Smarter, more versatile entrances for 2025

Automatic doors are no longer just a convenience—they’re a necessity for modern architecture.

Architects are being called to create buildings that do more than just look good; they must work seamlessly with advanced technology, meet sustainability goals, and create inclusive, safe spaces for all.

The demand in 2025 is headed for smarter, more versatile entrances and automatic doors are quietly leading this shift with game-changing innovations architects can’t afford to overlook.

Smarter Buildings, Smarter Doors

Automation isn’t just for luxury anymore—it’s becoming a core feature in smart building design. Automatic doors are integrating with Internet of Things (IoT) platforms to create systems that think for themselves. For example, sensors on doors can detect foot traffic patterns and send data to building management systems.

This information allows adjustments to HVAC or lighting systems based on actual usage, not guesses.

Take adaptive thermal sensors: they’re not just about opening and closing the door at the right time anymore. They’re learning to minimize air loss while also syncing with smart thermostats. For architects, this means doors that don’t just fit into the blueprint—they actively improve the building’s functionality. 

Energy Efficient Automatic Doors Done Right

Energy-efficient designs are no longer a bonus—they’re a requirement in modern architecture. Automatic doors are evolving to meet the increasingly stringent demands of energy conservation, and architects have an opportunity to leverage these innovations to meet sustainability goals.

Whether designing for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, or public spaces, selecting the right door systems can make a significant impact.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications provide a useful framework for architects focused on sustainability. For entrances, two primary categories relate to energy efficiency: Energy and Atmosphere (EA) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).

• Energy and Atmosphere (EA): Optimizing Energy Performance

Automatic doors contribute to this credit by minimizing air leakage and reducing the need for HVAC systems to overcompensate for fluctuating indoor temperatures. For instance, doors with tight seals, insulated glass, or advanced motion sensors can limit the escape of conditioned air.

Sliding or swinging door models designed with thermal breaks and enhanced weather stripping are particularly effective at maintaining the building envelope.

• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Thermal Comfort and Daylighting

Automatic doors with high-performance glazing help maintain a comfortable indoor climate by reducing heat gain or loss.

Additionally, integrating daylighting strategies with glass-panel automatic doors allows architects to maximize natural light while maintaining energy efficiency, which contributes to occupant wellness and satisfaction.

Manufacturers are increasingly designing products that align with these LEED requirements. For example, doors equipped with programmable operation modes can adjust based on foot traffic, reducing unnecessary opening cycles during off-peak hours.

Low-energy motors and sensors that fine-tune door operation also help optimize energy use, allowing architects to achieve both environmental and operational goals making overhead costs for building owners markedly lower. 

Safety and Compliance: Going Beyond Door Basics

It’s not just about making a door open and close safely anymore. Architects are increasingly responsible for choosing systems that meet the latest ANSI /BHMA standards while addressing real-world risks.

For example, doors in high-traffic environments like hospitals or transit stations need advanced monitoring systems to detect obstacles and adjust speed dynamically to prevent accidents.

Emergency breakaway features, designed to allow doors to act as emergency exits, are also gaining traction. These innovations are particularly important for schools and other public spaces, where both safety and compliance with fire and emergency codes are top priorities.

Making Spaces Accessible for All

Universal design isn’t just about checking ADA compliance boxes—it’s about rethinking spaces to work for everyone. Automatic doors are becoming a key part of this conversation.

Features like adjustable opening speeds, low-threshold designs, and proximity activation are making it easier for people of all abilities to navigate buildings.

For architects working on mixed-use or multi-generational projects, these small details make a big difference. Automatic doors aren’t just an amenity—they’re a statement about inclusivity.

Design Versatility Meets Aesthetic Demand

Gone are the days when automatic doors were clunky and utilitarian. Now, they’re highly customizable to fit the architectural vision.

Frameless glass sliding doors, for example, provide a sleek, modern look while maximizing natural light—perfect for spaces where transparency and openness are part of the design language.

Materials are also more flexible than ever. Options like wood-clad finishes, stainless steel, or even custom color treatments allow doors to complement any style, from industrial to minimalist.

Hygiene is the New Standard

Touchless technology is here to stay, and it’s reshaping how architects think about entryways. Motion-activated doors, wave sensors, and even voice-activated systems have become more refined, responding faster and working more reliably.

These aren’t just for hospitals anymore; retail and office spaces are adopting them to enhance customer experience and employee health. Architects designing high-traffic or high-touch environments should prioritize these features, as they’re increasingly a marker of forward-thinking design.

Automatic doors are becoming far more than simple access points—they’re central to the success of a building’s design and operation. By embracing the latest trends and thinking strategically about how these systems fit into the larger design picture, architects can create spaces that truly stand out.

The key is choosing manufacturers who understand the balance between technology, design, and real-world practicality.

Horton is leading the way in smarter, more efficient entrance solutions that keep design top-of-mind. View our full portofolio and integrate a door solution seemlessly into your next design using our Industry-leading specificaiton tool iSpecifyIt™

Guest Blogger: Nathan Frey, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions