They say that it takes as little as a tenth of a second for the human brain to form first impressions. And these all-important qualitative initial judgements are overwhelmingly based on what we see.
Not that retail designers and commercial shop fitters need science to tell them this. The art of interior design is all about creating the right visual impression. And in high end retail, you don’t get a second chance. The moment a customer walks through the door, they are making their mind up about whether this is the kind of place they want to spend their money or not, based on the decor alone.
Glass showcases in particular demand visual perfection. Glass cabinets are about combining transparency with security, keeping valuable or delicate items safe while still on full display. Glass can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication in its own right – when done right. That’s because, when you’re working with glass, there’s nowhere to hide.
The challenge lies not so much in the glass itself, but in the components that hold it all together: hinges, brackets, and locks. Small as they may be, they’re on display, too. And the issue is consistency. Traditionally, finding hinges that match with locks, for example, has caused designers all sorts of headaches, because so few manufacturers make both.
And even when they do, they might not make the same range available for cabinets of different sizes. Or they might not match across mixed materials – different hinges for wooden and glass cabinets, for example, or different locks for glass and metal doors.
The lack of consistency in these small details is enough to drive fitters seeking a unified aesthetic to distraction. So, naturally, this is where Sugatsune steps in.
The GS-G Series
The GS-G series offers a universal component solution not just for glass cabinets, but for mixed material environments as well. This range is unique in the market for its consistent style and colour matches across components for different-sized cabinets, and also for matching hinges and locks – providing the kind of total design coordination that makes all the difference in a retail space.
First and foremost, the GS-G series is designed to elevate the visual impact of any glass showcase. The sleek simplicity of the rectangular designs combined with the sophistication of the gold, chrome and black finishes delivers an aesthetic that is at once timelessly classical and uncomplicatedly modern. The choice of colours ensures flexibility. Whatever the overall look you’re aiming for, GS-G components can be relied upon to contribute to a visually compelling whole.
This applies even if you want different-sized cabinets. GS-G hinges and brackets are available in three sizes – for small doors weighing up to a maximum of 5kg, with dimensions up to 450mm x 600mm, medium doors up to 20kg / 700mm x 1600mm, and large doors up to 50kg / 900mm x 2500mm. The hinges and brackets increase in size in correlation with the extra load. But the shape, style and colour remains the same for a cohesive look, whatever the cabinet size.
To hinges and brackets, we also add cabinet locks. Lock making is a specialist area that has traditionally been very distinct from the manufacture of hinges. But the Sugatsune design and engineering team comprises both lock and hinge experts, putting us in a unique position to develop both in tandem. In the GS-G series, we do this to full effect, with locks built to the same visual template as our hinges.
Our locks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly secure. As with all of our components, we prioritise precision engineering and premium materials, including high grade stainless steel, for robust and durable performance.
But our locks are also built to be versatile and practical. With options for single and double doors, our ‘key alike’ Million Lock series also means a single key can be used across multiple locks, which is more efficient and convenient for staff compared to having to find the right key every time they need to open a cabinet. What is more, this doesn’t just apply to glass cabinet locks – you can use the same key for wooden cabinet and drawer locks, too, as well as a mix of sliding and swing doors. However you want to mix up your cabinets and display cases, we offer a total lock function.
In delivering a unified aesthetic across hinges, brackets, and locks, the GS-G series addresses a long-standing challenge in retail interiors, providing a complete solution for creating stunning and secure display spaces. Ultimately, the goal of a glass showcase is to draw attention to its contents. It tackles the needs of form and function in one, helping to create visually striking and secure enclosures that enhance the overall impact of the display.
The GS-G series is more than just a collection of components; it is a design solution that elevates the art of showcasing.
