A RESIDENCE THAT IS ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO THE USER’S NEEDS AND FOCUSES ON SELECTING HIGH-QUALITY FITTINGS FEATURES BLUM, A MANUFACTURER OF FURNITURE FITTINGS FROM AUSTRIA, TO ENHANCE THE LONGEVITY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF CABINETS
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO: KETSIREE WONGWAN EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
Designing a home is a formidable endeavor for many. In the realm of architecture, residential projects are among the most coveted commissions. Some clients opt for a custom-designed residence believing it’s more cost-effective than investing in a pre-built development; others desire a space that is uniquely their own; and some simply cannot find a house that perfectly aligns with their needs. These motivations present ‘challenges’ for architects to interpret into spatial solutions. Yet, designing a home often entails a multitude of intricate details, given that these living spaces will accompany their owners for years to come.
Viboon Touranachun
Every architect brings a distinct approach to their work. For Viboon Touranachun, who undertook the task of designing a residence on Soi Pridi Banomyong 15, embracing the homeowner’s suggestions was paramount. His role extended beyond mere execution; he offered additional recommendations, addressed issues accompanying the client’s desires, enhanced aspects the owner might not have envisioned, and guided the project through to completion. This house stands as a testament to the harmonious collaboration between personal preferences and professional expertise. For example, the contrast between the warm living room and the kitchen—adjusted according to the actual user’s needs—demonstrates that adhering strictly to a single style isn’t always necessary.
Focusing on the kitchen—the centerpiece of our article—this compact space within the home presented significant design challenges. Viboon chose a palette of white and gray as the primary colors, contrasting with the rich browns of wood and leather found in other areas, rendering the kitchen brighter and more pristine. He meticulously arranged the countertops according to the sequence of use, enhancing both functionality and flow. Even elements invisible from the exterior, such as hinges, were crafted from quality materials, culminating in a space that has been thoroughly and thoughtfully planned. The interior fittings of the kitchen cabinets feature products from the esteemed brand Blum, the protagonist of this story we’re about to tell.
Blum, a distinguished international manufacturer of furniture fittings from Austria, is exclusively represented in Thailand by Blue International. Renowned for its extensive range—including cabinet hinge systems, lift systems, box systems, and runner systems—Blum stands at the forefront of innovative design solutions. In the kitchen of this residence, both the cabinet hinge and runner systems have been employed to enhance the longevity and functionality of various cabinets, be they doors or drawers. This practical application exemplifies why the homeowner and designer confidently agreed to incorporate these products.
Image courtesy of Blue International
The first highlight is the LEGRABOX pure, an under-counter drawer system that offers remarkable durability despite its slim and lightweight profile. Available in models that support weights of 40 kilograms and 70 kilograms, it provides vertical drawer depths ranging from 66.5 to 241 millimeters. Ideal for kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms alike, it features a smooth and silent sliding mechanism. The inclusion of front fixing brackets ensures that drawers remain perfectly parallel to the floor, even when fully extended. From a design perspective, the side panels of the drawers offer creative freedom, allowing customization with materials such as glass, wood, or stone.
Image courtesy of Blue International
But what if different drawer sizes are required? Beyond the LEGRABOX pure, Blum offers standalone runner systems. This particular home utilizes the MOVENTO 760H runner system, which boasts load-bearing capabilities comparable to full box systems. Its innovative design reduces the force needed to open drawers, preventing abrupt movements and enhancing user experience. Combined with a soft-close feature, it ensures optimal efficiency and peace of mind, even when storing delicate porcelain dishes or other fragile items. Additionally, it includes a locking device when fully extended, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience.
Image courtesy of Blue International
Finally, we turn our attention to the CLIP top BLUMOTION 107-degree hinge. Designed with effortless and flexible installation, this innovative hinge features a tool-free setup with both CLIP and INSERTA mechanisms, allowing for swift assembly of cabinet doors and carcasses. Beyond ease of installation, it offers remarkable 3D adjustment capabilities, enabling precise and easy side, height, and infinitely variable depth adjustment with spiral screw. Engineered for longevity, Blum’s hinges are designed to withstand up to 200,000 opening and closing cycles, equating to approximately 10 years of consistent use.
Such level of durability, coupled with features that adapt seamlessly to a variety of design styles, has garnered Blum a stellar reputation among discerning clients familiar with the brand as its acclaim spreads organically through word of mouth. For those interested in exploring Blum’s range of furniture fittings in greater detail, visit: