New approaches in lightweight furniture construction
From May 20 to 23, the InPeiro research project was presented at Interzum 2025 in Cologne – the leading international trade fair for furniture production and interior design. At the joint booth of igeL e.V. (Interessengemeinschaft Leichtbau), the project team from TH OWL, ambigence, Gerhard Koch Maschinenfabrik and the University of Paderborn showcased innovative approaches to functionally integrated furniture components. The exhibition was marked by lively exchanges, constructive discussions with experts from industry and academia and strong interest in the prototypes presented by the InPeiro project.
The PANEL Concept: Technology where you don’t see it
At the core of the presentation was the PANEL – a lightweight side panel that is much more than a simple furniture board. Functions such as flap mechanisms, lighting, and connection points are directly integrated into the sandwich structure. This eliminates the need for visible fittings or additional mounted components. The integration opens new possibilities for modern cabinet systems with flap mechanisms, including reduced weight, conservation of resources, and a distinct design advantage through a minimized, fitting-free aesthetic. A key highlight is the decoupling of function and design: while technical elements are embedded within, the outer surfaces remain freely customizable to meet design requirements.
The Nature Variant: Wood, Function, Craftsmanship
The Nature variant received particular attention – an entirely wooden overhead cabinet featuring an integrated, wood-based flap mechanism. The moving elements were so well embedded in the side panels that they were barely noticeable from the outside. Nonetheless, the flap could be opened effortlessly and securely held in four detent positions. This demonstrator effectively illustrated how natural materials can be combined with modern functionality – invisible technology paired with high standards for design, craftsmanship, and usability.
The Flat-Pack Variant: Systemic Functionality
The presentation was complemented by a second demonstrator, which applied the concept of integrated flap fittings specifically to flat-pack furniture. The goal was to incorporate modern functionality even in budget and widely distributed furniture segments—without elaborate mechanics or visible hardware.
To this end, a modified flap fitting based on Hettich JuniorLift was employed and further developed specifically for the project. The technical design and development were carried out by TH OWL, while Hettich’s prototype workshop handled the fabrication of the functional samples. This prototype also demonstrated that the integration of functions directly into furniture panels is not limited to high-end pieces but can be broadly applied – from premium designer furniture to modular, system-oriented products. Within the InPeiro project, this approach was consistently implemented and presented to a wider audience for the first time at Interzum 2025.
Innovation as the Focus
Discussions with visitors to the trade fair consistently revolved around the project's innovative spirit and novel development approach: a flap fitting that is not mounted but rather embedded directly into the component. The industry response was uniformly interested, inquisitive, and positive. The InPeiro PANEL was perceived as forward-looking and sparked a variety of ideas for potential applications in both serial and custom furniture production.
Contribution of the Chair for Automotive Lightweight Design at the University of Paderborn
The Chair for Automotive Lightweight Design (LiA) at the University of Paderborn made a significant contribution to the project’s implementation and to the design of the InPeiro PANEL. Core responsibilities included material selection, experimental determination of material properties, material characterization, and the structural design of the PANEL under realistic loading conditions using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
A particular focus was placed on the integration of connection points and the mechanical design of the structure. In addition, LiA developed and constructed several test rigs that allow both individual components and complete demonstrators to be mechanically and climatically tested. Final testing of the demonstrators will be conducted after Interzum 2025 at the end of the project.
Through these efforts, LiA made an important contribution to the scientific foundation of the project as well as to the design and quality assurance of the prototypes presented.
Interdisciplinary Teamwork in Action
Special thanks go to the Technical University of East Westphalia-Lippe (TH OWL), which played a central role in the exhibition. It was responsible not only for the technical implementation of both demonstrators but also for their production and for the organizational setup of the exhibition booth.
The appearance of the InPeiro research project at Interzum impressively demonstrated how application-oriented research and design excellence can be combined. Thanks to interdisciplinary collaboration, the project team was able to unlock special innovation potential, showcase new approaches for lightweight construction in the furniture industry, and successfully present them to a broad professional audience at Interzum 2025.
Acknowledgments
We like to acknowledge funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the Technologietransfer-Programm Leichtbau (TTP Leichtbau) for the joint research project InPeiro, with funding reference 03L82052D.
