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FEBRUA RY 2018 | 27 Architectural Hardware Architectural hardware makes a statement in 2018 by STACEY MCLACHLAN F rom sleek, handle-free cabinet faces and high-tech security locks to hinges that respond to a gentle touch, the hottest architectural hardware designs on the market – the handles, railings, materials and technology that architects and designers are loving right now – are all about making homes more functional and user-friendly, and more beautiful, to boot. When it comes to identifying hardware trends, it can be a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. "We are listening to what the designers and architects are looking for, and also trying to guess what the next trends are," says George Pavlov, regional Ontario sales manager for Grass Canada. "But really, we're looking at what trends are being used out there and finding a way to make our hardware work with it." That means looking overseas to Europe and finding inspiration there, but also looking at what's hot right here and now, too. Last year's hardware trends are car- rying on to 2018, says Mike Longhi, president of McGregor & Thompson Hardware, that means "design-driven" styles and finishes (like European or mid-century- inspired levers and knobs) that set the tone for a space. Whether future-forward or more vintage-inspired designs, "they can enhance or complement the residential package," says Longhi. Designers are realizing the power of these key details, and starting to showcase the nuts-and-bolts as design features in their own right. Sliding barn doors are one example of functionality-as-a-feature, with exposed rails and hangers, that highlight hardware instead of hiding it. C L E A N A N D C O O L On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is still a steadily growing preference for handle-free solutions in the kitchen, as we've noted over the past few years. "We're seeing a lot of handle-free fronts and wider or taller fronts for cabinetry," says Frank Sansalone, product manager for Blum Canada. This applies to both residen- tial and commercial spaces, as the clean, modern look becomes more popular. "While the basic form and function of architectural hardware has seemed to evolve slowly, there are numerous improvements and breakthroughs constantly occurring," says Rick Ruppert, manager of architectural services for dormakaba. One prime example? The dormakaba TS 93 door closer. Using a cam and roller mechanism instead of a traditional rack and pinion arrangement, it features a smoother, more balanced operation, able to be operated with less opening force – and in appearance, it's sleek and compact, and matches the other dormakaba automatic openers. This unobtrusive design is in line with this architectural trend towards minimalism. "Many building openings are becoming both larger and more trans- parent; there is a need for associated architectural hardware to accommodate this trend," says Ruppert. "The divisions between doors, windows and walls have seemingly disappeared – application for architectural hardware adapted to mostly transparent glass assemblies has grown." It's proof that with the right hardware, a bright-and-airy open concept look is still very much achievable. As people look to declutter the front of their cabinetry by ditching handles, knobs and pulls, they're also looking to minimize in terms of millwork as well. "We're seeing an increase in the use of thinner material. For example, besides our drawer box system, we have a new hinge system that allows us to work with thin- ner materials, such as solid surfaces for exterior cabinets," says Pavlov. "We've had quite a few projects so far where people are using solid surfaces for the exterior or cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts." It's what inspired Grass to offer new door box solutions, including a push-to-open mechanical system, which have proved to be popular with customers already. This sleek, clean look is appealing to the architectural world for its connota- tions of luxury. "Architects are always looking for something a little bit different," says Sansalone. "They're looking for solutions that would be more on the higher end or exclusive side of the business. They're not looking for your traditional hinges; they're looking for solutions that are like the push-to-open solutions and also for the soft close." Beyond that, electric assist has proven to be a hot ticket item among the archi- tecture set. "The basic concept of what architects want never changes. They want what's the latest and the greatest," says Sansalone. "And that includes electric drive, the servo-drive and the push to open. People want to design kitchens with no handles and these are the solutions that everyone is looking for." F I N I S H I N G A C T Not every door or cabinet can be handleless – and not everyone loves that look – so levers and knobs continue to do a brisk business, though tastes, as always, are evolving. Warm metals have been trending for a few years, but now we're seeing the colour palette shift. Now, says Francoise Dion, national specification manager for Richelieu Hardware, out of Richelieu's hundreds of finishes, champagne bronze is trending, with a colour and sheen "somewhere between brass and cop- per." The popularity of this and black stainless steel have something to do with novelty, of course, but there's also a health benefit to these materials: stainless, brass and copper feature antibacterial properties. Upfront & Personal Soft close drawer box system from Grass Canada. Trending finishes available from Richelieu Hardware.

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