Platform about design and technology in the kitchen, home, and bathroom industry
Smart sliding door system with a focus on refined design and ease of use
The kitchen excels in flexibility. Its core business is still preparing and consuming daily meals. But the kitchen is also a workplace, a meeting room, a place where homework is done and where people take a break to enjoy a snack and a drink. Ease of use therefore remains an important pillar in kitchen design, but aesthetics and efficient use of space are just as important. Van Opstal responds to this beautifully.
Van Opstal is known as a reliable partner for kitchen and interior designers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The company is always looking for innovative solutions that offer tangible benefits to both kitchen designers and end users. “And with Exedra Gravity from Italian manufacturer Salice, we have just such an innovation,” says Sophie Werbrouck of Van Opstal. “Salice will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.e anniversary and therefore has a proven track record in furniture fittings. Salice proves time and again that functionality and elegance can go hand in hand. The simplicity and user-friendliness of Exedra Gravity are striking. You can open or close its doors in no time at all.”
Magnetic dampers. These are the most striking elements of the Exedra Gravity. Where traditional systems use cables or springs to perform the movements, Salice has developed an innovative system with magnetic dampers. These ensure controlled movement and at the same time regulate the speed at which the doors open and close. This delivers tangible benefits. The user immediately notices the whisper-quiet operation and, albeit less immediately, the longer service life. What's more, the door disappears completely into a side compartment measuring just 55 millimeters. This keeps the cabinet front line sleek and minimalist, preserving the aesthetics.
Exedra Gravity can be used flexibly, in the kitchen but also elsewhere in the interior. The system supports door heights from 1100 to 3000 mm, widths from 300 to 900 mm, and a maximum weight of 40 kilograms. Werbrouck: “The system therefore opens up new possibilities for both kitchen and interior designers, especially as there are two versions available, namely OUT/PUSH and IN/PULL. The OUT/PUSH model is equipped with a push-to-open function. We see advantages in this for those who use handle-less fronts. After all, these require a sleek, modern look. The IN/PULL model has double damping that gently slows down the movement when sliding in and closing.
With Exedra Gravity, kitchen and interior designers not only gain a whole host of additional design options, but also a system that is easier to install. “The use of magnetic dampers instead of cables or springs also has a positive impact on ease of installation,” explains Werbrouck. “Adjusting the system is easier and can be done at the front of the cabinet. This means less work and greater efficiency during installation.”
