1. back
  2. Solutions
  3. System solutions
  4. Architectural hardware for creative facade solutions

New opening types and window shapes to cater for the special aesthetics of the facade

Planning – Development – Implementation: a one-stop service!
Modern, creative architecture places very high demands on the design and function of facades. Together with planners, system suppliers and fabricators, we develop and facilitate appropriate solutions.

With hardware for Projecting Top-Hung, Parallel-Projecting, Horizontal-Pivot or Side-Hung windows, as well as special designs based on individual customer specifications, it is possible to satisfy demands for new opening types and window shapes with unique aesthetic qualities.

As specialist in all opening types for the facade, Gretsch-Unitas has built up formidable technical expertise over many years in the development of innovative opening mechanisms and also verifies they safely and cost-effectively satisfy the applicable standards and regulations by carrying out functional tests at the in-house testing centre.

Our experts take project-related special parts developed exclusively for individual projects as innovative engineering work and combine them with elements from the tried-and-tested range of the GU group.

After all, individually designed facades incorporating Gretsch-Unitas technology are not just architecturally appealing, they also satisfy the highest of expectations with respect to functionality, ventilation, thermal insulation and burglar protection.

You can download the brochure here
©Musée d’Eth­nographie, Genève, Blaise Glauser

Parallel-Projecting windows

Elegant homogenous facades
Parallel-Projecting windows are used where the elegant visual effect and homogenous appearance of a glass facade should be retained even when the windows are opened in different ways. In contrast to conventional Tilt-Only or Tilt&Turn windows, the window surface is not swivelled in relation to the frame, but is moved out in an orientation that is parallel to the glass facade.

Furthermore, this opening type is also suitable for achieving natural ventilation concepts because of the steplessly controllable opening widths.

In comparison to conventional tilted windows, Parallel-Projecting windows can obtain a much higher rate of air exchange with the same opening width. As with all outwardly opening windows, this opening type does not take up any room inside.

  • Technical details

    The special solution for sashes weighing up to 750 kg, opening widths up to 250 mm and sash heights up to 5,000 mm. Parallel-Projecting windows can be manufactured with a comprehensive range of GU stays for all frame materials, such as timber, PVC and aluminium.

    Reference project, Anna Freud Centre Campus

© James D. Evans

Side-Hung and Bottom-Hung windows

Every dimension of window is possible
New requirements regarding the weight and measurements of Side-Hung windows require creative solutions. The challenge is to harmonise the new window dimensions with the aesthetic requirements of the architect. Gretsch-Unitas has the answers to all challenges posed by sophisticated building envelopes, e.g. concealed hardware, delicate heavy-duty Side-Hung hinges and hardware for very heavy sashes.

  • Technical details

    Today's facades, with their floor-to-ceiling windows, present a challenge for standard hardware. In order to meet these enhanced requirements, Gretsch-Unitas develops special Side-Hung hinges in a concealed version, which carry sash weights up to 350 kg. We can adapt our constructions to fit your desires, including all requirements.

    Reference project, ILB Potsdam

© HUECK

Projecting Top-Hung windows

Uniform all-glass facade
The Projecting Top-Hung function in windows offers considerable functional and aesthetic advantages in many building projects. The window sash dips downward slightly when opening outward and remains in any opening position. This window lends an exceptionally homogenous character to all-glass facades (structural glazing). In contrast to conventional Top-Hung windows, Projecting Top-Hung windows are positionally stable in any position.

  • Sustainable ventilation and security

    The 30-storey building soars above the smaller neighbouring buildings and offers far-reaching views over the city and the Hudson River. The luxury owner-occupied apartments are located in the first zero-waste apartment building in New York. This building received this environmental award in recognition of its many and varied ecological features, such as generous daylighting solutions, electric car charging stations and water dispensers for reducing the number of plastic water bottles in the building.

    Gretsch-Unitas delivered the Projecting Top-Hung hardware which features a turn-restrictor, which can be released with a key, and central locking. The turn-restrictor satisfies the requirement of the New York City Department of Health to provide an anti-fall guard.

