Architect’s view: Hotel Occidental
Advantages of installing automatic sliding doors in a hotel
At the heart of Ljubljana in Šumi center, a new Hotel Occidental is located. It shows exceptional functionality and modern design with innovative use of various materials. We asked architect Gorazd Groleger from the STUDIOO3DESIGN bureau about his vision and how Doorson automatic sliding doors helped him to realize his ideas (standard doors 300 and 300 T were installed in the hotel).
From our conversation, we also identified 5 key advantages of installing automatic sliding doors in hotel facilities, both for project developers and end users.
01 ESTHETICS and DESIGN
“Automatic sliding doors make a significant contribution to the high-quality image of the hotel space with their modern look, smooth integration and the possibility of using different materials. The use of glass, wood, metal or mirrors allows the doors to be customized to the general design theme of the hotel, which improves the overall visual effect and offers guests a pleasant, esthetically appealing experience,” emphasizes Gorazd.
Particularly interesting is the architect’s choice of a combination of wooden panel with integrated round windows in the door leaves that separate the dining area and the kitchen.
“The use of wooden panel maintains esthetic harmony and a pleasant visual effect,” adds Gorazd.
02 COMFORT and USER EXPERIENCE
“The use of automatic sliding doors affects the functionality, usability and esthetics of the hotel space. Comfort and user experience shape the overall image of the space. Thoughtfully designed doors allow easy access for guests, especially those with a lot of luggage, strollers or wheelchairs,” Gorazd sums up.
An additional advantage is touchless opening, which is more than welcome in all public facilities. This ensures hygienic standards and better flow.
Let’s take another closer look at the automatic sliding door at the entrance to the kitchen. Their installation at this specific place enables a significant space optimization.
“Touchless opening reduces the risk of food and surfaces contamination, which is crucial for maintaining safety and hygiene. Kitchen staff can effortlessly move between the kitchen and the dining room, even when carrying trays of food or drinks. This improves work efficiency and reduces stress level of the staff,” emphasizes Gorazd.
In several places in the building, it can be seen that the door drive is invisible and hidden in the ceiling. This is how Gorazd explained his reasons for choosing this type of system assembly: “The hidden drive ensures a clean and elegant appearance, optimal use of space and quiet operation … When the drive is hidden, the door blends in completely with its surroundings, without visible technical elements. By doing so, better harmony with the interior design of the hotel is granted.”
03 ENERGY-EFFICIENCY
Due to their fast opening and closing, automatic sliding doors are one of the many energy-efficient elements of Hotel Occidental. They reduce heat loss in the colder months and prevent heat from entering the building on warm days.
04 SAFETY
The security features of automatic sliding doors are shown in two aspects: access control, which can also be integrated with a security system, and the right reaction of the door to emergency situations.
“The automatic doors are equipped with security systems that enable better control over who enters which parts of the hotel. In emergency, the automatic doors can be opened quickly and efficiently, which enables a faster evacuation of guests and staff,” Gorazd explains.
The doors at the main entrance are redundant, meaning that in case of the power outage or emergency, they open and remain so, enabling a safe emergency exit.
05 DURABILITY and MAINTENANCE
The long-life cycle of automatic sliding doors and their easy maintenance are also significant. In Gorazd’s opinion, these essential advantages reflect themselves in different ways:
“Automatic doors are designed for intensive use and have a long life, which reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. Since there are no handles or complex mechanisms, automatic doors are easier to clean, which helps to maintain better hygiene.”
To conclude, here’s Gorazd’s closing remark, which summarizes the ways in which automatic sliding doors contribute to the exclusivity and sophisticated functionality of the building.
“This automatic doors project is an example of the successful integration of functionality, esthetics and innovative technologies. Careful planning and installation of these doors not only improve the guest’s user experience, but also contribute to the energy efficiency, security and accessibility of the hotel. These features reflect the hotel’s commitment to excellence, which sets high standards for the future projects.”
Picture gallery
Products used
Read more about our solutions in this project