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FEBRUARY 2015 | 31 Architectural Hardware trend towards wider and deeper drawers has increased the need for a higher weight capacity, like Legrabox, a thin-walled drawer system that can handle up to 70kg. Though thoughtfully designed kitchens are important for everyone, they're especially important for an aging population who may struggle with reaching for plates in the upper cabinets. Blum's in-house Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) helps clients design kitchens suited for senior citizens' access and enjoyment. For balcony rail designs, another essential archi- tectural hardware component, big changes are on the horizon thanks to new regulations from the CSA that will be submitted for public review in the com- ing months. "Laminated glass in guardrails will be required rather than the standard tempered glass if this goes through," says Tony Dente, general manager for East and West Alum Craft Ltd. "This change will add to the cost of building, so we may see standard picket rails or mesh rails used instead of glass panels, as they will be rising in cost." Dente notes that con- struction costs are a big concern for the industry, as developers are always looking for value-added sav- ings. "At East and West Alum Craft we're not afraid to design new shapes that assist in the vision coming to fruition, but we also look at it from a manufacturing perspective to ensure it can be done within a reason- able price," he says. "We will spend to save." In terms of commercial projects, style and security need to work hand in hand for today's educated buyer. "Commercial buyers are interested in hardware that looks good and helps them reduce costs," says Joe Meijer, director of business development for ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions Canada. This can be especially tricky as access control solutions are deployed on more doors Santoprene Decorative Suite collection; HES K100 wireless cabinet lock and Aperio Hub; Round End Decorative Suite collection; Adams Rite A100 keyless entry control with Aperio technology; all from ASSA ABLOY. throughout a building, demanding more power than ever before, so ASSA ABLOY redesigned its electrome- chanical lock platform last year to reduce power con- sumption significantly to save energy. This year, the company took its innovation a step further with a new EcoPower power supply which, when used with the EcoFlex lock, reduces power consumption by over 90 per cent. "The concept of 'resiliency' is an important part of the sustainability conversation in our industry," Meijer notes. "Durable products have a lower life cycle cost because they last longer before requiring replacement." Sustainability is an important factor to consider when shopping for architectural hardware, as any archi- tect or builder knows. The majority of ASSA ABLOY's products have a high percentage of post-consumer recy- cled content and are covered by an end-of-life recycling program. "We offer numerous products certified by UL Greenguard for low VOCs and products with options to eliminate or reduce 'red' list, materials like PVC, in a building," Meijer says. When it comes to interior or exterior accessories to put a finishing touch on the home, homeowners and designers alike look for a product that complements a building's architecture. "A scrolled, ornate doorknob wouldn't open new doors in a modern, minimalist design, and a bright shiny doorknob would look out of place in the renovation of an older home," explains Rosch. "Homeowners, designers, architects and com- mercial buyers all have a great desire for customiza- tion. They want to be able to create their own signature look." Luckily, with such a diverse range of products and trends on the market, it's easier than ever to make that happen. A

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