    Reference project, 565 Broome, NYC

  • Technical details

    This hardware range offers a number of different Projecting Top-Hung stays with an opening angle from 20° to 50°. Sashes can be made up to a height of 2,500 mm. Projecting Top-Hung windows can be made with GU stays for all frame materials, such as timber, PVC and aluminium.

© Tim Fisher Photography

Tilt & Slide elements

Leichtgängig und dennoch sturmsicher
Als himmelstürmender Wohnturm ist das Objekt Ocean Heights in Dubai Inbegriff luxuriöser Immobilien der Gegenwart. Der Wolkenkratzer mit Blick auf die künstlich angelegte Insel „Palm Jumeirah“ ist 2010 im Berzirk Dubai Marina eröffnet worden. Zu seinen Glanzpunkten gehören Balkone, die über bodentiefe Schiebeelemente erschlossen werden. Gretsch-Unitas hat für die Balkone des Ocean Heights insgesamt 1250 Parallelschiebekipp-Beschläge geliefert, die trotz ihrer hohen Gewichte mit ihrem besonders leichten Lauf für Komfort sorgen. Die Kippfunktion ist durch die starken Scheren der Beschläge sturmsicher, was bei einem über 300 Meter hohem Gebäude sehr wichtig ist. 2006 wurde das Gebäude mit dem Bentley “Best Architecture” Award ausgezeichnet.

Referenz Ocean Heights

©Andrew Bromberg of Aedas

Special designs tailored to individual requirements

Diamond-shaped Parallel-Projecting windows without profile
The patent-protected profile construction with reduced number of components increases the scope for design creativity. When closed, the window is fully integrated into the facade. It is opened and closed by a motor. The integrated high-resolution sensor components detect obstructions and prevent jamming.

  • Ventilation without compromising facade design

    More leeway for designing facades with ventilation elements installed between storeys. Indirect natural ventilation: ventilation flaps in the intermediate floor, with motor-driven control by the user. Technology: Top-Hung, Projecting Top-Hung or Parallel-Projecting hardware. Gretsch-Unitas developed and delivered a wide range of hardware for the building on behalf of the European facade specialist Yuanda Europe for the following window applications: manual Projecting Top-Hung windows, motor-driven ventilation flaps, manual floor-to-ceiling Side-Hung windows with sash weights up to 250 kg, and manually-operated curved Side-Hung windows with sash weights up to 150 kg, concealed clampable aluminium hinges for specially-designed heavy sashes and manual Side-Hung windows with various sash geometries.

  • Hardware for bullseye windows

    The White Collar Factory is a complex of six buildings on Old Street Yard, which comprises offices, studios, start-up centres, restaurants and apartments, and has become a new public space. There is a 150 m roof running track on the sixteen-storey tower. Together the buildings form an eye-catching landmark for Old Street and create a new, more accessible district which references the lanes and corridors of the historical town centre.

    To meet the special requirements, Gretsch-Unitas provided inward-opening motor-driven Top-Hung windows, Side-Hung windows with concealed hinges for sash weights up to 300 kg, individual handle design and development and design of hardware for bullseye windows with tilt function.

    Reference project, White Collar Factory

Building project consulting and planning for tailored solutions

A product on its own is not a solution. The correct level of security, function and cost-effectiveness can only be achieved with the right planning and by ensuring correct application. The GU group therefore also applies the systematic thought processes demonstrated in its product range to its service offering. Close interlinking of one-to-one expert advice, free online support and a comprehensive programme of technical seminars aims to make the day-to-day work of architects and planners easier.

  • Building project consulting

    Facilitates everyday work: building project consulting supports architects and planners in all questions and in each project phase – from planning support and contributory work in the tender through to implementation. Well thought out and coordinated system solutions guarantee functionality and compliance with the relevant standards and directives.

  • Planning support

    The basis for successful construction projects: GU group provides architects and planners with comprehensive support. In close collaboration with the customer, comprehensive cross-trade concepts tailored to the individual building requirements are developed. These take into account the safety of the building and occupants and barrier-freedom comfort and aesthetics in equal measure.

    The full range of services extends from technical planning and design through to production of the special parts, functional checks at the company's own test centre and handling of projects together with customers all over the world.

    Link to our services for architects and planners

© Getty Images