Doors

When selecting doors, the following characteristics should be considered:

• Functionality:  Choose frame, leaf and hardware as appropriate to the function of the door and the use of the space to which the door is providing access.
• Durability: Doors in pupil accessible areas are subject to extensive wear and tear.  In order to be fit for purpose, the frame, door leaf and hardware need to be robust.
• Maintainability:  door hardware needs to be readily available, easy and economical to maintain.
• Minimum clear door openings are to be in compliance with building regulations, to enable easy access for wheelchair and trolley to all areas and  functional spaces used by students and staff. (Minimum 850mm clear). The clear door opening width is to be measured between the door and the frames and /or door hardware when the door is open.
• Consider safety when planning for doors opening onto circulation spaces.
• Threshold Steps are to be avoided in order to allow wheelchair and trolley access. Weather bars at thresholds are to have a maximum height of 3mm.
• Operable Walls (between general learning areas): require an Rw rating of 45 for all Schools and should have an acoustically absorbent surface lining, to improve room acoustics. Refer to Acoustics section of the design guide for further details.
• Accordion Doors are not recommended due to their poor acoustic performance.  
• Fire Rated Doors to be used where required by regulation for fire separation, such as store rooms to Communal Halls. Refer also to DG / MATERIALS AND FINISHES for general materials and finishes requirements.