Modern comprehensive subfloor systems

Choice of inconspicuous connections depends on design. How do you handle cords when there are fewer walls?

Modern homes are often characterized by lots of open space. However, fewer walls also create a challenge; OBO Bettermann offers solutions for this, by cleverly concealing power supplies and cables in the floor.

OBO Bettermann is one of the leading manufacturers of installation systems for the electrical equipment of buildings and plants. Key Account Manager Frank Metzner: "We are a German company, with branches in many countries, including the Netherlands. Of our products, the underfloor systems and cable management solutions are the most interesting for the target group of Architect@Work."

Subfloor systems provide recessed space for power, data and multimedia connections in the floor construction. OBO offers a wide range of products and solutions for a variety of requirements, such as mounting height or floor maintenance. "Architects are increasingly designing flexible open space. Then it is very convenient if these connections are neatly concealed in the floor, or in the ceiling. Those are the two options that remain if there is no wall. Which one one chooses depends on the design."

Neatly concealed and easily accessible

At the trade fair, OBO Bettermann showed what solutions the company offers. "Our underfloor system is very comprehensive, with the best designs and functionalities. Cables can be neatly concealed in the floor and at the desired locations, covers are provided in the floor, hiding power and data connections."

That the connections are almost invisibly hidden is one of OBO's main selling points. Metzner: "Of course, we are not the only ones who supply such products, but most of our competitors use standard aluminum or plastic for this. This is cheaper, but often creates a less beautiful contrast with the floor. We think along with the architect and supply products that blend into the floor as much as possible. Thanks to the use of steel or brass, our underlay system is also very robust and durable. The lifespan should actually match the rest of the building. Our solutions are also used in car showrooms, where they are naturally subjected to strong loads."

Quality and functionality

So the design of the floor matches that of the subfloor system as much as possible. "However, we also thought extra carefully about functionality. After all, the covers have to open and close easily, in addition, it is not convenient if parts stick out. Our special outlets are flush with the floor; they are easy to use and very safe. What architects also like in many cases is that we offer products with sound insulation; they do not deteriorate the sound-insulating properties of a floor system. For this target group, high quality is very important and we think the same way about this. OBO Bettermann offers a wide range and a lot of variety with the best quality. For most problems we have a suitable solution."