Switzerland-based Hawa will be introducing some of its cutting-edge sliding hardware systems at the Big 5 show.

These include the Hawa-Puro 100–150 hardware system for sliding all-glass doors, the Hawa-Variofold 80/H and Hawa-Centerfold 80/H system for large wooden folding walls, and the sliding hardware system Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic with a new Hawa-Motronic 230VAC drive.
Speaking on these new hardware systems, Petra Fetting, a marketing communication spokeswoman, says: “The transparency and elegance of glass come into their own with the Hawa-Puro 100–150. This innovative solution for frameless all-glass doors represents the creative epitome for invisible hardware.
“The sliding hardware system is ideal for partitioning and designing representative public and private premises and combines fascinating aesthetics with a high degree of operational convenience. It is the hidden suspension system that makes Hawa-Puro 100–150 so interesting for design enthusiasts and aficionados of simple, yet elegant, stylistic elements.”
Top tracks with integrated technology can be flush-mounted both in concrete ceilings (with the Hawa-Adapto profile for setting in concrete) and suspended lightweight ceilings (with ceiling-mounting brackets). Both systems enable the glass doors to glide through the ceiling with no visible hardware components, according to the company.
“The Hawa-Puro 100–150 combines high demands on design with operational convenience and ease of assembly. The new hardware system moves all-glass doors weighing up to 150 kg softly and quietly in unembellished cubistic top tracks, which are available in a plain anodised or stainless steel look,” she says. “Its high quality and hard-wearing ball bearing technology, for which Hawa is renowned in the industry, provides first-class running properties. It allows doors to be opened and shut with next to no effort. A two-part punctiform and rattle-proof floor guide makes it easy to hang the sliding glass doors in place and prevents any rattling noise, for instance due to draughts.
“The innovative wedge suspension system is a new development for which Hawa has filed a patent application. It sets new standards in speed and simplicity with regard to height adjustment and installation, according to the company. Two infinitely variable stop bumpers, each adaptable to suit the door weight, provide a high degree of operational convenience.
“A form-fitting and stable mechanical connection between glass and hardware guarantee safety of use and make it impossible for the panes to slip. In addition, centric sliding door suspension simplifies installation and prevents lateral pressure on the floor guide. Both toughened safety glass (TSG) and laminated sheet glass (LSG) manufactured from TSG can be used. The Hawa-Puro 100–150 is suitable for installing toughened safety glass with thicknesses of 8, 10, 12 and 12.7 mm, and laminated safety glass with a thickness between 7.7 and 13 mm.
“The Hawa-Puro 100–150 also ensures that the installation is economic and well thought out. For instance, the system needs only a single profile for both weight classes, simplifying storage and logistics. This sophisticated hardware system makes use of one and the same top track for customised installations with stationary components made of glass or wood – a feature made possible by top track cover profiles detachable from the underside. The installer always has access to the glass suspension system and can retrofit glass doors or stationary elements without having to remove parts of the ceiling or make any constructional alterations. Even wood or glass components installable on either side to form a pocket for the sliding door are achievable using the existing top track. The detachable cover and accessory profiles can be painted to match the ceiling, thus avoiding unsightly transitions.”
Various accessories round off the Hawa-Puro 100–150 product range  and include a vertical aluminium profile with a rubber seal  which closes the gap between the stationary glass element and the sliding door and protects not only the glass edges but also against draught. 
“Locks, wall connection profiles and ceiling integration profiles complete the product range. They guarantee a cost-effective installation of sliding glass doors and stationary elements without requiring any improvisation from the installer during installation and adjustment,” she adds.

Folding walls
Moving from sliding doors to folding walls, Fetting says: “Architects and clients alike increasingly value the flexibility and individualism that mobile sliding/folding walls bring to room designs as well as the convenient way they can be moved around. Wherever a residential or commercial room needs partitioning by a simply operated, high-quality folding system – in shopping centres, airports, hotels, restaurants and banks – Hawa folding and concertina walls are the first choice.”
The Hawa-Variofold and Hawa-Centerfold hardware systems share identical basic components. Having been successfully launched for glass door applications, both systems are also available for wooden folding installations as well.
These systems are ideal for wooden, flush folding partition walls designed to fill broad and tall apertures, says Fetting. The main difference between these related systems lies in the suspension points: mid-panel with Hawa-Centerfold, at the panel edges with Hawa-Variofold. Hawa-Variofold is the solution for folding walls with a bottom guide, whereas Hawa-Centerfold is conceived for guide-free concertina walls. The locking mechanism operates from inside, and secures the tops of the panels.
Both systems have been designed for folding wall panels up to 900 mm wide and with a maximum weight of 80 kg. They can span apertures up to 6,300 mm (Hawa-Variofold) or 5,900 mm (Hawa-Centerfold). The only limitation on height is the allowable panel weight, she points out.
The systems cater for a row of up to six-and a-half to seven panels respectively. Two-sided installations double the maximum aperture width and the number of panels.
A pivot bearing supports the first panel in the row, elegant stainless steel hinges link up the rest and draw the folded panels closer together, for even more compact stacking. Folding walls using Hawa-Variofold 80/H and concertina walls using Hawa-Centerfold 80/H thus have extremely modest parking area requirements. An additional access door may also be installed, either adjoining the folding stack, or on the opposite side.
The folding walls from Hawa are high-quality products with plastic-coated ball bearing rollers. These rollers guarantee feather-light and whisper-quiet running even under heavy-duty conditions. Every second panel has a stopper with an individually adjustable retainer, so panels can be secured in position without having to operate the locking mechanism as well, Fetting says.

Sliding shutters
Meanwhile, Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic sliding hardware systems have made major contributions to the revival of sliding shutters over the past years, she says. “Window shutters made from wood or metal are becoming increasingly popular in modern architecture – as much in private residential construction as in public buildings or hotels. The engineers at Hawa have now developed a future-oriented drive unit with integrated control for the Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic automatic sliding hardware system.
“The efficient and user-friendly Hawa-Motronic 230VAC drive unit lets automatic sliding shutters glide gently and quietly into any position at the touch of a button. Its integrated intelligent control enables slow shutter acceleration and braking movements. It also detects the exact position of the shutter by counting and storing the number of motor revolutions. Even an unplanned stop, due perhaps to an obstruction or power failure, will not cause any malfunctions,” she explains.
Hawa provides a brushless electric motor, a high-quality gear mechanism and a tried-and- tested drive belt for fully automatic window shutter operation. These components form a system from one cast with a long lifetime and very low susceptibility to failure, according to the company.
Its integrated controls need neither special connection cables nor a control box – an advantage that makes planning and installation considerably easier, she says. Activation is the same as with tried-and-tested, conventional roller shutter systems – another plus for installation. Commercially available switches can be used to operate the sliding shutters. The overall system consisting of the Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic and Hawa-Motronic 230VAC is CE certified and is easily connected to a central facility management system, she adds.
In addition, the sliding hardware system is also highly adaptable: Hawa offers solutions for wall and ceiling installations, as well as a large number of bottom guide options – enabling the Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic to cope easily with the most varied structural conditions and arrangement designs.
“The sliding hardware specialists from Switzerland have made their unique Hawa-Frontslide 60/matic system even more versatile by developing the innovative Hawa-Motronic 230VAC drive unit. Combining the two enables the design of complex installations to meet even the most discerning customer requirements. Hawa offers a high-quality, absolutely reliable and proven system solution from one source – convenient and safe in every regard,” Fetting concludes.
Hawa will be at Stand A 123 in Hall 3.