Courage to perfection: for 140 years

Courage to perfection: for 140 years

FSB is known throughout the world as the quality brand for aesthetically and functionally high-quality door handles, made from contemporary materials and with artisanal perfection. In its anniversary year, the company is reflecting on 140 years of handle culture in an original way. To this end, the greatest classics have been given a new look, explains René Wolken, Managing Director of FSB Netherlands. "Door handles and window handles have been reinterpreted, rethought and sometimes redesigned by us, in close cooperation with internationally renowned architects and designers as well as with the courage of perfection."

For years, architecture has produced products and design principles that to this day have lost none of their then-current relevance and are therefore rightly considered classics, Wolken said.

"FSB's door handles are no exception. Designs from past design trends repeatedly inspire new designs that conform to the philosophy of the time. Under the motto 'reimagined classics', we produce numerous models that make clear reference to our earlier designs in terms of design as well as form or which, on the basis of their attractive styling, establish themselves as new classics of door handle design."

'Remembered classics'

Special attention within the "reimagined classics" is paid to model FSB 1242, with which British architect John Pawson revived one of the best-known door handles of modernism - the so-called "Reichsform" handle by Hans Poelzig. Also unique is model FSB 1004 by David Chipperfield, clearly influenced by the pioneers of the new modern style. Or what about model FSB 1267? This special stool is not simply a replica of an original door handle by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, but connects the formal intentions of its ancestors with the requirements of contemporary architecture. And there are plenty of impressive examples like this, in both aluminum and stainless steel!

Door handle design combined with access control

So is it only homages that are ringing the bell at the moment? Certainly not! In its anniversary year, too, FSB is paying attention to the technologies of today and tomorrow. A good example of this is the collaboration with SimonsVoss, says Wolken.

"Within this cooperation, we combine sustainable and future-proof electronic locking systems with the highest design standards. The result is SmartHandle AX; this popular and proven digital door fitting from SimonsVoss will soon also be available with a specially developed adapter as well as an extensive range of FSB door handles. This allows architects and users alike to enjoy all the benefits of an attractive door handle design and access control system."