Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/255439
courtesy Häfele canada Inc. and eKu aG february 2014 /35 architectural Hardware Paint & Coatings Up Close And Personal Architectural hardware pairs performance with style by stacey Mclachlan A rchitectural hardware may not be at the forefront of your mind when you think about designing a space for living, but the right product can make a world of difference. Smartly designed door systems, high-tech security and custom-designed accessories can make life a little safer and even enhance the look of the space. And this year, there are plenty of ways for homeowners and architects alike to take pleasure in the finer details. Sliding glass doors get an update with Häfele's new Clipo 16 G and GS systems for frameless sliding doors. Featuring an integrated soft, self-closing mechanism, the sliding wood doors can fit flush due to the improved Frontino 20H and 40H hardware. "It's great for closets, wardrobes and pantry units," says Maurizio Frigo, architectural product manager. Sliding doors are also more popular than ever, particularly for small spaces. "Sliding doors don't protrude like swinging ones. This allows designers to be more creative with their door designs," Frigo says. "With the right flush fitting, sliding door hardware or other systems, doors or walls can be moved in a unique way where the hardware isn't visible." Whether a customer is in search of a swinging or sliding door, quality is key. "Consumers are looking for sophisticated products that perform well for a long time," says Frigo. However, not all sliding doors are created equal in terms of size and weight. Hettich's line of TopLine XL hardware takes this into account and offers support and functionality for oversized doors and walls with a smartly designed system of high-tech runners. The system is suitable for aluminum-framed or solid doors, allowing for plenty of options in terms of style. For doors weighing up to 80kg, the unobtrusive, out-of- view guide profile offers plenty of design flexibility: door overlap is adjustable, allowing handles to be positioned on either side. A height adjuster is integrated into the side of the runner, making access and installation a snap. It also takes the hassle out of hanging doors, as they hook right into the easy-to-use runner profile and guides clip right into the track. "We're seeing a lot more 'design-driven' styles and finishes being requested and specified," says Mike Longhi, senior VP of McGregor & Thompson Hardware Ltd. "With the ever-increasing access to information, consumers are paying more attention to architectural details like door hardware, hinges and deadbolt security." From Italian-inspired levers and mid-century replications to high-tech security offerings, every detail is accounted for. "Designers are taking the entire house package of kitchen, bath and door hardware into account when working the overall finish and theme to enhance or compliment the rest of the residential package," adds Longhi. With new building code updates, exterior door packages are also seeing significant changes. B.C. has adopted the North American Fenestration Standards that ensure door and hardware systems comply with efficiency ratings that formerly only applied to the window industry. "As a full- service door and hardware distributor, we have access and expertise in the specifying of all residential offerings, and look forward to helping contractors, developers and the A&D community through these diverse products," Longhi says. "Across all generations of buyers, we are seeing a need to personalize the home," notes PJ Rosch, brand manager for Baldwin Hardware. The company is rolling out a sophisticated digital product design this coming year to take advantage of its mix-and-match capabilities. It's not unusual for buyers to blend modern styles with classic finishes – think a sleek lever decked out in vintage-inspired brass. "The importance of customization is one of the biggest trends right now," says Rosch. "Eclectic interiors are thriving in interior design and we expect homeowners to continue to push the intersection of modern and traditional esthetics." Whatever style they're searching for, shoppers are on the hunt for quality products at great price points, and Baldwin recently expanded its mid-price-point hardware portfolio to meet those needs. The Baldwin Reserve series is a solid brass portfolio of knobs, levers, handlesets and general hardware products offered in a range of exclusive finishes for both traditional and modern spaces. Stefan Forschle of Bucher Ltd. agrees that there's a growing demand for more modern styles here in Canada. "The time it used to take for European style and design to be accepted over here is getting shorter with every year," he explains. Forschle adds that although stainless steel is still a popular choice for shoppers, glass is becoming a more common option in Canada. Whatever the style, shoppers are looking for quality products, but lack of product education and inexpensive knock-offs can make it hard for customers to find what they're looking for. "People are still looking for better quality products in order to 'do it right the first time'," says Forschle. "It's difficult to find that without an understanding of true high-end quality." Bucher's line of MWE Edelstahlmanufaktur products (particularly the shower door and sliding door hardware) meet the need, offering quality and durability. "It does come at a cost, certainly, but a fair cost," Forschle points out. "You just can't get a high level of quality for cheap or free." Style and security meet with Taymor's new harmonized residential mortise program. Designed to coordinate with the company's most popular Premier lever styles, the locks are ANSI Grade 1 (the highest possible for a residential building) and cUL fire rated. The square shapes of the hardware is on-trend and Taymor recently launched square deadbolts with matching roses for the Premier line, too. "Our guiding Clipo system from Häfele. p32-37Paint_Hardware.indd 35 14-01-23 11:33 AM