Customised sliding door systems for inclined façades at Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen is a striking architectural masterpiece and has been named “Building of the Year 2020” by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA). The 45m-tall building catches the eye with unconventional angles and an asymmetrical façade with various slanted faces. However, the highly unusual building design presented particular challenges for window, door and building-control technologies. We were able to supply unique, customised door systems that blend in perfectly with the look of the inclined façades of this exceptional piece of architecture. Our door systems also ensure access convenience, safety and energy efficiency.

Forum Groningen: Award-winning architecture with customised GEZE door systems

Forum Groningen is situated at the heart of the historic city centre. This spectacular new building offers space for various cultural activities and can accommodate some 1.6 million visitors per year.

The extravagant building design, created by architectural firm NLArchitecten, won acclaim both in the Netherlands and internationally and has received numerous awards. The particular highlight was being named Building of the Year 2020 by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA).

The building’s inclined façade meant that a special solution was required: the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined.

The building’s inclined façade meant that a special solution was required: the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined. © Zweitze Korten

The inclined angle of the façade meant that a standard sliding door system could not be installed at the entrances. However, we found a unique solution to this challenge in the form of the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined. Our automatic linear sliding door system is specifically designed for use with inclined glass façades at an angle of up to 9.9° . Even greater angles can also be accommodated upon request.

More information about our slimdrive systems

© Zweitze Korten / GEZE GmbH

Slimdrive SL for inclined glass façades impresses in many respects

  • Can accommodate any degree of façade inclination (up to 9.9° – larger angles can be accommodated upon request)
  • Low height of only 7 cm
  • Includes integrated infra-red movement detector
  • Ultra-smooth, low-wear DC drive system
  • Integrated battery for emergency opening in case of safety-related faults, e.g. power loss
  • Continuous stainless steel floor guide
  • Reduced maintenance requirements thanks to self-cleaning roller carriage

Did you know? The Slimdrive SL linear sliding door system can be connected via CAN bus and thus integrated in building technology management systems. This also makes it possible to create smart façades.

Discover valuable tips for door planning.

To our expert talk “Planning complicated doors correctly ” (German only).

Safe and secure entrance: GEZE door systems combine effectively

A combination of the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined and Slimdrive SL RC2 at the entrance to Forum Groningen.

The sliding door fitted with the Slimdrive SL RC2 provides enhanced protection against break-in. © Zweitze Korten

GEZE door systems enable visitors to access Forum Groningen safely. At the building’s impressive main entrance, the inclined outer entrance door is followed by a second sliding door fitted with the Slimdrive SL-RC2. This provides enhanced protection against break-ins thanks to its rod lock and reinforced profile components. The rod lock secures the door in “Night” mode, which guarantees certified break-in resistance in accordance with resistance class RC2.

Find out more about building safety

Explore the Forum Groningen by video

GEZE door systems at Forum Groningen:

  • Slimdrive SL linear sliding door system for inclined façades
  • Slimdrive SL RC2 for enhanced protection against break-in, in accordance with resistance class RC2