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EXTERNAL ENVELOPE
Airtightness contributes to energy effi ciency since air leakage around doors and at junctions can cause heat loss and draughts. Precision engineering can support a sliding door’s airtightness with tight manufacturing tolerances and high- performance seals. Weatherproofi ng is also linked to thermal performance. Wind load resistance affects how well a sliding door resists defl ection when subjected to heavy winds. Good wind resistance means preventing drafts and heat loss, as well as maintaining the sliding door’s structural integrity. Meanwhile, watertightness refers to how well the system prevents water ingress during heavy rainfall. Good airtightness, wind resistance and watertightness work together, contributing to the durability of the sliding door system and the building’s overall thermal effi ciency.
To achieve compliance with Passivhaus
requirements, design-stage decisions are critical
Integrating thermally effi cient sliding doors In Passivhaus design, energy performance is assessed across the entire building. Sliding doors are one part of the overall system, impacting thermal effi ciency, solar gain, airtightness and weather resistance.
TORMAX automation for historic entrance
As part of a refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Pitt Building, TORMAX UK partnered with IQ Glass to deliver advanced automation for the building’s new frameless glass draft lobby. Supplying an advanced iMotion 2202 operator to power the single internal sliding door, TORMAX helped create an accessible, energy-effi cient and reliable entrance solution that complements this prestigious heritage refurbishment. Designed and manufactured to exacting standards, the TORMAX range of iMotion operators offers exceptional whole-life value through reduced wear, low energy consumption and long operational life, making them an ideal choice for prestigious refurbishment projects where performance, sustainability and accessibility are equally important. Precise control of door movement, integrated safety monitoring and programmable operating parameters make the operator ideally suited to this key public access point. The sliding door system is tophung, with a discreet fl oor guide rail to maintain a clean threshold. The TORMAX iMotion 2202 operator is concealed within bespoke metal housings fi nished to complement the interior.
sales@tormax.co.uk Brett Martin’s polycarbonate panels
Brett Martin’s Marlon Clickfi x polycarbonate panels have been installed as part of the rebuilding of Hangar 2 at Manchester Airport, undertaken to accommodate
Jet2.com’s expanding aircraft fl eet. Made to order in 12m lengths, and with excellent light transmission as well as thermal performance, Marlon Clickfi x panels provided the ideal solution for the
hangar doors. Maximising the amount of natural light, the panels have played a fundamental role in creating ultimate conditions for vital maintenance work on the fl eet. Visit the website to fi nd out more about Brett Martin’s range of polycarbonate facade systems.
028 9084 9999
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To achieve compliance with Passivhaus requirements, design-stage decisions are critical. The size, position and specifi cations of sliding doors can affect window-to-wall ratios, daylighting and solar-gain strategies. If the right balance is achieved, large spans of glazing can contribute to passive heating in winter while minimising the risk of overheating in summer.
For optimal thermal performance, sliding doors must be integrated correctly within the thermal envelope, with careful attention to junction detailing and installation. With care, precision and planning, a sliding door system can support compliance with not only Building Regulations, but also Passivhaus targets.
Sliding doors and expansive glazing systems do not have to be a compromise in energy effi cient building design. When integrated into the complete thermal envelope, sliding doors can enhance energy performance and occupant comfort as well as achieving the thermal performance levels required for Passivhaus, without compromising on design or aesthetics.
Justin Spires is technical manager at Solarlux UK
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF SEPTEMBER 2026
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