A designer knows where to add/ remove material, how to use the known resources to defend the unknown circumstances, use the type of material to meet strength, ensure safety and price criteria, make it more durable, energy saving, and apply creativity to solve the problem. The selection criteria for hardware depend on various parameters like safety, strength, aesthetics, cost effectiveness, maintenance, and user friendliness. Safety [caption id="attachment_52520" align="alignleft" width="302"] Anti-fall restrictor[/caption] When selecting any hardware, safety should be the top priority. The hardware will be considered as the secondary loading structures in most of the applications like facades, railings, etc. The hardware should have built-in safety features such as fail-safe, safe-life mechanisms, redundant components, and error detection and correction capabilities to minimise the risk of accidents and failures. Strength The design of any hardware should have an optimal proportion to the mass of the system and external load (wind, live...

Cotswold Architectural Products is a company synonymous with the integral component of any outward opening window - casement, parallel, curtain wall, sliding, & more. With over 45 years experience of in manufacturing and supplying window and door hardware around the globe, Cotswold is the perfect partner to deliver customer needs. Cotswold Architectural Products know how important it is for customers to have total confidence in the performance of the hardware used on the windows and doors. Cotswold has been delivering quality products to the highest standards for over 45 years. Trusted by thousands of companies around the world, Cotswold takes pride in being the branded hardware supplier of choice. Why Lenis System Complete Range: Thanks to multiple combinations, the Lenis Range can satisfy all the market demands assuring the best performance. This complete product range of sliding hardware ensures compatibility with most systems. Performance: Lenis system includes a full set...

Architectural design is like a jigsaw puzzle, with each piece working together to create a beautiful and functional building. This design consists of several interrelated elements that work together to create the desired look and atmosphere of a place. While each element has a unique function, the importance of doors and windows cannot be overstated when it comes to designing a building’s façade. In addition to serving as a way in and out of a building, doors also offer insulation, security, and privacy. Doors can have a big impact on the overall appearance of a building, whether it’s a large wooden door, a modern glass entrance, or an industrial steel gateway. [caption id="attachment_52330" align="alignleft" width="181"] A premium slider door (View from the drawing room)[/caption] Likewise, windows are not just an opening in the wall but provide a visual connection to the outside world. Whether it’s a modern floor-to-ceiling window or...

The pandemic presented unique challenges to the architectural hardware industry. Post Covid, homeowners and businesses invested in upgrading their spaces, including the installation of better façades, doors, and windows for energy efficiency, sound insulation and enhanced aesthetics. The hardware market gradually started recovering. The pandemic also increased the emphasis on health and safety measures in buildings. This led to increased demand for products like touchless door solutions, antimicrobial coatings, and improved ventilation systems. Manufacturers have adopted digital technologies for sales, marketing, and customer engagement. E-commerce platforms have gained prominence, enabling manufacturers to reach a wider customer base. Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Architecture Hardware Industry [caption id="attachment_52316" align="alignright" width="362"] Smart home product integration[/caption] Urbanisation and Population Growth: Rapid urbanisation and population growth in many regions of the world drive the demand for architectural hardware. As cities expand, there is a need for new buildings, infrastructure, and urban development,...

Doors and windows are the kind of product that needs multiple types of materials to complete assembly; hence, hardware is an important component in manufacturing the finished product. In terms of the total cost of material to manufacture the product, it is the third major cost component after aluminium, uPVC, and glass. There are different categories of hardware depending upon the product to product and material to material. For instance, various types of doors and windows will have different categories of hardware. Some hardware is visible, and some are not. Some are metal-based, and some are non-metal-based. One needs to understand all these different variations in hardware before selecting them or deciding upon them. Secondly, the selection of hardware depends on the product segment and the technical grounds. There are certain kinds of benchmarks from which the suitability of the hardware can be justified. For instance: life cycle, grade of...

C.H.I.C. Concealed Hinges Aluminium casements embody modernity and innovation, which have always been the signature characteristics of the Giesse ethos. The properties of aluminium made it a natural medium for developing casements with minimalist profiles and a higher glazing ratio for a more essential and brighter look. The first C.H.I.C. products for tilt-and-turn windows were launched by Giesse in 2016. The expertise acquired with the development of C.H.I.C. 100 kg enabled Giesse to develop an ever-expanding range with C.H.I.C. 130 kg. [caption id="attachment_52276" align="alignleft" width="500"] Giesse C.H.I.C. bottom-hung[/caption] Mirko Scheda, Product Manager for window hardware: “The C.H.I.C. project was a challenging one on several levels. The technical solutions that we adopted needed to be innovative and therefore patented. They also had to make use of new materials not commonly used in the aluminium casement sector. Finally, the most difficult challenge was to miniaturise the components and conceal them inside the...

What are the selection criteria for architectural hardware for façades & fenestrations? The selection of ironmongery is not only limited to façades and windows but to all types of doors depending on certain criteria: Specification: If the project follows ANSI or EN specs (Mostly these 2 specifications are considered in the Middle East) Door Operation: Depending on the location of the door in the building as well as the required operation of the door. For example, if the door is in the fire escape route, then it should be equipped with egress hardware. International Compliances: For example, there are several projects specifically in UAE which require sustainability and green building compliance so the selection of door hardware should be accordingly. Local Life Fire and Safety Codes: In every country, they have its own life and fire safety codes. UAE is very strict about the codes defined in the UAE Fire...

I always felt that the mechanical hardware industry has been very slow to adopt digitisation. Historically, hardware has always been about products. On the contrary, In the modern world, data is the product. We need to change from “hardware” (door hardware / Iron Mongery) to “digiware”. Hardware should be just an accessory. Let it sink into our brains, that over the years due to a lack of innovations, end users find it difficult to distinguish between locks of different brands. So, we need to expect the inevitable – that hardware will become a commodity. Digital platforms (Amazon, Uber, Facebook) do not apply to our legacy industries of ours like mechanical hardware as they are (currently) two different industries. One is platforms, and the other is products. We need to find ways and means for Data flow, allowing an interface between the digital world and analog world, between products and the...

