When you walk into a hotel, airport, or office block, you’ve likely passed through a revolving door. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s the purpose of revolving doors? Are they purely for aesthetic appeal, or do they serve a practical purpose? The answer is both.
A revolving door is a brilliant blend of form and function. Offering a modern and elegant entrance, it also delivers multiple hidden benefits, from energy savings and noise reduction to enhanced accessibility and security.
In this blog, we’ll break down why so many architects, developers and property owners choose revolving doors for commercial and public buildings, and why you might consider one for yours.
1. Revolving doors are energy efficient, saving on HVAC
One of the most important benefits of a revolving door is its ability to conserve energy. Unlike traditional swing doors, a revolving door minimises the air exchange between the inside and outside of a building. It functions almost like an airlock, reducing the loss of heated or cooled air.
This makes a real impact on HVAC costs. Whether it’s the middle of winter or a hot summer’s day, maintaining your indoor climate becomes far more efficient with a revolving door at the entrance. Over time, the energy savings can be huge, making revolving doors not just a green solution but a cost-effective one too.
2. They manage high foot traffic efficiently
If you’ve ever entered a busy shopping centre or office building through a regular door, you’ll know how quickly congestion builds up. Traditional doors only allow one person in or out at a time, and queues form fast.
Revolving doors allow multiple people to move through simultaneously. A standard design supports up to four people entering or exiting at once, without slowing down the flow. This makes them ideal for:
- Airports
- Train stations
- Office buildings
- Hospitals
- Universities
By managing foot traffic more efficiently, they improve the experience for staff, visitors, and security teams. You can even opt for high capacity revolving doors for spaces with large traffic flow.
3. They block out street noise
City life comes with a lot of noise, from honking horns and sirens to large crowds. If your building is near a busy street, a revolving door can help. Thanks to their sealed design, revolving doors act as sound buffers. Even while rotating, they prevent outside noise from seeping in. Many are also made using soundproof glass, which adds another layer of insulation. This makes them great for:
- Hotel lobbies
- Corporate offices
- Healthcare facilities
- Libraries
Anywhere peace and quiet are valued, a revolving door makes a noticeable difference, and you can even keep a glass revolving door aesthetic if you want to look out onto the busy world outside.
4. They’re ideal climate control in cold regions
In cold areas of the UK, one of the biggest comfort complaints in buildings is cold air rushing in every time the door opens. A traditional door creates a direct path for chilly air to blow in and heated air to escape. Revolving doors take away this pain. Because the interior and exterior are never directly open to each other, cold air is effectively blocked. You maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even during heavy foot traffic.
This not only keeps people comfortable but also reduces the workload on your heating system. The added benefit? Lowered costs and extending the life of your HVAC equipment.
5. They offer enhanced security and access control
Security is a growing concern in both public and private buildings. Modern revolving door systems can be customised to include:
- Metal detectors
- Radiation sensors
- Locking mechanisms
- Entry ID systems
Transparent glass panels allow security staff to see who is entering and exiting the building. Some models can even lock automatically in the event of a threat.
This makes revolving doors a smart choice for banks, government buildings, airports, and corporate headquarters where security is a top priority.
6. They prevent slamming and wind damage
Strong winds can cause traditional doors to slam shut, sometimes damaging frames or even injuring people. Revolving doors move in a continuous circular motion, so there’s no possibility of slamming. This makes them safer and quieter. Whether it’s a stormy afternoon or a busy workday, your building stays calm and quiet. You can expect an even sturdier design with framed revolving doors.
7. They’re low maintenance and durable
Revolving doors are built to last. They’re constructed using toughened glass and heavy-duty mechanisms that resist wear and tear. So, whether you choose a manual revolving door or an automatic revolving door, neither will slam or swing meaning less strain on hinges, handles, and locks.
Routine cleaning and occasional mechanical servicing are usually all that’s needed. Over the years, this means fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs, something that will thrill your facility managers!
8. Accessibility for all users
Contrary to popular belief, revolving doors can be highly accessible. Wide compartments make them easy to use for people with:
- Wheelchairs
- Walking aids
- Crutches
- Visual impairments
There are no awkward handles, and the door’s movement is often automatic or user-assisted. Most modern solutions also include an adjacent accessible swing door for the best inclusivity option.
In compliance with accessibility regulations (such as the Equality Act in the UK), many revolving door systems are now fully ADA-compliant. Chat to us to discuss your entrance accessibility requirements.
9. Emergency exit capabilities
You might be wondering about how revolving doors fare in emergencies.
Many revolving doors are designed with quick-release features. In the event of a fire or evacuation, the panels can be folded or disengaged to create an open passage. Others are paired with side doors that meet all emergency exit requirements, making sure that your building is both efficient and safe. This is the perfect balance between access, safety and efficiency.
10. They have architectural appeal and customisation options
Let’s not overlook the visual impact of revolving doors.
A well-designed revolving door adds sophistication. Architects often use stainless steel, bronze, or even bespoke lighting to highlight these features. They can be built with two, three, or four wings, depending on space and need.
Customised, bespoke revolving doors are popular for hotels, museums, and high-end office buildings.
Transform your entrance with a revolving door
If your building sees high foot traffic or needs to manage climate, security, and accessibility effectively, a revolving door is worth considering.
It’s not just a door, it’s a smart, sustainable, and stylish solution that pays off over time. From improving energy efficiency to creating a visually appealing entrance, the revolving door is a great choice for many spaces.
Thinking of installing a revolving door? Partner with a trusted supplier who can customise a revolving door system to suit your building’s needs. Chat to our team today.
