An interesting interview featuring Ahmet Astal from Yale Middle East briefing about the company, it's products in the market & so on. Read the excerpts below: Please brief our readers about the journey of Yale in the Middle East? Yale is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand which represents the residential application side of the group worldwide. Yale started its journey in the Middle East with Lebanon in 1940, and today is present all across the Middle East countries through some of the region’s top distributors, and resellers. Could you please tell us about some of your clients or the projects in which your products have been used? As a brand operating in the region, we have partnered with some of the biggest companies including telecom providers like Etisalat, and retail stores like ACE Hardware in UAE, and SACO in Saudi Arabia. We also continue to expand our reach with top...

Architectural Hardware/ Ironmongery Architectural hardware plays a key part in all buildings and in everyone’s day-to-day lives, so much more than is realised. Incorporating look, feel, functionality, security, performance, fire life safety, accessibility, acoustics, weather protection, and energy efficiency to name but a few. It is essential that your building is specified correctly by an industry expert, and that the products comply with the relevant codes and standards and are fit for purpose. Understanding Product Standards There are currently two prevailing sets of standards related to door hardware / ironmongery that form the basis of the majority of project specifications. These are British / European standards, identified with the BSEN and CE prefixes and North American standards identified as ANSI/BHMA. Architectural Hardware Product Standards: BSEN & ANSI / BHMA [caption id="attachment_43665" align="alignright" width="217"] Bronze range of Ironmongery[/caption] These standards indicate performance levels on each product, carrying out stringent testing such...

The market for doors and windows in uPVC and aluminium is steadily growing and expected to cross over Rs 15-20,000 crores by 2025. Let’s take a look at the reality in developments. Aluminium door and window systems were introduced in the Indian market in the early 80s. Thereafter, aluminium window systems saw a steady growth. They were made essentially using extruded aluminium profiles available in the local market. Components like glass were common. Other components, including beading, gasket and hardware were required to make a complete system. [caption id="attachment_42060" align="alignleft" width="217"] uPVC Windows[/caption] Over the past one decade the façade and fenestration industry across the country has become more organised and evolved in many aspects; but the major transformations were seen in safety, security and durability features. Each of these traits needs to be understood in order to assimilate the evolution of the trade. Safety in the window comes with...

What are the criteria for selection of architectural hardware for fenestrations? Door and window hardware is a general term for various metal and non-metal parts installed on the exterior windows and doors of buildings. They play a key role in opening and closing doors and windows. The surface is generally treated by electroplating or spraying, which is sturdy, durable, flexible, economical and beautiful. Door and window hardware are selected based on the design, requirements and profiles of the project. The hardware accessories must meet the engineering stress requirements as well as the overall sealing performance of the door (window) including engineering cost, service life and appearance. What kind of services can the door and window hardware supplier provide to customers? In the project design stage, assist customers to improve the design of profiles and provide reasonable advice Selecting hardware, combining project profiles and requirements Provide suitable hardware products Provide face-to-face...

The architectural hardware industry is gradually witnessing a new wind of change globally with the presence of several international and domestic hardware products in the market. The use of the latest technologies with different materials and finishes has increased extensively providing better quality, functionality, security, installation, look, etc. In terms of design, there has been a drastic evolution with a focus on a more minimalist and energy-efficient approach. However, challenges abound in the hardware architecture product market. The market is pervaded with fierce competition coupled with a lack of information/awareness on prices, authenticity, test, standardisation, etc., which are still few and far between. Given the huge opportunities present within the challenges, the market is relatively buoyant and positive based on the demand from the growing housing and construction industry. The demand compels us to unleash more enhanced new products, and constantly innovate and upgrade the existing products, which gestures a...

Windows and doors are an important investment in any building. They can reduce energy costs, add to curb appeal, improve ventilation and make the interiors more comfortable. That’s why it pays to learn about the major components of doors and windows. Finding the right entry door for your home is important, but so is choosing the correct door hardware. To help make your choice easier, here’s what you need to know about door and window hardware, and how to know what kind of hardware to get to complete the look and feel of your doors and windows. We spoke to many industry experts on the criteria for choosing hardware for fenestration, and this edition’s cover story summarises the details, which can make it easier to choose the right hardware products for doors and windows. Hardware may not be top of mind when choosing the right window or door for a...

Please mention a few important hardware that goes on the doors and windows? Mortice or cylinder locks, lever handles or pull handles or knobs, surface mounted or concealed door closer, card readers, eye viewers, electromagnetic door holders, flush bolts, panic bars, floor stops, hinges, and glass hardware patch fittings are some of the hardware commonly used in doors and windows. Please comment on the need for choosing the right kind of hardware for windows, doors and façades? Primarily, openings in a building are the easiest locations to break in. Also, controlled openings like windows and doors are dynamic in comparison with other building components. So, it is important that we use the right hardware for our own security and safety. Secondly, the entrance door and its handle will be the first component that gets sighted or used by anyone entering your house, so it should be aesthetically appealing. [caption id="attachment_40756"...

Important Hardware for Doors and Windows Apart from the standard model of single-point locking with Cockspur Handles, uPVC doors and windows are characterised by the ability to be locked at multiple points for added safety and better sealing. This is done by Espagnolettes with multiple locking points, and strikers and operated by an appropriate handle, both in casement as well as sliding doors and windows. [caption id="attachment_40737" align="alignright" width="300"] Friction hinges Thunder Magnum, Power and Rock for PVC-U and aluminium[/caption] Friction hinges for windows and 3D, 2D and Butt hinges for doors provide the necessary hinge action in casement doors and windows, while rollers, both single and double nylon or steel-wheeled, swing or adjustable, provide the movement to sliding doors and windows. However, of late, a plethora of specialised hardware for tilt & turn, slide & fold, lift & slide, tilt & slide, slide & pivot and vertical windows and...

