The German invented zero ALUMAT magnetic threshold can be used for external doors like entrance combination and French doors to create a level entrance as stipulated in the new NCC regulations.
How Alumat works
Two magnetic strips are installed in the bottom of the door and two corresponding seals are situated in the threshold. When the door is closed, the seals are attracted to the magnet strips and seal the bottom of the door. The magnetic field is broken as soon as the door is opened and the seals drop back into the threshold creating a barrier-free level surface.
When the door is closed, the seals also stop water, draft, and noise to enter the building. Recently ALUMAT received Passive House component certification for one of their magnetic threshold products confirming their thermal properties and weatherproofing abilities.
New National Construction Code
The NCC came into effect on the 1st of May 2023 and includes higher energy efficiency regulations and provisions for dwellings to better meet community needs including for the elderly or those with mobility limitations.
Clear Opening
Access to dwellings now require entrance doors (or 1 universal access point/door) with a clear opening of a minimum of 820mm, not including the frame or door leave. Step-free access is also a must and thresholds have to ‘be level or have a sill height of no more than 5mm if the lip is rounded or bevelled….’
Image from ‘Livable Housing Design – Standard 2022’ by the Australian Building Codes Board
Level Threshold
The Livable Housing Design Standard also states that ‘if these requirements cannot meet the weatherproofing requirements of the NCC, for external entrance doors containing a raised door or sill, thresholds cannot have a lip or upstand greater than 15mm within the sill profile; and must have no more than 5mm height difference between the edge of the top surface of the sill and the adjoining finished surface.’ The solution is modern threshold technology by Alumat.
Alumat Awards
ALUMAT is the recipient of the German Design Award for the zero threshold, and also recently received Passive House certification. In addition, this magnetic threshold has been recognised by the internet platform ‘bfb – barrier free building’. bfb determines annually the best barrier-free building products and solutions that enable comfortable and safe life at any age.
Thermal Analysis
The thermal and airtight properties of the Alumat threshold make it an ideal candidate for high performance and passivhaus construction. On request Siegware and Alumat can provide a thermal analysis report using common uPVC profile and glass combinations to assist with the design and certification process.
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