This exclusive inner-city school required a method of separating one large open plan classroom into two smaller learning zones. For this 7-meter opening, CS Cavity Sliders collaborated with Azar Building and NBRS architects to get the design right.

The client’s challenge was to divide a large, shared learning space into separate classrooms. With so much of the wall space removed, some consideration needed to be given to providing a display surface to work with. Student safety and ease of use were also major considerations. The client was also very clear that no bottom tracks were to be fixed to the floor so that trip hazards could be eliminated and to maximise the aesthetic appeal. Pinching and jamming hazards also had to be mitigated.

The resulting design, a CS Overtaking cavity slider with NewYorker door system is an effective combination of products for this project, and a proven solution already established in many education projects. The doors slide back into the pocket when open, enabling a large clear area. When closed, the whiteboard doors can be used as a teaching tool, while the clear glass enables light to flow through the space.

Each door is 2280mm high x 3616mm wide and divided into three equal sections with vertical rails. The Alusealed pre-finished aluminium jambs are extremely strong, making them a great choice for commercial applications and architectural designs or where an over-height door solution is required. These jambs have been powder coated to match décor on site. The doors are linked using the CS Door Collection System providing a smooth and reliable operation when opening and closing – even at this large size.

With the inclusion of WhiteBoard panels in combination with traditional glass, the overtaking sliding door system creates a valuable tool in modern flexible education. The option of blackboard or pinboard panels is also available.

To eliminate pinch hazards the leading door maintains a small protrusion from the cavity, allowing for the large Madinoz pull handle. The door has been fitted with a CL100 Mortice Lock so it can be locked when required.

Designers, developers and builders are continually exploring options to meet the challenge of creating open areas in limited floorspace. The flexibility and practicality of cavity sliding doors achieve this with no risk to structural strength. The floor area is retained and flow throughout spaces is dynamically enhanced. The open feeling of space can be achieved using full-height sliding doors with no floor tracks.

CS Cavity Sliders products are manufactured from high-quality one-piece aluminum extrusions and timber or aluminum jambs. The original design has been continuously improved since 1986 and products can be infinitely configured to ensure the highest quality solution is supplied. All products are made to measure and can be specified using the CS Cavity Sliders branded work section from NATSPEC.