Transforming Historical Buildings With Automatic Door Systems.
ADC Entrance Solutions Ltd
Maintenance & Installation Services of Automatic Doors & Window Systems.
How to Transform and Adapt Historical Buildings With Automatic Doors Without Compromising Original Features
Historical buildings have a wealth of cultural and architectural significance. From centuries-old stonework to intricate wood carvings, they are cherished treasures that tell the stories of bygone eras. However, as time marches forward, so do the needs of modern-day society.
One challenge faced by owners and caretakers of these buildings is adapting them to meet current standards, such as accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This is especially applicable when installing automatic doors.
Many older buildings were not originally designed with universal access in mind, and their traditional doors can pose significant barriers. But the good news is that transforming these buildings for the modern age is entirely possible without sacrificing their historical integrity. Let’s dive into how you can integrate automatic doors into historical structures while maintaining their character and ensuring accessibility for all.
Understanding the Challenges
Historical buildings were often built before disability access requirements were commonplace, so they may lack features such as ramps, wide doorways, or elevators. Traditional doors, especially those made of heavy wood or set in narrow door frames, can be difficult to open, creating an obstacle for those with mobility impairments.
Automatic doors, while convenient and essential for improving access, can sometimes be difficult to incorporate into the aesthetic of a historical space. With their sleek designs and modern functionality, automatic doors may clash with the period details of a building, making it seem as though the integrity of the original architecture is compromised.
So, how can we achieve the delicate balance of improving accessibility without diminishing the beauty and value of these historical sites? Here are a few ideas to consider.
Retaining the Original Aesthetic with Discreet Automatic Doors
One of the most significant concerns when retrofitting automatic doors in a historical building is ensuring that the change doesn’t overshadow the original architecture. Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate automatic doors while maintaining a building’s original charm.
For example, modern automatic door systems are now designed to be much less intrusive. Instead of being installed as a standalone unit that disrupts the existing frame, the mechanical components can be hidden behind the original door architrave or casing. This allows the traditional door itself to remain visible and preserved.
For some historical buildings, it may be possible to adapt existing doors to function automatically without having to replace or drastically modify them. This approach ensures that the original character of the building is maintained.
Retrofit kits are available that can convert traditional doors into automatic doors. These kits typically include a motor that is discreetly mounted to the top of the doorframe, with sensors that detect the approach of someone and open the door automatically. These systems are designed to be easily installed without altering the structure of the building, ensuring the door retains its traditional look.
In some cases, the door’s opening mechanism can be modified to allow for automatic operation. For instance, adding a power-assisted motor to a set of double doors, or retrofitting a manual swing door with automatic operators, can allow it to function automatically while still retaining its original design.
ADC can design a solution that can be used to create a subtle, minimal impact on the entrance and overall appearance of the premises. Custom profiles can be tailored for both high-demand and minimalist spaces, while profiles and colours can be designed upon request to ensure a defined frame that complements the building’s existing architecture.
Ongoing issues with access to historical buildings
Design today goes beyond simply allowing people to enter buildings; it’s about ensuring everyone can access all spaces. In 2004, new design and landscaping features were introduced to make the Tower of London, a World Heritage site, more accessible. With these historical buildings being designed in an era when disabled access wasn’t generally considered, they represented a “particularly problematic” environment for someone with a disability. Public buildings, especially those with historic architecture, must now be carefully upgraded to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring they are accessible to everyone.
The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) made it a legal requirement for building owners to ensure public buildings were accessible and equipped with the necessary facilities. “Nowhere Out of Bounds: Disability Access and Adaptation,” a section of Historic England’s website, highlights how accessibility has improved over time, offering examples of buildings and spaces designed with disability access in mind.
However, this can be a tricky area to navigate in historic spaces, as modifications to meet accessibility requirements can be a delicate process. The goal is to meet modern access needs without altering or damaging the heritage value of the building.
Consulting with Preservation Experts
To ensure that the adaptation process doesn’t compromise the historical value of a building, it is essential to consult with preservation experts. These specialists understand the architectural significance of historical buildings and can offer guidance on how to install automatic doors while respecting the integrity of the space.
Additionally, they can work with contractors who specialize in retrofitting historic buildings, ensuring that all changes comply with local preservation regulations and building codes. This collaboration can help strike the right balance between modern convenience and architectural preservation.
Focusing on Energy Efficiency
Modern automatic doors not only enhance accessibility but can also contribute to a building’s energy efficiency. In older buildings, heat loss through open doors can be a concern, especially if the original doors are not well-sealed. Automatic doors can help mitigate this by being fitted with energy-efficient seals and insulation, ensuring that the building’s climate control system works more effectively, all while remaining in line with the building’s aesthetic.
Conclusion
Adapting historical buildings to modern needs doesn’t have to come at the expense of their original charm. With careful planning, the right materials, and expert consultation, it is entirely possible to integrate automatic doors into a historical space in a way that preserves its beauty while also making it accessible to everyone.
By transforming historical buildings with automatic doors and using discreet retrofit solutions, we can create an inclusive environment for all visitors, regardless of physical ability, while keeping the unique features of historical buildings intact for generations to come. The transformation of these buildings doesn’t mean abandoning the past; it means giving them new life while respecting their heritage.
Contact:
0800 083 8630 for more information and speak to our installation team.