Intelligent fittings

Fittings manufacturers are collaborating with international furniture companies to shape modern living and working environments. Häfele will demonstrate how effective such solutions can be at the upcoming interzum event. "The challenges of our time can only be met by working together," says Gregor Riekena, CEO of the German fittings specialist. Häfele, whose guiding principle is "Maximising the value of space. Together." At its trade fair stand, the company will showcase the synergies between different disciplines and aspects, among them functionality, ambience and the arrangement of space. The focus will be on areas such as kitchens, offices and small living spaces, and the company will provide practical insights into projects it has implemented together with partners.

interzum exhibitor Blum also places emphasis on cross-sector collaboration. The Austrian fittings manufacturer is joining forces with the German software company Palette CAD to expand the range of options available in kitchen planning. Together, they have created a digital furniture library designed to speed up the kitchen design process. The comprehensive 3D planning software features pre-designed kitchen furniture and layouts, complete with carefully chosen Blum fittings. These can be automatically integrated into the furniture during the planning phase, but there is also the option to make individual choices. Blum is also weaving science-backed ergonomic principles relating to kitchen use into its designs. "It was important to us to incorporate multiple aspects into the planning software that go beyond mere design, with a particular focus on ergonomics and customer-centric planning," says product manager Florian Hannig.

Customer-centric planning also means adapting to new spatial concepts. Large-scale designs with minimalist joints are particularly in demand in today's kitchen furniture market. One of the latest innovations from the manufacturer Hettich is a fitting that is designed especially for floor-to-ceiling kitchen units. The "Evisys" guiding hinge offers an exceptional load-bearing capacity for extra-high cabinet doors concealing built-in fridges, which they are connected to via door-on-door hinges. Consequently, doors weighing up to 80 kilograms can now be accommodated, which is a full 10 kilograms more than the previous limit. And Hettich will be unveiling even more innovative, creative ways to use and redesign living spaces at the upcoming edition of interzum, where a new special event, under the banner of "Transforming Spaces – with innovative motion", will showcase convertible furniture designs.

The T-type-i 170° hinge is another fittings solution that has been specifically developed for tall cabinet doors. Titus, a British exhibitor with an international presence, will present this innovation to trade visitors at interzum 2025. The hinge boasts exceptional stability and a wide opening angle with zero protrusion. The company will also exhibit its T-type PressTo hinge, which is designed to facilitate fast and efficient cabinet assembly, at the trade fair. The hinge cup fixing can be mounted with a simple press, while Titus’ 3Way snap-on hinge-to-plate mounting system ensures quick and secure assembly. The manufacturer claims to deliver the "fastest hinge" on the market, and also offers the T-type PressTo Noir version of the model, exuding discreet elegance.

Good design starts with the components supplied. Intelligent fittings allow creative furniture ideas and new interior solutions to be brought to life. The forthcoming edition of interzum will spotlight the new products causing a stir right now. From 20 to 23 May 2025, international suppliers to the furniture industry will gather in Cologne to explore innovations and shape new living spaces alongside other key players in the sector.