Australians are increasingly opting for medium to high-density apartments for convenience and lifestyle requirements. One downside of apartment living in urban environments is the shrinking living space. As demand grows, apartments are getting smaller in size – in less than a decade, average apartment floor spaces have gone from 140 square metres to 130 square metres.
Shrinking living spaces pose a difficult challenge for the architecture and design industry, as Australians’ expectations of their living spaces remain high. End users continue to demand functionality, comfort and style, without compromise.
“In multi-residential projects, designers and specifiers are looking for innovative and creative solutions that meet these three requirements at an affordable price, and without taking up too much valuable living space. This includes selecting a door system ideal for small-space living,” said Peter Doyle, Business Development Manager, Cowdroy.
So how do conventional door systems impact occupants in small living spaces?
Traditional hinged doors that swing open and close are commonly installed in residential spaces even though they take up significant floor space, can pose a safety risk and can become stiff and difficult to operate.
“For the ideal solution, designers should opt for a track system such as Cowdroy’s Sliding Barn Door, Triumph Sliding Door or Overlay Bi-Fold Door,” advises Mr Doyle.
Since 1980, Cowdroy has been the pioneer of the most innovative track and seal products in Australia, delivering high quality and long lasting solutions for the multi-residential sector.
Cowdroy Sliding Barn Door Track System
Recommended for internal application on timber doors including timber framed glass doors, this track system comes with a matte black finish for an industrial look. A two-piece jigsaw-join track making up a two-metre overall length is an excellent feature while an optional track extension kit is provided with a length of 1.2 metres to cater for wider doors.
Cowdroy Triumph Sliding Door Track System
Available in two configurations – wall mount or top mount rack – the Triumph track system features a sleek, streamlined and contemporary design, as well as a lubricated slimline nylon door guide that delivers smooth, quiet operation.
Key features also include four nylon tyre wheels and a fully sealed ZZ ball bearing carriage incorporated into a wraparound track with an anti-bounce end stop. Maximum operational comfort, easy access and sophisticated design combine to deliver the ideal space-saving residential door system.
Cowdroy Overlay Bi-Fold Door Track System
The Overlay bi-fold door track system has been specifically designed for wardrobe/large cupboard doors, pantries, closets and concealed rooms. Featuring a compact and sturdy construction with double wheel assemblies, this folding door system can support door leaves up to 25kg in weight. Dual side rollers prevent doors from skipping off the track and have been cycle tested to 15,000 cycles, providing the assurance of long-lasting, high quality performance and peace of mind.
Providing significant design versatility, the Overlay system is suitable for full timber, timber framed and aluminium framed doors, and incorporates reversible components for left and right hand openings.
Cowdroy Robemaker
The Robemaker is an advanced space-saving wardrobe solution with a sleek, streamlined finish. Designed for two, three and four door wardrobe configurations, the Robemaker includes fully integrated componentry, and a patented bottom track that eliminates the need for concealed wheels and unattractive track fixing screws.
The Robemaker system is customisable with slimline aluminium extrusions available in gloss white and clear anodised finishes. This solution is also compatible with an optional soft-close adaptor kit.
