R+T markets 2018 39
R+T Turkey 2017: Outdoor living as a trending topic
At the R+T Turkey in March, outdoor living was one of the trend topics. ”This is an issue of great importance
for the Turkish market, a large proportion of our exhibitors at R+T Turkey come precisely from this market
area”, says Schmid. According to his statements, they meet their important customers there, such as decisionmakers
from gastronomy or hotelry. “Just the existing large number of domestic visitors, but also visitors from North
Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe and Russia have shown a great need for reliable solutions for the area of
outdoor living”, added Schmid. The subject is expected to play a major role at the next edition of the R+T Turkey.
According to Schmid, one thing is clear from the joint planning
with exhibitors: If it can be made, it is here. ”I would say
that it is the right solution for every requirement – whether
it is very small and narrow or imposing in size – that is increasingly
in demand”, says Schmid, who sees the exhibitors
at the R+T as pioneers in terms of technology. Therefore, the
manufacturers show solutions which are elegant and absolutely
safe – no matter what size they come in.
REGULATED, BUT NOT OVER-REGULATED
Ralf Simon, Manager of Research and Development at Warema,
knowns the standard requirements sun protection products
must meet. For example, terrace roofs are regulated at
European level – just like the vast number of sun protection
products, they fall under the Construction Products Regulation
and must comply with the DIN EN 1090-1. ”Here, static
requirements are defined, since these products cannot be retracted
in case of snow or wind”, explains Simon. According
to his statements, the standards attempt to define a standard
in relation to external and internal sun protection – like DIN
EN 13561 for awnings, DIN EN 13659 for outdoor covers and
outside blinds, DIN EN 13120 for indoor covers as well as the
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for motor-driven sun protection
– to make it difficult for low-budget providers to gain
a foothold in the European internal market. Since there are
no minimum requirements and also no checks carried out as
standard, the effect of these standards is limited. ”There is no
question of over-regulation in the sun protection industry.
Both the tests and the documentation can be completed without
a testing institute, which puts responsibility on the manufacturer
– but also gives them leeway”, says the expert.
According to Simon, Warema tests its products in accordance
with the tests required by the standards. In addition, the company
performs many of their own tests, some of which are
place considerably higher demands on the products than the
standards require. In essence, the factors are: wind, weather,
temperature, dirt.
Matthias Metzger
The Camargue slatted roof from Renson protects against sun, rain, wind
and cold. Photo: Renson
With the pergola awning Plaza Viva, Weinor also offers a product with
which customer can use their terrace whatever the weather.
Photo: Weinor