Architectural hardware is an essential component of any building, providing practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Hinges, locks, catches, knobs, and handles are all vital elements that aid in the opening, closing, and locking of doors and windows. But beyond these basic functions, architectural hardware also one of the most vulnerable aspects of building design is the façade. Because the majority of the populace is unaware plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the building’s occupants. When it comes to safety, locks are perhaps the most important component of architectural hardware. They provide a secure barrier against unwanted intrusion, ensuring the safety of those inside. High-quality locks are particularly important in areas with high crime rates, or in buildings where valuable assets are stored. In addition, architectural hardware such as hinges and catches can also contribute to the overall safety of the building. Properly installed and maintained...

Please tell our readers about your design practice. Studio3eight is formed by an award-winning team. It is an international architectural practice that harnesses the power of design to create exciting and innovative built environments. Our practice is a melting pot of global perspectives and diverse experiences, with offices in Dubai, Australia, and Vietnam. As a forward-thinking design studio, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture and embracing new technology and sustainable practices. We believe in creating buildings that not only respond to their surroundings but also inspire and connect with the people who use them. [caption id="attachment_51567" align="alignleft" width="500"] Green Diamond Development project sustainability diagram, Vietnam 2[/caption] Our team of talented architects and designers are experts in their field, and their passion for creativity, innovation, and excellence is evident in every project we undertake. From concept design to project delivery, we are committed to delivering exceptional design...

“Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and security” - Daniel May. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems were once rudimentary, modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements, resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture. The push for smarter buildings has played its part too. In fact, according to a 2022 report, the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026, with global market size estimated to hit $201.16 billion by 2031 - and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (omitting another global pandemic). In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control...

In a conversation with Gaurav Oswal Director, Kelegent he talked about their products & projects, major trends in the architectural hardware industry, and so on. Here are the excerpts… What is the origin story of Kelegent? [caption id="attachment_50880" align="alignleft" width="255"] .[/caption] We started as a small stainless steel kitchenware manufacturing company in 1984 - at the time, I don’t think any of us imagined where it would lead! I have to commend my uncle and my father for having the vision to see the future of fenestration, and the opportunity it offered and to have the agility as entrepreneurs to trust their instinct, to work hard to lead us to where we are today. Listening to our customers is the foundation of our business and it has guided us in every venture we undertake. It was the same in 2000 when we pivoted to producing sophisticated architectural hardware – in...

When it comes to Hardware, your window needs the best…… The brand from the house of NCL VEKA draws on combined 90 years’ experience of NCL Group, India and VEKA A G, Germany. OBEN, a specialist in uPVC window and door accessories, offers the right hardware, hand-picked from the best around the world conforming to European standards. “OBEN” coming from a legacy of market leadership and product understanding, emphasised on quality, reliability, and extensive testing. The brand ensure corrosion resistant, strong, smooth in operation, quality tested, and long lasting solution, so you can be rest assured that your window is in good hands. The inspiration is to propose a ““One-Stop-Shop”” for valued customers and offer standard products for smooth function of the windows and doors for lifetime, OBEN leverage the R&D facilities of global leaders and hand-pick products from worldwide to ensure products best suited for harsh climatic conditions in...

Established in 1988, XingSanXing Cloud Technology Co., Ltd. is well known for its brand and has spent the last 30 years focusing on architectural hardware for aluminium and uPVC windows and doors, curtain wall systems, and door control systems. A paradigm shift has occurred in the nation, and in the future year, the market for modern homes will extend all the way down to tier 3 cities. Previously, they were only available in Tier 1 cities. Advanced, dependable, noise- and pollution-free homes can only be attained with aluminium doors and windows and can’t be completed when we are discussing modern residences. The smoothness of its appearance being premium, quality, and dependability of safety and long life are the things they offer in operation, but these things can’t be achieved or accessed without mentioning the hardware because it defines facade appearance and the elegance indoors by handling vibrant colour design the...

Insta Hardware - one of the well known providers of best-quality architectural hardware, has recently completed 15 years of establishment in the industry. The company celebrated its 15th anniversary with the team and a few of its esteemed customers. They also introduced a new range of aluminium products as they believe that the aluminium industry is growing at a faster pace and they want to be part of this growth. The company’s founders decided to create their own brand in 2008, at which point the Insta brand was born. The management team has experience in the construction industry and serves as a civil contractor for several governmental organisations, including CPWD and PWD. Insta started with glass architectural hardware. Insta has served the fenestration sector for the past 15 years. For doors, windows, and façades made of aluminium and uPVC, the company provides a full hardware solution. Transmission gears, multipoint locks,...

The Gretsch-Unitas partnership, which invented the lift & slide mechanism in 1952, has established benchmarks that continue to have a significant impact on the market today. Owing to the systematic further development of the lift & slide hardware, an all-encompassing highly diverse range of solutions, also system-related, is now available for the most common profile materials. Gretsch-Unitas offers the following benefits: • Maximum Comfort: Makes light work of lifting heavy sashes HS LiftUnit along with a threshold solution for added convenience and barrier-free threshold • Allows an easy Operation: Provides rebound-free, controlled lowering of the sash damper extended handle. Easy in moving large elements with the greatest ease Their Systems offer: 1. Burglary protection • Open or locked electronic locking monitoring with magnetic switch and is VdS tested. • An Anti-jemmy device, with a secure grip • L&S meeting-style security profile which is open but still securely locked • Night...