The sense of sight or vision is perhaps the most influential among the five senses. Spectacular, marvellous, magnificent, splendiferous, wow, etc.; there are many verbal expressions to convey the appreciation for the beauty visible through our eyes. Our fascination with the joys that this ‘sense of vision’ can evoke is the basis for designing unique and awe-inspiring envelopes for the buildings The façade industry has gone through many evolutions over centuries. The industrial revolution has played a major role in bringing up the best in the façade industry and each of its segments. Between the start of the usage of glass in large areas of the façade in circa 16th century and the era of digital manufacturing in the 21st century, many revolutionary developments have been witnessed. Functionally, a façade separates the indoor environment from the outdoor. So, a façade and its components should be designed to withstand environmental factors...

As our fenestration industry is becoming organised with the growing awareness of system windows and doors in India, system companies and fabricators are increasingly on the look-out for innovative and out-of-the-box window and door systems that are well-engineered for performance and at the same time appeal to the end-users in terms of modern design aesthetics and ease of use. Conventional sliding and openable window/door systems that are available in the market are still in demand for projects and price-sensitive markets because either the volumes are high or the lack of appetite for paying more. Here, the focus is more on the pricing. There is very little scope here for promoting innovative solutions because innovation comes at a price. Current Trend in Architectural Hardware Systems [caption id="attachment_40270" align="alignleft" width="300"] Friction stays[/caption] The last few years have seen an exponential increase in demand in the retail segment for architectural systems that are...

Every architectural design comprises various elements that combine and integrate to give the desired look and feel to a place. While each and every element has a distinguished and well-defined role to play, one can certainly not ignore the profuse relevance of doors and windows while designing the façade of a building. With the advancement in the industry in terms of hardware and technology, there have been significant changes that have transformed various aspects of architectural hardware doors and windows. Let us take a look at various innovative designs, materials and technologies pertaining to architectural hardware for doors and windows: Criteria For Selection Of Architectural Hardware [caption id="attachment_40250" align="alignleft" width="217"] Use of aluminium to build doors and windows has become very common in metropolitan cities[/caption] Today, with changing trends in architecture, hardware has become design oriented, which means architects prefer to choose hardware which does not compromise the designs rather...

What are the criteria for the selection of architectural hardware for façades & fenestrations? Hardware contributes to less than 1.5% of the value of the project, but is contributing to 95% of the problems when it is not installed correctly. In addition, a user who enters the building does not touch the walls, neither the ceilings nor the floors. The only element of the building he/she touches is the lever handles and the pull handles. I keep repeating this, because, these are items that are finalised in the finishing stages of the project when the budgets are finished, the main objective at that stage is to somehow fit something and close the doors. It is no surprise that within a couple of months, you see the hardware falling off. [caption id="attachment_39734" align="alignleft" width="500"] Anti-bacterial coating[/caption] Now that I have highlighted the concerns, let me focus on the selection. A good...

Architectural hardware like hinges, locks, catches, knobs, and handles are especially included within the basis of any house. They are known to serve very important and practical functions in your doors and windows but also help in achieving decorative motives and improving the aesthetics of your room, home, or building. Architectural hardware is required for opening, closing, and locking the doors and windows. Besides these functions, they also play a very important role in keeping the occupants safe. Every infrastructure, whether it is a residential or commercial building, is incomplete without hardware products. There are lots of things that should be considered while choosing hardware products for your doors and windows. In this cover story, we interviewed the architectural hardware industry experts to bring you in-depth knowledge of the industry and to keep you updated with the norms and specifications that play a key role in the selection of the...

Door hardware makes up a relatively small investment cost relative to the overall estimated cost of a project. But then again door hardware has an impact on the facility out of proportion to their cost. The appearance and function of the doors and door hardware are scrutinised daily by the building occupants and visitors. [caption id="attachment_39428" align="alignleft" width="250"] Antique Door Hardware[/caption] Having spent several years in this industry, I have always kept with me the famous quote which says “The lever handle on the door is the first handshake you make before entering a building”. Projects are nowadays mostly won on the selection of a designer handle that pleases the end client's taste towards aesthetics and finishes. Thus, the revolution of architectural door hardware has evolved over a period of time in both regulations and standards and design-wise. [caption id="attachment_39429" align="alignright" width="150"] Concealed Hinges[/caption] We will not go into the...

Doors and door hardware 's have never received much attention during the design process of new or renovation projects. There are various companies that make door hardware 's. No one would not want to buy the best door hardware. Beyond making certain that the selection meets minimum functionality and code requirements, more attention is usually paid to the look and finish of the door and its hardware than to how well they will function over time. If you don’t choose the best hardware then you will be putting your items & safety at the risk because thieves can easily access your premises. You need to know different types of door hardware 's and their uses. Not that long ago, it was possible to get away with ignoring door hardware requirements. Doors hardware 's, and the functions they were expected to perform, were relatively simple. The biggest operational concern was keeping...

  WFM: Please comment on the need for choosing the right kind of hardware for windows, doors and façades. Hiten Sethi (HS): Architectural hardware is becoming increasingly design-oriented. Any architectural hardware shall ideally provide the highest level of performance, security & safety without compromising on aesthetics. Hardware used for doors, windows and façades influences the overall look of any architectural project, hence choosing the right ones is of utmost importance! Selection criteria should be based on - firstly, the level of performance which means satisfactory operations and durability. Secondly, no compromise shall be practised about the visual appeal of hardware. Designs of hardware - the colour, texture and finish chosen - can be altered and redesigned based on demand. Ideally hardware product manufacturers should aim for products to perform, be durable and have an aesthetic finish, all balanced together. The overall quality of hardware matters because whether concealed or visible,...