Automatic Sliding Doors

Automatic sliding doors are ideal for buildings with limited space, allowing for improved accessibility without compromising on space or layout. Unlike automatic or manual swing doors, automatic sliding doors require no clearance space, making them perfect for main entrances, corridors, and high-footfall areas such as hospitals, retail units, and offices. This is particularly beneficial in urban developments where maximising all usable space is crucial.

At KCC we understand the regulatory demands on building designers to ensure delivery of compliant, safe and accessible buildings for all users. Automatic sliding doors form part of your building’s access strategy, facilitating barrier-free entry where required, and helping designers and building managers comply with Part M (Ireland) and Part R (Northern Ireland) of the Building Regulations, which mandate easy access for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Automatic sliding doors eliminate the need for manual door operation and can be integrated with touchless wave sensors for improved accessibility and hygiene. As per industry guidelines, clear opening width requirements (typically 800mm to 1000mm minimum) must be met, particularly in multiple-occupancy public buildings.

Automatic sliding doors can assist in maintaining energy efficient buildings. The use of double-glazed, thermally broken frames and integrated airlocks assist designers in maintaining internal temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. Automatic sliding doors enhance energy efficiency by minimizing air exchange, reducing heating and cooling costs, and improving insulation with tight seals and weather stripping. The integration of smart sensors optimize opening times, limiting unnecessary heat loss in winter and cool air loss in summer.

Automatic sliding doors can be integrated with access control systems such as keycard or fob entry, biometric readers, audio video intercoms, and remote monitoring. This is commonly seen in hospitals, airports, office buildings, private high-rise apartment developments, and even some retail stores where security and controlled entry are required. In Northern Ireland, compliance with PSA (Private Security Authority) regulations and BS EN 16005 safety standards is essential when integrating access-controlled automatic sliding doors into a building design.

In Ireland and Northern Ireland, automatic sliding doors must comply with BS EN 16005 & BS7036-0, which mandates obstacle detection sensors, anti-trap protection, and emergency breakout functionality to ensure the safety of all building users. Many automatic sliding door models will allow for manual override breakout panels, most commonly used is the connection from the sliding door operator to the fire alarm interface making sure the doors open on fire and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations for emergency egress. As part of the building’s fire strategy, Architects should specify failsafe battery backup and emergency exit routes in buildings with multiple occupants, particularly in hospitals, airports, and shopping centres.

Automatic sliding doors are available in frameless glass, powder-coated aluminium, timber finishes, and custom RAL colours, allowing integration into modern commercial spaces, heritage-listed buildings, and contemporary residential developments. For listed or historically significant properties, architects can specify discreet mechanisms, recessed tracks, and timber-effect finishes to maintain the historical character while enhancing functionality and ensuring compliance with all modern standards.