Challenge
Custom Pivot Systems Integrated into a Minimal Envelope
The project required large-format pivot doors measuring approximately 11’ 7” × 5’ 4”, integrated directly into the surrounding minimal facade. At this scale, the door assemblies required careful coordination between the aluminum framing, oversized insulating glass, internal reinforcement, pivot hardware, closing hardware, threshold, and adjacent facade structure. The doors also required a fully open corner condition, meaning the conventional fixed corner framing had to be eliminated or substantially modified to allow the doors to open without creating a visually heavy transition.
Project
Facet House | Challenge Four
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Process
01
Trü developed the doors using a thermally broken Schüco ADS 75.SI Super Insulated system, customized for the project's dimensions and performance requirements.
02
The oversized glass units were selected and engineered to accommodate individual panel dimensions of 11’ 7 3/8” × 5’ 4 3/8”.
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03
The door profiles were further customized to achieve the project's fully open corner condition. At the corner, the pivot panels rotate completely clear of the opening without requiring a conventional fixed corner mullion.
04
At the floor, the pivot assembly was integrated into a DORMA BTS 80A floor closer system. The recessed floor assembly concealed the closer beneath the finished floor, eliminating exposed surface-mounted hardware and maintaining the clean appearance of the threshold.
Result
The completed pivot doors provide large-format operable openings while maintaining the minimal expression of the surrounding facade. The thermally broken Schüco ADS 75.SI system, oversized insulating glass, concealed reinforcement, and integrated pivot hardware accommodate the scale of the openings without visually heavy framing.
A fully open corner condition allows the facade to transition from a closed glass envelope to a substantially open connection with the exterior, bringing custom engineering, high-performance glazing, and specialized hardware together in one integrated system.
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