Architectural hardware plays an essential role in every type of construction, whether it is for residential, commercial, or industrial. The story covers the growth of the architectural hardware industry in India and the various factors influencing the same, the latest developments in the industry, challenges faced by brands, and tests and test methods for deciding the quality of the hardware. We spoke to many industry experts from various brands regarding these topics. Presenting their views, solutions and suggestions which will help the AEC industry members to make informed decisions. Market Growth and Demand for Architectural Hardware [caption id="attachment_49494" align="alignleft" width="113"] Deepak Chugh Managing Director LGF Sysmac India Pvt Ltd[/caption] The growth of architectural hardware is synonymous with the growth of the window, door and façade industry. Architectural hardware has evolved a long way since the year 1998 when the aluminium façade market started to make a mark in the Indian...

Please tell us about the growth of the architectural hardware industry in India. There has been consistent growth in the Architectural hardware industry in India. We now have a wide variety of hardware solutions from indigenous and overseas companies. There is an increased awareness of performance parameters and the trend is now for performance and system-based applications. There is also a growing awareness of automation systems. [caption id="attachment_49457" align="alignleft" width="300"] Panic exit doors with door controls[/caption] Do you think that the organised architectural hardware market is growing on the back of customer demand? Yes, with system solutions gaining wider acceptance and also on account of performance aspects of these systems. There is a growing market for organised architectural hardware solutions. Tell us about the challenges and roadblocks in the Architectural Hardware industry. The regulatory aspects are still being updated, there needs to be a consistent industry-wide focus on the upgradation...

Good quality hardware enhances the functionality of any door or window and adds to the aesthetics. Unfortunately, this integral fenestration element is often overlooked as compared to the frames and panels of the door or window. However, choosing the proper hardware for fenestration systems can immensely impact the durability and performance of the system. Market Trends The latest market trends point towards a minimalistic approach to architectural hardware products. Items that occupy minimum space while merging seamlessly with the rest of the façade or fenestration system are popular due to their clean, premium aesthetic and ability to smoothly carry out their respective functions. [caption id="attachment_49451" align="alignnone" width="774"] Hardware that can camouflage with the fenestration system for a seamless look[/caption] Here are four important aspects to consider while choosing hardware for doors, windows and facades: • Weight of the fenestration system: Hardware for doors and windows includes locks, handles, and hinges....

Architectural hardware has become an important aspect of design - be it façades, doors, or windows. With the entry of international systems, equipment and hardware firms, the Indian architectural hardware for façade and fenestration has also evolved over the years. Technology and its use have increased many folds giving precision to products with quality and sustenance. Along with the use of technology, design has also evolved over the years. Gone are the days of tinted glasses and bulky hardware to hold them. The trend for buildings is towards more transparency over the past few decades. This story covers the latest trends in architectural hardware, important aspects to consider while choosing architectural hardware, standardisation of window and door hardware systems, key safety parameters to look for while specifying hardware, and quality vs. the cost of architectural hardware. We spoke to many architects and façade consultants regarding these topics. Here are their...

Door hardware represents a small investment relative to the total cost of a facility, typically 1 to 3 per cent of the overall facility construction cost. But door hardware has an impact on the facility out of proportion to their cost. The appearance and function of the doors and hardware are scrutinised daily by building occupants and visitors. Door hardware is more than just a cosmetic consideration. In fact, it plays a role in the operational integrity of a building, and more crucially, is a key element of a facility’s fire safety and security. Present Market [caption id="attachment_49280" align="alignnone" width="774"] Anti-ligature hardware[/caption] In early 2000, there were only one or two players, but today almost all leading global players are directly or indirectly present in India, and now we can see many quality players in India. Fancy door handles are trending within the door hardware market, and so is the...

In India, post the announcements by the Government about the plan to build urban conglomerates, metropolises and smart cities, it is expected that these will be peopled by almost 40% of the total population of India by the year 2030. Indian façade and fenestration industry is directly linked to the construction industry’s performance. Post the boom of the 1990s, the slowdown in the construction industry in recent times has resulted in a setback in the window and façade industry. [caption id="attachment_49259" align="alignleft" width="300"] The report from Ken Research titled “India uPVC Doors and Windows Market Outlook to 2023” predicts the expected size of the market by the year 2023 to be INR 45 Billion[/caption] The overall growth is around 20 per cent annually. We can come to an inference that with huge projects announcements from the Government like 100 smart cities, and with the propositions by the Planning Commission to...

When we look around, we are surrounded by fittings. Be it as evident as a door handle or as discreet as a cabinet hinge. We take it for granted that these products are built well and tested to ensure safe performance. You’ll be surprised to know that not many consumers know what they should look out for when purchasing a hardware fitting. For many years, consumers have been relying on ‘Brand Identity’ to make an informed decision about a product. Besides, not all brand products will be thoroughly examined as per required standards, simply because testing is expensive and demands a sophisticated circuit. Why does Quality Matter? The product needs to stay put for years to come – in longevity and functionality while assuring the utmost safety to the consumer. By far, it has become a necessity. Certain quality checks are meant to determine how efficiently a product is crafted....

Every building carries a unique feature that creates its own identity. This identity makes the building stand out in the world of contemporary architecture’s infinite iterations. The architecture hardware used in the building creates that unique identity, it matches the aesthetic vision of the architect with the functional parameters demanded by the project and end user. The selection of hardware depends on the application purpose, the end user experience, safety, the specific function, performance, aesthetics, endurance, customisation and quality. Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to selecting any hardware The performance of a building and the experience that it delivers to the end users depends majorly on the hardware used even though architectural hardware cost comes to a meagre 2 to 7% of the total project value. [caption id="attachment_49189" align="alignright" width="300"] Prestige Falcon Mall[/caption] A typical project might be from the following sector: health care, retail, commercial, residential,...

