Sliding Doors for Public Buildings

Create a welcoming first impression with sliding door systems designed for high-traffic public environments. From visitor centres and museums to tourist attractions and heritage sites, sliding doors provide smooth, safe and reliable access for every visitor.

Combining accessibility and modern aesthetics, sliding door systems help manage visitor flow while maintaining comfort, security and operational efficiency.

Why Sliding Doors are Used in Public Buildings

  • Improved Accessibility

    Provide wide, unobstructed openings that supports inclusivity and helps meet accessibility requirements. Help 
    improve access for wheelchair users, 
    pushchairs, mobility scooters and visitors carrying luggage or equipment.
  • Enhanced Visitor Experience

    Smooth and effortless operation creates a welcoming first impression while helping visitors move comfortably throughout the building.
  • Maximise Available Space

    Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding doors eliminate swing arcs, helping make the most of valuable floor space in receptions, exhibitions and public areas.
  • Improved Flow & Circulation

    Public buildings often experience peak visitor periods. Sliding doors help manage footfall efficiently, reducing congestion at entrance points and between internal spaces.
  • Flexible Space Planning

    Sliding door systems can be used to divide, open or adapt spaces, allowing venues to accommodate changing visitor numbers, exhibitions and events.

Typical Public Building Applications

  • Museums & Galleries

    Sliding door systems can help create accessible and flexible environments while complementing the visitor experience.

    Common applications include:

    • Exhibition galleries
    • Archive and storage areas
    • Education spaces
    • Visitor facilities
    • Staff offices
    • Conservation rooms
    • Café and retail areas
  • Visitor Centres

    Sliding doors create welcoming and practical access solutions for busy public-facing environments.

    Applications include:

    • Main entrances
    • Information points
    • Meeting rooms
    • Retail areas
    • Cafés and restaurants
    • Staff facilities
    • Public amenities
  • Zoos & Animal Enclousures 

    Designed to support safe, efficient movement for both visitors and staff while delivering durable performance in demanding zoological environments.

    Ideal for:

    • Visitor entrance and ticketing areas
    • Animal viewing galleries and observation spaces
    • Education and interpretation centres
    • Veterinary and treatment facilities
    • Keeper access areas
    • Animal houses and holding areas
    • Indoor and outdoor enclosure access points
    • Conservation and breeding facilities
    • Staff-only operational areas
    • Back-of-house service and maintenance zones

Case Studies

Project: Elephant House at Skandavale Monastery

Product: Straight Sliding 307

Location: Wales, UK

Project: Chesil Beach Visitor Centre

Product: Stainless Steel 301

Location: Dorset, UK

Contractors: NVB Architects & Door Controls Direct


Project: Shanghai Disneyland Park

Product: Straight Sliding 307

Location: Shanghai, China

Project: Fenix Museum

Product: Straight Sliding 305

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Why P C Henderson?

    Over 100 Years Experience

    Proud Members of Made in Britain

    10 Year Manufacturer Guarantee

    High Quality Products Tested to BS EN 1527 Standards

    Technical & Specification Support