Comments attributed to: Paul Smith, Head of Specification Sales at Häfele UK.

“Those working in the retail or commercial industry are continually adapting to meet the needs and preferences of their customers and users. Not only do settings need to make people feel safe, they also have to appeal visually and offer comfort. To achieve this requires a three-way solution, considering security, functionality and aesthetics.

Security

“Whether cash desks in shops, filing cabinets in offices, media technology hubs in conference centres, or displays for luxury items in department stores, security is key. Dialock, the electronic remote access and furniture locking system from Häfele, is specifically designed to meet the high safety requirements of commercial and retail environments, offering the perfect combination of door and furniture locks to provide designers, specifiers and contractors with an all-encompassing security solution.

“As well as being compatible with cabinets, drawers and showcases, Dialock has the flexibility to be rolled out to almost any area of, and any door within a building, such as meeting spaces, conference suites, storage areas and individual room doors to protect items and increase safety for people working in or using the building. Existing Dialock technology has been expertly developed in recent years to expand its capabilities in the commercial and retail sectors, and now offers functionality for both premium and entry-level budgets.

“Häfele has long supplied the industry with this technology, but as we bring to market its new advancements, we’re also supporting with the planning, delivery and after sales phases of commercial projects. This offers architects, developers, contractors and end users everything they need to efficiently integrate the security and safety elements of furniture and access control, all of which can be supplied, installed and supported by our team.

Functionality

“Operators have an ongoing need to implement flexible design solutions. That way, they can welcome back as many customers and users as possible, but can also quickly adapt should there be a need to create smaller spaces for fewer people as and when required.

“Moveable walls and sliding or folding doors offer the versatility to divide or open up spaces quickly and safely for different purposes. They can be used in open-plan areas such as conference suites, function rooms, storage areas and even car parks can be split into smaller chambers.

“Introducing such design features gives businesses a whole host of possibilities when it comes to using the space, whether for larger events or smaller meetings. Many solutions can also be combined with Dialock and used in conjunction with flow control technology to allow only a limited amount of people access to a space at any one time.

“The beauty of using moveable walls or sliding doors is that it allows architects, designers, specifiers and fit out teams to help the commercial real estate sector create flexible spaces, where every square metre can be multi-functional and purpose-made for the needs of different users. At a time when many businesses are looking to adapt and secure multiple revenue streams to maximise profits, this has never been so important.

Aesthetic

“Functional doesn’t have to mean bland. Häfele’s suite of products for the commercial and retail sectors are created to meet the latest trends and styles.

“For example, our sliding and folding door systems are available to suit, in timber, glass or composite materials to perfectly complement a variety of schemes. Meanwhile, our moveable walls come complete with fabric, magnetic, laminate and mirror coverings, or can even be fitted with LED digital displays and sound technologies, ensuring they become an immersive entertainment feature for users, while also maintaining any fire or acoustic requirements.

“Lighting can work as both a practical tool and an inspiring design feature. For example, Loox by Häfele can be used to showcase a room’s best features while simultaneously acting as a guide to navigate people around the space. Also compatible with furniture and fittings, users can change the colour, warmth and intensity of Loox via an app to coincide with different design trends or match a brand’s colour palette.

“Meanwhile, our team of over 20 DipGAI qualified ironmongers support architects and designers to put architectural ironmongery central to the design and delivery of commercial and retail spaces as part of a wider product specification programme. Individual components such as door hardware – though finite details of a space – shouldn’t be underestimated for their ability to complete a vision and bring it to life. Our ironmongery experts support our customers to strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic, offering a wide variety of supporting services to help make a project even more efficient.

“The Häfele Projects team works in partnership with architects, designers, specifiers and contractors to ensure operators in the commercial real estate sector can benefit from a tailored programme of work. Each is designed around specific budgets and offers bespoke solutions.

“Our design consultation, product specification, order management, ongoing support and after sales care are all designed to guarantee customers achieve the levels of accuracy and attention to detail they require for every part of a project. So, whether it be security, functionality, aesthetics or a combination of all three, we’re on hand to help.”