About Grundmann
The Designer Collection
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Model 500 Elegant - A Bauhaus Classic
The "Wiener Gelbgießer" generated this design during the turn of the century in brass. Grundmann started producing it in 1933. By 1950, the Model 500 was available only in aluminum but the renovation of the Karl-Marx Höfe during the 1980s called for and reintroduced the solid brass finish. Steeped in history, this timeless design is favored by discriminating architects and clients. The current demand for silver finishes is met with the production of polished aluminum, polished chrome plated brass and satin chrome plated brass.

Model 600 Standard - Style and Substance
This model was developed in the "early-modern" period of the 1920s and 1930s. Wilh. Grundmann has produced the 600 Standard design since 1951. We find the plate with four screws particularly elegant and one of the most beautiful on the market. It complements both commercial and residential settings.

Model 900 Alt-Wien - Art Deco Revival
This model was one of the most successful designs of the Viennese renovation period. The current interest in brass has revived the design a century later. We carried out detailed research and examined 100 year-old levers to capture the spirit and tactile heft of this style. Our love for details paid off in 1992 when our Alt-Wien became a popular choice for classic purists.

Model 1000 Favorit - One of our favorites
In 1957, Ernst Oskwarek designed the 100 and it became the most successful door operator in the history of Wilh. Grundmann. Europe embraced the design and it captured 80% of our local market. We think that this style in light aluminum plating (F1-SAT) mounted on the neutral round rosettes is very handsome.

Model 1200 Perfekt - Timeless, unobtrusive and elegant.
Ernst Oskwarek developed Model 1200 in 1965 as a slim, unobtrusive and elegant shape that fits comfortably in the hand. This classic is available in brass, aluminum and other highly polished finishes.

Model 1400 Kungsholm - An Architectural favorite since 1960.
Count Sigvard Bernadotte, whose story as a designer of Georg Jensen silver and Metro- Goldwyn-Meyer movie sets is in the Designer Portraits section, developed this model. After Trude Grundmann admired the lines of a typewriter, Bernadotte, the designer, was flown in from Sweden. He carefully examined every operation and process and even worked in the factory. Afterwards, Bernadotte designed the Kungsholm model for the firm. The name derives from a Swedish castle and the design has been a favorite of architects since 1960.

Model 2300 / 2300 GEOS - Inspired by a Swiss railway lever handle.
In 1973, a client with an eye for good design was impressed by the beautiful simplicity of Swiss railway hardware. The Model 2300 evolved from that observation. We call it our "wagon lever handle". Research by a German manufacturer found that the design we based Model 2300 on was by Max Bill, a noted architect. The shape of this lever creates tactile comfort with a clean form. It is a fitting solution for residential, commercial and industrial use.

Model 2500 Integer/2500 GEOS - A modern classic.
The Model 2500 is both classic and contemporary in design. The L-shaped, mitre-cut and welded round tube of stainless steel is a timeless form, favored by architects. This model has been offered since "Early Modern" 1995. Because this design is so pure in form, particular attention must be placed on the execution of the details: a perfect weld seams the mitered handle and end cap. Model 2500 is precisely finished as fine furniture

Model 4400 Auböck- Function and aesthetics in harmony.
Carl Auböck, internationally famous for products designed in his workshop in the Vienna Bernardgasse, was responsible for Model 4400. It is part of a group of fittings he used in projects such as the Vienna Ringturm or the Vienna State Opera. Carl Auböck was honored by the Historical Museum of Vienna in 1997. Model 4400 timelessly conveys the intentions of artist and designer Carl Auböck to blend function with aesthetics.

Model 700 PalatinZwei - For design-aware economists.
After designing PalatinEins (model 1300), we challenged designer Gottfried Palatin to design a door and window operator with visual balance. Gottfried Palatin mastered the required task with flair. PalatinZwei exudes tension between round and straight forms and is perfectly designed from any angle of view. It was honored with the prize of recognition by Austria for artistic design in 1998.

Model 1100 Servus - The character of a handshake
The Viennese building boom at the beginning of the 90s inspired Michael Schaefer to develop a lever in the spirit of "Friendship". The result was the model 1100 whose name is based on the Austrian greeting "Servus". The characteristic of this handle is the tilted elliptical cross-section that swings out from the door in a generous curve and operates with a radial sweep that is fun to turn. The form and operation gives the impression of a firm handshake. The jury of the iF design prize, held by the Industry Forum of Hannover, appreciated the Model 1100 with an award in 1996. Michael Schaefer designed the anti-burglary plate 5600, which complements the handle with a shield-like design (straight top, rounded bottom).

Model 1300 PalatinEins - The elegant aluminum fitting.
Gottfried Palatin approached us with a series of prototype designs that the accomplished ceramist executed in white alabaster. We were drawn to a large, elegant lever described by the designer as "this handle clearly states its function by its cleanly shaped form - to be pushed down, visually and physically". PalatinEins was honored with the prize of recognition by the Lower Austrian county for artistic design in 1998.

Model 2100 City/2100 GEOS -New technology, new design.
Recent developments in hydrostatic production technology free us from conventional forms, even in stainless steel. We commissioned Michael Schaefer to design a new commercial fitting unrestricted by conventional fabricating technology. Michael Schaefer presented a design that impressed us immediately. His concept was a circular neck coming straight out then turning into a flat, sympathetic handle section with the end pressed into an oval. This gives the handle a youthful, dynamic curve on the door. We gave this model the name of City, inspired by its cosmopolitan spirit.

Model 2700 Arcus - Stainless Steel masterpiece.
Michael Schaefer created dynamic tubular handles in stainless steel which we call Modell 2700 Arcus. This "Design with character" decorates beautiful structures including the social security offices in Bregenz and the Dr. Hagen villa in Vaduz.

Model 4200 PalatinDrei - Simple and sensual.
"My design philosophy" says Gottfried Palatin, "consists of imbuing objects with a spirit. I blend two different elements, such as round-soft-sensual and angular-sharp-simple, into one product. This produces a balance between two opposing senses." Gottfried Palatin has now designed his third series for Grundmann. It has a bold, sweeping handle with straight surfaces and pronounced edges, combined with very soft, beautiful curves. Like his other designs, it is a pleasure to handle. The model is available in aluminum silver-plated and aluminum polished or burnished nickel-plated. The nickel-plated surface is especially attractive due to its luxurious appearance.

Model 4800 Zinell - Comfort and practicality.
In 1999, we commissioned designer Stefan Zinell to create a lever with a rustic look. Model 4800 Zinell has a smooth body and the option of various handle materials and colors to compliment your color pallet.

Model 4900 Zinell - Comfort and practicality II.
4900 Zinell is a supplement to model 4800 l. The bold metal handle is ideal for entry and office functions and for emergency and fireproof doors. The window fittings match both Zinell models.

©2008 Grundmann/America