• Limited Space Flexibility
  • Traditional walls or fixed partitions restrict how classrooms and libraries can be used.
  • Schools need spaces that can quickly shift for different functions
• Noise and Distractions
  • Open-plan layouts often create excessive noise, making it hard for children to focus.
• Accessibility and Compliance
  • Learning environments must be inclusive, ensuring doors, partitions, and bathrooms meet accessibility standards.
  • Many partitioning systems overlook ADA/accessible lock options.
• Durability and Maintenance
  • Educational spaces need solutions that withstand heavy daily use.
  • Lightweight, flimsy partitions often wear down quickly.
• Aesthetic Integration
  • Educators want multipurpose spaces that are not only functional but visually cohesive with the rest of the school design.
  • Many movable partitions look bulky or too industrial.

At Maungaraki School Library, flexibility and accessibility were top priorities.

From the early planning stages, CS Cavity Sliders worked closely with the school, its architects, and the construction crew to understand how the library would be used day-to-day. Teachers wanted the ability to quickly section off areas for group learning, quiet study, or community gatherings. At the same time, the school required a system that was intuitive and accessible for staff and students of all ages to use.

To meet these needs, CS Cavity Sliders customized a large door collection system with a top mount track triple track system (known as the overtaking door system in the NZ and AU) using robust cedar doors with frosted glass panels. This solution allowed the doors to smoothly overlap and stack into one pocket, giving staff the option to open the space for large gatherings or close it down for smaller, quieter zones.

For schools, where multipurpose spaces are a necessity, the door collection system/overtaking door system is a game-changer. It combines the flexibility of a room divider with the robustness of a permanent wall, offering educators the freedom to adapt the space in seconds without sacrificing design or durability.

The result is a seamless combination of form and function: when open, the doors disappear into the pockets, creating a wide, welcoming space. When closed, the sheer scale of the doors provided a sense of grandeur and privacy. The frosted glass panel glazing also increases privacy.

Accessibility was also a key part of the project. CS Cavity Sliders incorporated CL100 ADA-compliant locks for the library’s bathrooms, ensuring every student, teacher, and visitor could comfortably and confidently use the facilities. The locks were chosen not only for their compliance but also for their sleek, durable design that complements the overall modern look of the space.

By collaborating closely with the school and the builder, CS Cavity Sliders ensured that every detail—from door configuration to accessibility hardware—was carefully considered and tailored to the school’s unique needs. The result is a library space that isn’t just multipurpose—it’s adaptable, inclusive, and built to serve the community for years to come.

The combination of the door collection system/overtaking doors and accessible locks at Maungaraki School Library illustrates how sliding door systems can solve common challenges in educational spaces. Schools often face:

• The need to maximize space efficiency
• Growing demand for multipurpose rooms that support varied activities
• Requirements for safe, durable, and long-lasting hardware
• A strong emphasis on inclusive design

Sliding door partitions offer a solution to all these needs. Unlike folding doors or movable walls, door collection systems operate quietly, look refined, and require minimal maintenance. They are particularly well-suited for libraries, where balancing quiet study with flexible space use is key.

Some of the ways CS Cavity Sliders customized the door collection system / overtaking doors system included:

• Engineering Oversized Overtaking Doors: The library required large triple overtaking doors with a cedar finish that could glide smoothly while maintaining structural stability. CS designed a system that could handle the weight and size of these doors, while still ensuring seamless operation.
• Perfect Finishing Lines: In education spaces, details matter. When the doors are open, the pockets are completely flush and visually clean—no rough edges or misaligned trims.
• Custom panel configuration and glazing: The extra-large doors are finished with cedar jamb details and frosted glass panels. The wood trim adds warmth and creates an inviting environment for the students, while the frosted glass creates the perfect balance of visibility and privacy.
• Accessibility Integration: CS incorporated the CL100 ADA LaviLock to meet accessibility requirements for the bathrooms. This ensured that the library wasn’t just functional and flexible, but also inclusive for all students and staff.
• Tailored Hardware Solutions: Every project has unique traffic patterns and use cases. CS Cavity Sliders provided heavy-duty carriage sets to meet the demands of everyday use, and recommended structural supports that were specifically matched to the school’s performance requirements.

This level of collaboration and customization ensures that CS Cavity Sliders products are never a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they are engineered to meet the technical, functional, and design goals of each project, whether that’s achieving acoustic privacy in a multipurpose classroom, maximizing natural light in a library, or meeting ADA compliance in high-traffic restrooms.

Alongside flexibility, the project also prioritized inclusive design. The Maungaraki School Library bathrooms were fitted with CL100 ADA LaviLock, ensuring they meet universal access standards.

• Ease of Operation: The lock is designed so that it can be operated with minimal force—an essential requirement under ADA standards.
• Clear Visual Indicators: Each lock comes with bold, intuitive “unlocked/locked” signage. These visual cues make it easy to understand whether a bathroom stall is available, reducing stress and confusion.
• Reliable Performance: Durability is non-negotiable in high-use environments like schools. The CL100 ADA LaviLock is engineered with robust internal components to withstand constant daily use, ensuring reliability and safety over time.
• Lever Handles with Full Grasp: ADA standards require hardware that can be easily grasped and operated with a closed fist. The CL100 ADA LaviLock features lever-style handles that are compliant, comfortable, and practical for users of all ages and abilities.