and pivots, and cleaning the door surface.
Space and Size Requirements
Another practical consideration when it comes to pivot doors is the space and size requirements. Pivot doors are often used in grand entrances and exteriors, where they can make a bold statement. However, they require adequate space to operate, as they swing on a pivot point rather than a traditional hinge.
The size of pivot doors can also be a consideration, as they are often custom-made to fit specific spaces. Double pivot doors can be used for larger openings, while pivot wall configurations are ideal for patio spaces.
Pivot Doors in Architecture
Pivot doors have been used in architecture for decades, but they are now gaining popularity due to their unique design and functionality. Pivot doors come in different styles, sizes, and materials, which makes them a perfect fit for both residential and commercial buildings. In this section, we’ll explore the use of pivot doors in architecture, including influential projects and buildings and future trends.
Influential Projects and Buildings
Pivot doors have been used in several influential projects and buildings. One of the most notable examples is the Farnsworth House, designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1951. The house features a pivot door that opens up to the landscape, blurring the line between inside and outside.
Another influential project is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, designed by Frank Gehry. The concert hall features a large pivot door that serves as the main entrance. The door is made of stainless steel and weighs over 20 tons, making it one of the largest pivot doors in the world.
Future Trends in Pivot Doors
As pivot doors continue to gain popularity, designers and architects are exploring new ways to incorporate them into modern design.
One trend is to use pivot doors as entry doors for residential buildings. Pivot doors provide a grand entrance and can be customized to fit any design style.
Another trend is to use pivot doors as exterior doors for commercial buildings. Pivot doors provide a unique and eye-catching entrance that can help a building stand out from the rest.
As more architects and designers experiment with pivot doors, we can expect to see more innovative uses in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pivot door hinges are attached to the top and bottom of the door, rather than to the side. This allows the weight of the door to be evenly distributed and makes it possible for pivot doors to be much larger and heavier than standard doors.
Pivot door hinges also allow for a wider range of design options, as they can be hidden within the door or used as a decorative element.
One common disadvantage of installing pivot doors is that they can be more expensive than standard doors, due to the specialized hardware required.
Pivot doors can also be more difficult to install, especially if they are very large or heavy. Additionally, pivot doors may not be as energy-efficient as standard doors, as they may not seal as tightly.
When choosing hardware for pivot doors, it is important to consider the weight and size of the door, as well as the desired aesthetic.
Pivot door hardware can range from simple, minimalistic designs to more decorative options. It is also important to choose hardware that is durable and able to withstand the weight and movement of the door.
The dimensions of residential pivot doors can vary widely depending on the design and intended use. However, most pivot doors range from 7 to 12 feet in height and 3 to 6 feet in width.
It is important to consider the available space and desired aesthetic when choosing the dimensions of a pivot door.
The design of a pivot door can have a significant impact on its functionality. For example, doors with a wider pivot point may be easier to operate, while doors with a narrow pivot point may require more force to open and close.
Additionally, the materials used in the construction of the door can impact its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Pivot doors can be used for many different types of entryways, but there are some limitations to their use.
For example, pivot doors may not be suitable for areas with high wind loads. In such areas, they may be more prone to damage or failure. Additionally, pivot doors may not be suitable for areas with limited space. This is because they require a certain amount of clearance around the door to operate properly.
Hello, I’m Keith Jones. I’m the author and head of content here of door and window guide. I’ve been in the window and door industry for over 10 years in the UK and North America. I’ve had quite a few roles during my career mainly in Worldwide sales. I’m now semi retired so I thought I’d put my knowledge to good use educating people about all they might need to know about door and window related topics.
