Usu brochure

Product catalog summary

Introduction and Design Philosophy

HOWE emphasizes creating furniture solutions that enhance architecture and optimize surrounding spaces for long-term positive experiences. Their design approach, termed "FREE tHinKing," encourages challenging norms and demanding high standards. The focus is on simplicity, elegance, and versatility to complement both modern and historical architectural styles.

Environmental Commitment and Green Initiatives

HOWE integrates environmental responsibility deeply into its strategic thinking. Their multi-functional, space-saving furniture reduces resource consumption and environmental impact. Key green initiatives include:

Phasing out the use of chemicals in production.
Increasing recycled content in products.
Designing furniture with few components for easy disassembly and recycling.
Offering a "TakeBack" program to repurpose used furniture in schools and hospitals in developing countries.

Certifications and contributions supporting these initiatives include ISO 14001, ISO 9001, FSC and PEFC certifications, LEED contributions, and Green Tag endorsements. Packaging uses recycled materials and is recyclable after use. The company operates on green energy, practices paper saving, and holds an annual environmental week. Suppliers are also required to meet environmental and quality certifications.

Product Overview: Usu Table

The Usu table is designed as a value-for-money solution targeting budget-conscious customers who require simple aesthetics, space-saving features, and ease of handling. Key features include:

Legs fold in pairs using a secure spring-handle mechanism.
The sub-frame doubles as a carriage handle for easy movement.
An optional concealed castor system enhances mobility.
An optional chair hanger system facilitates thorough floor cleaning and can be retrofitted.
Constructed from few materials to simplify sorting and recycling.
Designed for multi-use environments such as canteens and training areas.

The table is available with round or square legs, offering two distinct aesthetics. Folded tables have a depth of 126 mm and can be stacked vertically on either short or long sides, optimizing storage space. A 1200 x 800 mm rectangular table with a laminate top weighs approximately 25.3 kg.

Design Challenges and Solutions

HOWE's in-house design team highlights the challenge of maintaining an attractive price point while delivering quality and functionality. The solution was a simple folding mechanism emphasizing elegance and simplicity. The design ensures that the furniture complements various architectural styles and furniture settings.

Catalog excerpts

UsU HOWE in-HOUsE dEsign tEam

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GREEN creativity further Taking THINKING Taking a genuine interest in our surroundings is far more than just a noble idea. It is deeply ingrained in our strategic thinking. Our durable, spacesaving and multi-functional furniture solutions means fewer resources needed; and thus fewer affects on the environment. a true HOWE solution always enhances the architecture and optimises the surrounding space for years to come, resulting in positive experiences for architects, customers and the people who live in and work with our designs. Challenge us. Be demanding. this is what we call FREE tHinKing....

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We love a challenge “It was our goal to design a table with an attractive and competitive price range. It was a challenge, but at HOWE we are always up for every challenge possible. We solved the task by making the folding mechanism very simple. Overall the key elements to the design are simplicity and elegance. It is important to us that our furniture enhances the architecture whether it is modern or historical. The simple and light design also makes it possible to use Usu with a majority of different furniture styles.” HOWE IN-HOUSE DESIGN TEAM “Bei HOWE gehen wir keiner Herausforderung aus...

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14 15 Scion DTU - Søhuset, Hørsholm, Denmark

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Usu is developed for multi-usage canteen and training areas. Usu ist echter Gegenwert fürs Geld. Er ist die einleuchtende Wahl für den preisbewussten Kunden, der dennoch schlichte Ästhetik, platzsparende Eigenschaften und leichtes Handling verlangt. Die Beine werden paarweise durch einen einfachen und sicheren Federhandgriff eingeklappt, und das Untergestell dient als Handgriff beim Rollen. Die Lösung mit verdeckten Rollen erleichtert die Handhabung zusätzlich. Das optionale System für das Aufhängen von Stühlen ermöglicht die gründliche Reinigung des Fußbodens und ist nachrüstbar. In all seiner...

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max 10 1571 (1600 x 800 table) 1131 730 182 2010 Optimising space Folded tables have a folding depth of 126 mm. Can be stacked vertically on short and long side. Experience more at www.howe.com/usu 10 11

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Scion DTU - Søhuset, Hørsholm, Denmark 13

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WEIGHT 120 0 x 80 0 mm rectangular table with laminate tabletop weighs 25,3 k g. 14 Scion DTU - Søhuset Hørsholm, Denmark Experience more at www.howe.com/usu

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GREEN THINKING Echtes Interesse für unsere Umgebung ist weit mehr als eine schöne Idee. Es ist tief verwurzelt in HOWEs strategischem Denken. Unsere dauerhaften, raumsparenden Mehrzweckmöbel bedeuten geringeren Ressourcenaufwand und damit weniger Belastung der Umwelt. Manifester un réel intérêt pour notre entourage est bien plus qu’une idée noble. Cet état d’esprit est profondément enraciné dans notre réflexion stratégique. Nos solutions d’ameublement à faible encombrement à la fois polyvalentes et durables nécessitent moins de ressources et ont donc un impact positif sur l’environnement. - We...

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