‘Flat is beautiful’
You might think there’s nothing exciting about another range of switches, well you’d probably be right, and most of the time I wouldn’t argue with you. Most of the big European manufactures seem to think ‘sheds’ and shun aesthetics whenever they start a new round of development. Mind you, I also have to hold my hands up and admit that I have some ‘classic’ polished chrome dimmer switches in my home and they were recently criticized by a colleague when he spotted them in the background during a ‘Skype’ meeting. ‘They came with the house’ was my defence, but he was right and at some point I must replace the big shiny DIY store monstrosities! It’s funny how I’m involved with delivering Smart Home Technology into other people’s homes, but never get around to my own…
Anyway, the German system supplier Gira has a switch range that is a little special and you can actually get a little excited about it (well I did anyway). It’s special because the Gira E22 range can be mounted flat on the wall and the product range is available with the full depth of functions. To the majority of architects the switch on the wall is more of a necessary evil than the subtle under stated smart home design statement they’re looking for. Especially when it’s big and shiny, sticks out like a sore thumb and generally spoils the overall impression of the room. But all this is not necessary. The E22 is a range of switches that can be mounted flat on the wall – the switch cover frames and inserts extend just 3mm above the surface and has an overall elegant, high-quality appearance with a very precise shape. And the flat design is supported by a vertical switch toggle, which does not break through the flush surface.
The Gira E22 also offers another special feature – the switch range is available in three different materials – stainless steel, aluminum and thermoplastic in pure white glossy finish. So Architects can open themselves to the fascinating possibility of completely equipping a smart building with one and the same switch range, not as easy as it sounds with many of the competitors.
In addition to the visual design and the large number of different installation options, this switch range convinces in all three material versions with the full depth of its assortment, which consists of more than 200 functions for modern smart building management. These include push button sensors for controlling the KNX/EIB Instabus, the home stations of the Gira door communication system, the Gira flush-mounted radio, the Gira radio weather station and a comprehensive range of LED orientation lights, which can also be integrated into the new switch range. With them attractive lighting accents can be produced, however they can also be used quite pragmatically for increased safety and information in buildings when they are expanded with illuminated information signs. An extensive selection of pictograms is also available for Gira E22 range, which are lasered out of the stainless steel and aluminum finishes.
I really need to get around to updating my own home, embrace smart home technology, and I will definitely be going for a full selection from the E22 range!
About Gira
Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.
The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.
GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.
