CASE STUDY:
Häfele New York Showroom 

Precision Engineering at Architectural Scale

When Häfele, the renowned German hardware brand, reimagined its Manhattan showroom following the expiration of its lease, the goal was to create a highly flexible, performance-driven environment that reflected the company’s legacy of engineering excellence. Perkins+Will was selected to lead the redesign, with PK-30 engaged to deliver custom architectural door and wall solutions that would become defining elements of the space.

Design Aesthetic & Goals

Häfele’s brief called for a showroom that balanced elegance with technical rigor—one that could serve architects, designers, building owners, and contractors alike. The space needed to showcase Häfele’s product ecosystem while integrating bold brand elements, including its signature red, alongside technology, graphics, and adaptable spatial configurations that could evolve with changing programming needs.

PK-30 System Application

To meet these objectives, PK-30 engineered and installed a 12-foot-tall sliding-stacking wall system composed of glass, wood, and metal panels. The system operates without a floor track, preserving a clean, uninterrupted floor plane while allowing the showroom to transform effortlessly between open and divided configurations.

In addition, PK-30 designed and installed a 12-foot-wide by 12-foot-tall custom sliding glass door, a singular custom architectural feature. This oversized door incorporates custom structural engineering to support the weight and scale of the assembly, a bespoke handle, and custom glass panels with an integrated privacy screen. Despite its size, the door delivers smooth, quiet, and precise operation.

Value to Client, Architect, and Users

The PK-30 system delivered meaningful value across all stakeholders:

• Client Value: The precision, material quality, and custom engineering of the PK30 solutions align seamlessly with Häfele’s brand identity, reinforcing the showroom as a live demonstration of performance and craftsmanship.
• Architect Value: Perkins+Will leveraged PK30’s flexibility and engineering support to realize ambitious design intent without compromise, integrating large-scale operable elements into a refined architectural language.
• User Experience: The showroom benefits from adaptable spaces, effortless operation, and a tactile experience that underscores quality at every interaction.

Challenges & Custom Solutions

Several project-specific challenges required tailored solutions:

• Integration of Wood and Laminate Panels: PK-30 engineered a custom frame system to accommodate flush wood and laminate infill panels, coordinating closely with the millwork subcontractor and maintaining a precise 3/16-inch reveal for proper snap-in glazing performance.
• Overhead Concealed Door Closer: Due to building constraints that prohibited floor modification, PK-30 developed a concealed overhead door closer with a custom top-pivot solution integrated into the narrow top rail extrusion.
• Delivery of Oversized Glass: The 12-foot-tall glass lites (¼-inch thick, clear low-iron, fully tempered) could not be transported via freight elevator or stairwell. PK-30 coordinated an early-morning sidewalk permit and exterior hoisting through the showroom windows on West 22nd Street to ensure safe delivery and installation.

Conclusion

The Häfele New York Showroom exemplifies PK-30’s ability to engineer and deliver high-performance architectural systems at exceptional scale. From the sliding-stacking wall to the 12’ × 12’ custom sliding door, the project highlights PK-30’s expertise in precision engineering, custom fabrication, and seamless integration of complex systems into refined architectural environments.

This collaboration with Häfele and Perkins+Will underscores PK-30’s commitment to delivering sophisticated, reliable, and visually restrained solutions that elevate both design intent and user experience.