In strata and commercial buildings, entry doors are expected to do a lot of work quietly. They must control access, support safety, allow airflow, meet compliance requirements and keep occupants comfortable. When they fail at any of these, the problems tend to show up quickly as complaints, maintenance issues or safety concerns.
This page is for strata managers, body corporate committees and commercial property owners who are reviewing entry doors and want a solution that balances security, ventilation and long-term reliability. It explains where a multi-function entry door fits in shared and commercial settings, and when it makes sense to consider one.
Why entry doors become a recurring issue in shared buildings
In many strata and commercial properties, front and common entry doors are treated as purely functional. The result is often
- Heavy solid doors that restrict airflow
- Security screens added later that reduce usability
- Doors left open for ventilation, creating safety concerns
- Frequent complaints about heat, stuffiness or accessibility
Because these doors serve multiple users, small frustrations quickly turn into repeated issues for managers and committees.
The conflict between security and comfort
Shared buildings face a familiar tension
- Doors need to stay secure
- Occupants want airflow, especially in warm conditions
When security and ventilation are treated separately, one usually undermines the other. Doors stay locked and closed, or they are propped open, creating new risks.
A multi-function entry door addresses this by allowing secure ventilation. The door remains locked while air can still pass through a protected opening.
Where multi-function doors are most useful
These doors are particularly effective in
- Low- to mid-rise apartment buildings
- Mixed-use developments with shared entries
- Small commercial buildings with regular foot traffic
- Facilities where doors are frequently opened for comfort
They are not a replacement for access control systems, but they work alongside them to improve day-to-day conditions.
Benefits beyond ventilation
In shared environments, small improvements matter
- Reduced need for doors to be propped open
- Improved comfort in lobbies and corridors
- Fewer ad-hoc modifications by occupants
- A calmer, more controlled entry experience
This helps reduce complaints and ongoing management effort.
Understanding suitability before proceeding
A multi-function entry door is most effective when
- The door is used regularly
- Ventilation is currently restricted
- Security concerns prevent doors being opened
If the entry is rarely used or already well ventilated, other solutions may be more appropriate. The supporting articles below explore these distinctions in more detail.