USM Furniture
Modern minimalist modularity that evolves, extends and never goes out of style
USM Furniture
Modern minimalist modularity that evolves, extends and never goes out of style
A Super System
Flexibility. It’s what we all seek. What we want in our lives, what we aspire to. And it’s the very notion that defines contemporary design brand USM – the idea that change is not only good, it’s rooted in the fabric of all spaces.
Founded in 1885 by Ulrich Schaerer (note the ‘U’ and ‘S’), a metalworker and locksmith, in the historic Swiss town of Munsingen (there’s the ‘M’), the company stepped into the fore in the 1960s when it commissioned influential architect Fritz Haller to design its new factory – one that should easily be adapted to multiple manufacturing processes, industry developments, and anything else that might come along.
Built using a steel modular system, USM’s new HQ came to completely embody the company which, in collaboration with the architect, created furniture to coordinate its modern and versatile new home. Created not as individual pieces but to function as a system, a team of extendable steel modules that could endlessly change shape and function were crafted to meet the various needs of the USM offices and factory.
It was a ball joint that did it. A tiny, ingenious sphere – patented in 1965 – became the key to it all, cleverly connecting the entire structure and allowing it to be added to, disassembled and reassembled in different compositions to meet changing requirements.
Though meant only as a one-off office-based project, the USM furniture system was destined to see the world. Word spread thanks to its remarkable versatility, the durability of its steel panels, and its striking architectural aesthetic, and soon the orders came flooding in. Almost 60 years on, not much has changed. If USM is synonymous with one word – it’s Haller. The eponymously named product line immortalised its designer; Franz Haller’s storage solution masterstroke is both understated and intricate, timeless and somehow always on trend. So forward thinking it hasn’t needed to change since its birth over half a century ago, Haller storage is formed from a building block system of three standardised elements: the ball joint, connecting steel tubes and powder coated steel panels; the chromium-plated brass ball brings it all together, holding each module in place until its ready to move into a new format.
Turning Tables
Turning the Tables
Additional sections can be added in at any time and in multiple directions, while the piece can also be taken apart and completely reconfigured. Mix in smaller components, like drawers, doors, open compartments, glass shelving, wheels and other elements for a quick, effortless, budget-friendly and environmentally responsible total transformation. Compact bedside table? Wall-to-ceiling open shelving? Office-wide desk set up? Anything is possible.
Each arrangement can be totally unique, centred around what a specific interior needs, the furniture evolving to last a lifetime and ready for any kind of change. Prepared for a world decades into the future – as the last half century has proved – USM’s designs move with the ebb and flow of time and whatever it blows our way, ready to reconfigure and renew at a moment’s notice.
The range’s clean, elegant and minimalist look – in a modernist palette of 14 colours – along with its impressive shape-changing credentials, made Haller a contemporary furniture legend.
An enduring favourite of designers and architects as well as working beautifully in the homes of interior design lovers, its iconic status was confirmed in 2001 when it entered the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the brand can now be found in numerous illustrious institutions around the world.
"We believe that spaces where people gather should be defined by their ideas, not their walls, so we make furniture that can help people build a life, create a dream, realise a vision.”
- USM
Superior Sustainability
Environmentalism is imbued in the heart of USM and has been since its very founding. The approach is magnificently simple – create quality products that don’t break, and never age. USM storage made today slots together seamlessly with what the brand was producing decades ago. There may be updates to the range – the Haller E, for example, saw the addition of cable-free built-in lighting – but it’s all one big happy family. The range’s powder coated steel panels do not fade and the limited, consistent colour palette makes for easy replacements. The modular systems can be almost endlessly used, repaired, upcycled, reused and (when they’ve lived long, functional and beautiful lives), eventually recycled.
"We build products that endure: wear-resistant materials, fine craftsmanship, durable designs, and timeless style all ensure that USM furniture lasts a lifetime. USM products are built to last, which means they impact less on the environment as they are less likely to be replaced over time.”
- USM
Grand Designs
Truly innovative design changes the flow and feel of any environment it is placed, USM's infinite combinations and versatile colourways ensure it is not just at home in a domestic environment but works effortlessly for the wider world of luxury interiors.
From living rooms to libraries, front rooms to front desks, USM is an ideal option for large scale projects that require flexibility as well as suave style. Its easy to see why the Haller system is a staple for commercial projects around the world, contact our highly experience, commerical design team to discover how the Haller system couls slide seemlessly into any potential project while not forgetting to sign up for a free trade account with us in the process.
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