By Häfele Australia
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Melbourne, Australia, has emerged as the city's most prestigious luxury hotel, boasting magnificent design and world-class amenities. As part of this high-profile project, Häfele, a renowned construction partner, collaborated with architects Cottee Parker and interior designers Bar Studio to deliver a cutting-edge solution for the Grand Ballroom and Melbourne Function rooms. With the challenge of incorporating a functional and flexible element into the design, Häfele's expertise and innovative approach shone through, resulting in the seamless integration of their premium SLIDO W-PARK11 110A operable walls.
Tailored Installation
The installation of the SLIDO W-PARK11 110A operable walls posed a unique challenge due to site limitations. The 7.5-meter panels could not be installed in one piece, necessitating a creative solution. With only access to a car lift that couldn't accommodate the panels, Häfele devised a bespoke installation method. Collaborating closely with the builder, they ensured all safety requirements were met, adhering to site regulations and consulting with stakeholders at every step.
Functional Design
The SLIDO W-PARK11 110A acoustic operable walls offered a host of features that contributed to the project's success. The panels featured a curved track, facilitating effortless movement of the 1000kg panels. The electronic track switching mechanism enabled the panels to be stacked into two different parking bays with minimal effort. Notably, Häfele's solution presented a smaller and more versatile footprint for the parking stack, allowing it to fit seamlessly into complex spaces surrounding structural columns.
Exquisite Specifications
The operable walls comprised 19 panels, each weighing 1000kg. The choice of mirrored glass and fabric-lined panels, designed as per the interior designers' specifications, added an elegant touch to the space. Custom brass trim strips further enhanced the aesthetic appeal. With a height of 7500 meters and a width of 22 meters, the Grand Ballroom exuded grandeur, while the Melbourne Function rooms measured 4.5 meters by 9 meters, offering a more intimate setting.
Efficiency and Versatility
One of the standout advantages of Häfele's SLIDO W-PARK11 110A operable walls was the integration of semi-automatic acoustic seals. Powered individually, these seals engaged automatically when the panels were connected, saving valuable time during setup. In comparison, manual adjustment would have added an additional 50% per panel to the operation of the wall, highlighting the efficiency and labor-saving aspect of the electric seals. The adaptability of the operable walls made it easy to program the space for various events, making it a versatile and functional choice.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne's Grand Ballroom and Function Rooms are now equipped with Häfele's exceptional Slido operable walls, showcasing the brand's commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that integrate seamlessly into luxurious spaces. Overcoming site limitations and safety considerations, Häfele's collaboration with the builder ensured a flawless installation. With its remarkable features, exquisite design, and time-saving functionality, the Slido operable walls elevate the hotel's event spaces to new heights, truly embodying the essence of luxury and sophistication.
Häfele is a global leading specialist for furniture fittings and building hardware as well as LED lighting and electronic access control systems. Celebrating the company’s worldwide 100th anniversary in 2023 and its 40th anniversary in Australia in 2022, it is a reputable brand that’s known for its expertise locally and globally.
Our vast product range includes over 150,000 articles, allowing us to serve numerous customer channels.
With Subsidiaries in 38 countries and more than 8000 employees, the furniture and kitchen industry as well as architects, interior designers, builders, developers and resellers from more than 150 countries rely on the expertise of the innovative family business.
Our Company Purpose “Maximising the value of space. Together” ensures we are focused with one aspiration for our Employees, our Suppliers and our Customers. Ideas that reimagine function and bring innovation to the everyday.
Häfele believes that the perfect home is about more than just great looks. It is also about creating a space that perfectly combines style with function and is tailor-made to suit you and your lifestyle.
This is the Häfele ‘ideas for living’ philosophy. Creating individual, inspiring, functional spaces that have a positive impact on the way you live. Together with our Studio Partners, we have the knowledge and expertise to make your home smart, well organised, flexible and future proof. Simply a better place to be.
Our family business has been helping people to make more of their homes for 100 years. Established in Germany in 1923 and now operating all over the world, the name Häfele is famous for innovation, quality and engineering. Our fittings, hardware and systems improve the way that kitchens, furniture and architectural joinery work in every way possible.