Pivot doors and windows in Dubai
A pivot door turns on a point in the floor and head instead of hanging from side hinges, which allows a taller, wider and heavier leaf than an ordinary door and makes it a natural choice for a villa entrance.
Free site visit · Designed in 3D · One project manager
How a pivot door works
On a hinged door the whole weight of the leaf hangs from one side, which limits how big it can be before it starts to drop. A pivot door sits on a bearing set into the floor and is held at the top by a second pivot in the head of the frame. The load goes down into the floor rather than sideways into the wall, so the leaf can be much larger, and it turns smoothly with little effort. The pivot can be at the centre, giving two openings either side of the leaf, or offset towards one edge, which feels more like a normal door and leaves a wider walk-through. Many floor pivots include a closing mechanism that controls the speed of the door and can hold it open at set angles.
Types and uses
Front entrance doors
The most common use. A tall pivoting leaf gives a villa entrance scale and presence that a standard pair of doors does not.
Internal statement doors
Between an entrance hall and a majlis or living area, often glazed or in a wall-matching finish.
Hidden pivot doors
A leaf finished like the wall or panelling around it, so the opening is barely visible when closed.
Pivot windows
A window sash that rotates on a vertical or horizontal axis through its middle, so one half opens outwards and the other inwards. Both faces can be cleaned from inside.
Glazed pivot doors
A framed glass leaf for courtyards or between rooms where light should pass through.
What to plan for
Floor, threshold and weather
The floor pivot is set into the slab, so the floor build-up, screed and finished flooring are planned around it. On a renovation this usually means opening up and reinstating the floor at the doorway, which is why pivot doors are best decided early, together with the flooring. The head of the frame also has to be strong enough to restrain a heavy leaf.
A large external door in Dubai faces sun, dust and the occasional heavy rain. Sealing a pivot door is harder than sealing a hinged door because there are gaps on both sides of the pivot, so the seals and threshold are chosen carefully, and a canopy or recess over the entrance helps a lot. The finish of the leaf has to cope with direct sun; dark finishes on a south- or west-facing entrance absorb more heat. Locking is planned at the same time, since a large leaf needs multi-point locking rather than a single latch.
Pivot or the alternatives
- Pivot doorOne large leaf, strong visual impact, needs floor work and careful sealing.
- Hinged pairEasier to seal and fit into an existing opening, but less dramatic. See custom and wooden doors.
- Concealed doorWhen the aim is to hide the door rather than show it. See hidden doors.
- Sliding or foldingFor garden and terrace openings rather than entrances, sliding and folding doors are the usual choice.
How we deliver a pivot door
Project Study
We check the opening, the floor build-up, the head above the door and how exposed the entrance is.
Plan
Leaf size, pivot position, finish, locking, seals and the floor detail are agreed. Changes to an entrance facade can need approval, which we apply for.
Visualization
The entrance is modelled in 3D with the door open and closed, including lighting and the approach path.
Execution
Our team prepares the floor and frame, sets the pivot, hangs and adjusts the leaf, and reinstates flooring and finishes.
What changes the cost
Leaf size and weight, the leaf material and finish, glazing, the pivot and closing hardware, locking, how much floor and wall work is needed to fit it, and any changes to the entrance canopy, lighting or steps. We quote after the site visit.
Questions and answers
What is a pivot door?
Centre or offset pivot?
Can a pivot door be fitted in an existing villa?
Are pivot doors secure?
Do pivot doors seal well against dust?
What is a pivot window used for?
Is approval needed for a new entrance door?
Guides and ideas
Related services
Contact Us
Ready to bring
your vision to life?
Get in Touch
We appreciate your interest in OutMazed ® Design and would be delighted to assist you with your design requirements. Our team of professionals are committed to providing you with the highest standard of service and satisfaction possible.
Please feel free to contact us and let us know what you're interested in or looking for. We are here to assist you whether you need help with a new project, renovation, or just some design advice. Fill out the contact form below, and one of our staff will contact you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can also reach us via phone or email, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you. We encourage you to take the first step towards transforming your space with OutMazed ® Design by contacting us today.
