One device rules them all

Several dozen architects and interior designers gathered on March 31, 2022, at the MONOBRAND concept store in Prague's Karlín for a unique workshop dedicated to berker switches and sockets. The meeting of architects with representatives of Hager (the manufacturer of berker switches) and MONOBRAND as one of the distributors of berker in the Czech market, was marked by beauty and freedom. Beauty is embodied in the minimalist or, conversely, unconventional shapes of berker switches and the high-quality materials used in their production. Freedom in choosing or changing the appearance of switches is guaranteed by their design execution "one.platform": one mechanism fits all square design series of berker switches, and architects, designers, or investors have an endless range of options to choose the final look of the switch in the interior. At the successful workshop, each architect assembled their own switch, resulting in extraordinary color combinations.

The history of berker switches began more than a hundred years ago, and all this time these switches have proudly borne their mark "Made in Germany." The Berker brothers have a number of pioneering achievements in the technology of home switches, and over the past century, they have developed a whole range of looks and designs. And since switches also follow fashion, most of the earlier design series can now be found in art and industrial museums. So what design possibilities – shapes and materials – has the berker brand brought into the third millennium?

“From our experience, we know that most architects require a switch to be more about precise workmanship than an eye-catching appearance that draws attention in the interior,” explains Thomas Grund, Managing Director of Hager in the Czech Republic. “Therefore, we most frequently sell lines made from traditional plastic and porcelain, with black and white being the predominant colors,” adds Thomas Grund. In Hager's range, you will find several design series of switches that meet these requirements. The basic economical range of berker switches S.1, suitable mainly for commercial buildings, represents a visual standard in the form of a discreet design made from quality plastic and basic colors (black, white, and silver). The berker K.1 series of switches can create a more interesting impression in the interior: although still in black and white, you can already choose between glossy and matte plastic versions. This switch is also bulkier in terms of weight and gets its uniqueness from its unconventional rectangular shape. “If we are looking for an honest, but discreet and rather unobtrusive switch for the interior, my favorites are definitely the Q.1 and Q.3 series.” lets us peek into her kitchen, says Katrin Grund, founder and owner of the design store MONOBRAND. “What I like about the switches in the Q.1 and Q.3 series is one surprising detail. Although both are distinctly shape- and color-unobtrusive, black or white squares with rounded or sharp corners, they still manage to catch the eye; namely, with their velvety smooth surface. Every touch of the switch delights you time and time again,” smiles Katrin Grund.

Among the black-and-white berker switches, you would also find two absolute gems: the berker serie 1930 and the berker serie 1930 Porzellan Made by Rosenthal design lines. These retro rotary round switches made of Bakelite or real porcelain do not hide their inspiration from the first switches of the 1930s. Nonetheless, their classic beauty fits perfectly not only into historical and functionalist interiors but also into purely modern realizations. “In the Czech Republic, they have become a favorite among architects,” Katrin Grund adds with laughter.

“Although minimalism has dominated interiors in recent years, which is also reflected in the choice of rather discreet switches, Hager has a selection in its portfolio that features materially, shape-wise, and color-wise interesting switches,” explains Thomas Grund. “Impressively, switches made of metal or glass look in realizations. These noble, honest, yet timeless materials can be found in the berker B.3 and B.7 or berker K.5 series. You can choose from stainless steel or aluminum – whether in a natural silver color, or anodized aluminum in various color shades,” adds Thomas Grund. A separate chapter is made up of berker serie glas round switches. As the name suggests, this design line relies on clear or frosted glass. In the case of using clear glass, the switch nearly blends with the wall surface and takes on its “mimicry” like a chameleon. It looks fantastic on wood, stone, concrete plaster, raw bricks, or any wallpaper.

For those who want to experiment in the interior and play with colors, unconventional materials or interesting shapes of switches, Hager offers several design series to choose from. Not only high-quality plastic used in the automotive industry, but also glass, concrete, metals, or wood – these are the materials from which you can choose frames in the berker Q.7 series. This switch is also the largest of all berker switches and its impressive dimensions rightfully attract attention. Further along in the material range, the frames in the berker R.1 series also introduce acrylic in bright red and orange or even leather. The berker switches in the R.1 and more subdued colored “sisters” berker R.3 attract attention in the interior for another design element: their original switch cover, which is round. As a result, you have a rebellious switch in the shape of a circle in the middle of a square. “The berker R.1, berker R.3 switches, and their round alternative berker R.classic are the newest designs in our portfolio and they don’t hide the spirit of millennials,” smiles Thomas Grund and adds: “We are proud that our berker switches, about which we proudly claim they are the most beautiful in the world, have been collecting design awards for over 100 years.”

You can explore all designs of berker switches and ideally also try out which combination will be right for you at www.hagerkonfigurator.cz.

www.hager.cz/vypinac
www.monobrand.cz