When designing commercial spaces, requires balancing two key objectives: maximising space efficiency and achieving high acoustic performance. Sliding systems have become an increasingly popular solution in modern interior fitouts, offering sleek aesthetics and functional versatility. However, traditional sliding doors are notorious for their acoustic limitations, often allowing sound to travel through gaps around the door edges or through insufficient sealing mechanisms.
This is where advanced systems like Criterion Industries’ Silencio Range excel, addressing these challenges with precision engineering and innovative designs. From the Silencio Overtaking System to the Niagara Sliding System and Silencio Integrated Systems, these products set a new benchmark for acoustic door systems in commercial applications.
Sound Gaps and Acoustic Insulation
One of the primary challenges in designing effective sliding systems lies in mitigating sound transmission. Unlike hinged doors, sliding doors can leave visible and invisible gaps between the door, the track, and surrounding frames, which can severely compromise acoustic insulation. These gaps allow airborne sound to pass through easily, undermining the privacy and functionality of spaces such as meeting rooms, offices, and healthcare facilities.
Sealing Mechanisms
Traditional sliding systems often rely on basic brush seals or minimal gaskets, which are insufficient to achieve the level of soundproofing required in many commercial settings. Without adequate seals, even high-density materials used in the door itself cannot perform effectively, as the perimeter of the system remains a weak point for sound infiltration.
Track Design
Another technical hurdle lies in the track design of sliding systems. Tracks that lack precision in alignment can lead to uneven door movement, increasing wear and tear on the seals and compromising their ability to block sound effectively. Additionally, exposed or poorly integrated tracks can disrupt the aesthetic appeal of modern office fitouts, particularly in premium spaces such as boardrooms or executive offices.
Silencio Svelte Integrated sliding system
Advanced Track Engineering in Acoustic Design
Modern sliding door systems represent a sophisticated approach to architectural acoustics, focusing on precise engineering that transforms movement into a near-silent experience. Advanced track designs prioritise smooth, frictionless door movement through meticulously engineered tracking mechanisms. These innovative approaches reduce mechanical resistance by implementing precision-aligned components that minimise contact points and distribute mechanical stress evenly.
The core engineering philosophy centers on creating movement systems that transcend traditional mechanical limitations. By developing tracking technologies that adapt to environmental conditions, designers can create sliding mechanisms that maintain consistent performance across diverse temperature ranges and usage intensities. The goal is to engineer systems that not only move silently but also maintain structural integrity through intelligent design principles.
High-Performance Acoustic Sealing Technologies
Acoustic performance in sliding door systems hinges critically on advanced sealing technologies. Next-generation seal designs move beyond static compression, instead creating dynamic sealing environments that actively respond to door movement. These intelligent seals utilise adaptive materials and geometries that maintain constant, uniform pressure against architectural frames, eliminating potential sound transmission pathways.
By treating seals as active acoustic barriers rather than passive obstacles, designers can dramatically enhance sound isolation capabilities.
Integrated Architectural Systems
Contemporary architectural design increasingly demands solutions that blend functional excellence with aesthetic minimalism. Integrated sliding systems represent a sophisticated approach to spatial design, where mechanical functionality becomes nearly invisible. These systems prioritise seamless integration, allowing architectural elements to flow without interruption.
The design philosophy centers on:
Enhanced Privacy
In environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, and educational spaces, maintaining acoustic privacy is paramount. The Silencio range significantly reduces sound transfer between rooms, creating quieter and more productive spaces. With acoustic ratings such as RW36 for the Niagara Sliding System and RW35 for the Overtaking System, these products rival traditional hinged doors in terms of soundproofing capabilities, making them an ideal choice for spaces that require confidentiality and privacy.
Space Maximisation
Sliding systems naturally save space compared to hinged doors, making them an excellent choice for compact office fitouts or areas where space efficiency is essential. The Silencio Overtaking System, in particular, is designed for high-traffic commercial spaces where multiple sliding panels are required. Its innovative design allows doors to stack neatly and efficiently, maximising available room without sacrificing performance.
Office Fitouts
In open-plan office environments, flexibility is essential. The Silencio Sliding Systems allow architects to partition spaces effectively, enabling the creation of private meeting rooms or collaborative workspaces without compromising on acoustic performance. Systems like the Niagara or Overtaking allow for a versatile layout, ensuring that privacy and productivity can coexist in dynamic workspaces.
Education Spaces
In educational environments, controlling noise levels is crucial for both productivity and well-being. The high acoustic performance of Silencio Sliding Systems makes them the ideal solution for classrooms, libraries, and study areas, providing quiet zones within busy educational settings. The Niagara System’s RW36 rating ensures that noise is effectively mitigated, allowing for better focus and a more conducive learning environment.
Proven Acoustic Performance
Criterion Industries’ Silencio range has undergone rigorous testing to meet the highest standards in sound absorption. Solutions like the Niagara Sliding System and Overtaking System provide exceptional soundproofing capabilities, making them suitable for the most demanding applications. With these systems, you can rely on outstanding performance in reducing noise transfer between spaces.
Customisable and Aesthetic
Every project has unique requirements, and the Silencio range offers a variety of customisable options, including finishes, colours, and track configurations. This ensures that each sliding system not only performs at a high level but also integrates seamlessly into the overall design of the space. The flexibility in design choices allows architects to match the system to the aesthetic vision of the project without sacrificing performance.
Industry Expertise
With decades of experience in the commercial building industry, Criterion Industries understands the challenges faced by architects and acoustic engineers. Their Silencio Sliding Systems are engineered to address these challenges, combining technical innovation with practical usability. From installation ease to reliable performance, Criterion delivers solutions that meet the needs of modern, high-performance commercial environments.
Silencio Overtaking Sliding System
Achieving both acoustic performance and space efficiency in commercial spaces no longer needs to be a trade-off. With Criterion Industries’ Silencio Sliding Systems, architects and acoustic engineers can specify solutions that deliver exceptional soundproofing while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of modern fitouts.
Whether you’re designing an office, educational facility, or healthcare environment, the Silencio range provides a versatile and reliable solution. Contact Criterion Industries today to learn more about the Silencio Overtaking System, Niagara Sliding System, or Silencio Integrated Systems, or book a consultation to discuss how these products can elevate your next project.
Explore the Silencio range here.
OR
Book a consultation with our experts today.
