Living Luxe: For those who aren’t familiar with this type of door, what exactly are pivot doors and how do they work?
Edgar Sigal: Pivot doors differ from regular doors. With a regular hinged door, all the door’s weight basically hangs on its hinges and the door frame. Pivot doors don’t have hinges — instead, they have a spindle. Thanks to its spindle, a pivot door can easily carry much larger weights, which it disperses through the floor. Thus, using this mechanism, these doors can exceed overall size dimensions compared to traditional hinged doors. Grounded in the principles of modern architecture, a pivot door emphasizes clean lines and simple shapes.
LL: What type of material are they made from and are they best for interior or exterior doors?
ES: Interior pivot doors are often made of a single pane of clear or frosted glass, with many options for material choices, such as steel or wood. Exterior pivot doors, like a pivoting front door, have many material options to choose from. Most will have a solid frame for the mechanism but they can be almost entirely glass, if that’s what the homeowner chooses. Pivot doors can be made with aluminum, fibreglass or even carbon-fibre composite exteriors and can be smooth or textured or incorporate multiple elements and finishing options. They are best for achieving contemporary designs.
LL: What are the benefits of installing pivot doors instead of the traditional variety?
ES: The benefits are that they’re large, modern and visually stunning with great security and highly customizable options. They provide an uninterrupted outdoor view and have the smoothest operation comparable to traditional doors.
LL: What should clients know about pivot doors before deciding to go this route?
ES: These are high-end products that have specific applications. The opening preparation must be precise, and it is often recommended for new construction projects that have a contemporary flair.
LL: Please tell us about a recent pivot door you installed for a client — why did the homeowner choose it and why does it work so well in the home?
ES: A client came in with an inspirational picture for a front-entry door. None of the traditional doors could meet the expectations due to size limitations. We worked closely with the client and our research and development department, and we were able to meet all their initial expectations. The level of customization, the design elements and the woodgrain finish all played a critical role in delivering a unique and distinguished front door. The homeowners were impressed with the smooth operation and the security level that their new door provides comparable to traditional door systems.