Seiteneingang

Seiteneingang, meaning "side entrance" in German, is an entrance on the side façade of a building, distinct from the main entry. It provides secondary access for residents, employees, deliveries, and service operations, and typically connects to stairwells, corridors, or a back area.

The placement and details vary. It is often near loading zones, waste facilities, or service rooms, and may include a vestibule, weather protection, and separate access control. Security and weatherproofing are common, with lighting and signage.

Function and use. It helps distribute foot traffic, reduces congestion at the main entrance, and can serve as an emergency escape route subject to codes. It is frequently used for deliveries, staff access, or maintenance without passing through public areas.

Accessibility and standards. Modern requirements emphasize step-free access and wide doors. In Germany, DIN and Bauordnungen influence design of entrances, including Seiteneingänge, with thresholds minimized and compliant egress paths.

Context and variations. In older buildings side entrances reflected division between public and private space; in new construction they may be integrated with courtyards or service cores. In apartment buildings, a separate side entry may lead directly to a private section or service stairs.

See also: main entrance, emergency exit, building accessibility.