Energy conservation, climate change, and air quality are the words that we hear frequently nowadays. Over the last few years, we have witnessed a greater focus on the quality of living. Further, due to the pandemic situation, safety and hygiene have become important considerations for occupants of the buildings. In building structures, the fenestration system plays an important functional role., Doors and windows are integral to the building structure, be it residential, commercial, or educational buildings to name a few. They act as a passage for entrance and exits for not only occupants but act as a barrier from external elements. The right balance of natural lighting, thermal control, air quality, and acoustics is desirable for people inside the building. In major cities, the trend is for high-rise buildings. Also, in individual residences, clients have become more aware of the doors and windows. Today we see a trend for wider...

Architectural hardware is the backbone of the fenestration industry. Whether it is the harmless small window opening in your completely secured restroom or even a large span opening in facades, the hardware around it is what defines how long the operable is going to perform. When we mean performance, it is measured by several parameters including water, wind and even the sheer functionality of the product, besides a few other lookouts that each building brings out. From the time when hardware used to be just another item to close on the BOQ (bill of quantities), to the present days when it is closely looked upon by leading developers, architects and façade consultants as the saviour of the operable in extreme conditions, the role of the product has been magnified to a large extent. [caption id="attachment_49030" align="alignnone" width="774"] Bharti Worldmark, Gurugram[/caption] Whether it is the conventional top-hung operable façade or a...

Kinlong has more than 40 Subsidiaries all over the world, 622 sales offices and more than 12000 employees working together. Our footprint in India is spread with Sales Service Offices serving in Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Jaipur. We are an Integrated Construction Hardware Manufacturer & Supplier emphasizing a one-stop solution for your entire Construction architectural hardware requirement. We pioneer indoor & window hardware Solutions (uPVC & Aluminium), point fix & curtain wall systems for all façades structures (spiders, clamps, tension rods, tension cable, etc.), door control systems, patch fittings, stainless steel railing systems, cast-in channels, anchoring solutions, smart home solution & security system, natural smoke control system and intelligent ventilation window, labour safety protection products. [caption id="attachment_47822" align="alignright" width="300"] Kinlong Hope School, Pallipuram, Kerala[/caption] We emphasise safety & performance and have our own product testing laboratories accredited by CNAS. Strict QA &...

Covid had hit hard not only in India but the whole world. This Pandemic has affected most businesses. At the top of it, the prices are skyrocketing today. The price of PVC increased is 120 %, Steel from Rs 72 to Nearly Rs 100; other materials like Zinc, Aluminium increased by 40%; fuel at its top at Rs 110; container charges from China today $10,000, which was $1800 a year back. So the end-user which is the ultimate buyer has to shell out nearly 30% more and it is not stopping now. Well, as far as demand is concerned it is definitely back, rather than increasing. India is a developing country and a growing economy. So COVID can give short-term pain but no one can stop India’s gain. The GDP collection on October 21 was at a whopping Rs 1.3 trillion from 1.05 trillion last October (2020) which itself says...

Insta was launched in 2008. Please tell us about a few of your milestone developments since then? [caption id="attachment_45543" align="alignleft" width="150"] Nitin Gupta Director - Operations, GloriousProducts India Pvt. Ltd. (Insta Hardware)[/caption] Insta brand was launched in 2008 when the founders of the company decided to build their own brand. Management is from the construction field, working as a civil contractor for many government bodies like CPWD and PWD. Insta started with glass architectural hardware. In 2011, started  aluminium doors & windows hardware In 2015, the company became the distributor for a multinational brand from Germany for uPVC doors and windows. l In 2019, management decided to launch uPVC door window hardware under its own brand name INSTA. Kindly brief us on your products and services? INSTA now is serving the fenestration industry. We provide a complete solution of the hardware for aluminium and uPVC doors, windows, and façades. The...

With the inception of the latest technologies and different materials along with attractive finishes, the architectural hardware for the doors and windows industry in India is witnessing a new wind of change. [caption id="attachment_45232" align="alignright" width="150"] RAJU BANERJEETechnical Head, McCoy 8M[/caption] The presence of several international and domestic hardware products in the market provides a variety of choices for consumers. One can get good quality, functional hardware at a reasonable price. However, a market pervaded with fierce competition between brands, coupled with a lack of information/ awareness on prices, authenticity, tests, standardization, etc., can create confusion while choosing the right hardware for your project. The right choice of architectural hardware is one of the key elements to the success of a project. Most of us are not very familiar with the significance and properties of architectural hardware used. WFM Media discussed the market trends, latest technologies, and materials available in...

What are the criteria for the selection of architectural hardware for facades and fenestrations? The selection criteria of the Architectural hardware for façades and fenestration are profoundly based on its visual aspects like color, texture, finish, overall built quality, and aesthetics of the hardware. The hardware can be concealed or visible, but should not disturb the overall design of the building. High-quality, durable, and visually appealing hardware systems tend to complement the design of the building fabulously, giving it the eccentric look. [caption id="attachment_45181" align="alignnone" width="774"]                                          Aesthetics and design compatibility performance of doors and windows[/caption] Further, the consumer can take the following tips and tricks under consideration while selecting the right kind of hardware: • Aesthetics and design compatibility performance - Remember less is always more! • Weight and height...