Senior-friendly construction and barrier-free solutions in particular are becoming increasingly important. Door sills in homes or on balconies can sometimes present an obstacle for many people, especially if they are senior citizens, wheelchair users, or physically disabled persons. However, these sills are not just there to be tripped over – they serve an important function in that they prevent rainwater from entering buildings and insulate homes against cold. This is why it is imperative to find a solution that retains its purpose while removing the obstacle element.
Underfloor door stops and sills are not permitted in accordance with DIN 18040 (“Barrier-free Construction”). If, however, they are essential from a technical point of view, they may not exceed 20 millimeters in height. Nevertheless, even this small difference in height can constitute a major obstacle. That is why REHAU has tackled this issue to find a solution in the form of the new RAUCERO door sill. In fact, it is not a sill at all – it is concealed completely by the floor, thereby enabling barrier-free access to the building.
The new level-access sill solution, which REHAU will present for the first time at FENSTERBAU FRONTALE 2016, is only frame-deep and requires very little space. A water groove is integrated into the stable multi-chamber profile, which is fully concealed by the floor. It can be easily removed for cleaning purposes without the need for tools. When the door is closed, the groove is completely concealed, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance. RAUCERO also boasts a sophisticated sealing design, which meets all requirements with regard to impermeability. The door elements are manufactured by the specialist company as complete systems including drainage channels and a foil connection.The relevant property rights have already been registered.
Automatic door opening
It is not just door sills that can make access to a building difficult – door handles can also pose a problem. One solution to this are doors that swing open automatically at the touch of a button or remote control. A system officially checked and verified by ift Rosenheim, featuring a fully integrated drive motor in the door sash, is now available for GENEO front doors made of the highly stable material RAU-FIPRO. All the system needs to function is a power connection. Virtually invisible and offering maximum convenience, this system is the optimum solution for barrier-free access to buildings.