People
Movers and shakers in the built environment
Wilson Chew managing director, of mc.2
World's first 100% wrinkle-free system for blinds
1. What makes MAGNAZip wrinkle-free?
Traditional track-guided systems like Ziptrak or zip blinds rely solely on side channels to tension the fabric. MAGNAZip takes it a step further by incorporating magnets and a tension coil at both the top and bottom of the fabric. This innovative approach ensures a perfectly taut, wrinkle-free appearance that stands out in the industry.
2. How did you come up with the concept for MAGNAZip?
As a proudly homegrown track-guided blinds fabricator, we’re relentless in pushing the boundaries of innovation. Achieving wrinkle-free fabric has always been a challenge in the industry, and we saw it as an opportunity to redefine the standard.
Through extensive R&D and years of hands-on experience, we gained deep insights into the causes of wrinkles and how they form. Armed with this knowledge, we meticulously sourced key components and refined our designs to develop MAGNAZip, the ultimate solution to this long-standing challenge.
3. Three key roles of blinds in Home Furnishing
Light control and privacy
Blinds offer versatile control over the amount of natural light entering a space, while also ensuring privacy when needed.
Energy efficiency
They help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain during sunny days and retaining warmth in cooler weather, ultimately lowering energy costs.
Aesthetic enhancement
Blinds contribute to the overall design of a room, seamlessly blending functionality with style to create a polished, cohesive look.
Benjamin Toh, director and interior designer of M2Decor (M2D)
Anchorvale Project – Designing small interiors
What are the 3 most important factors when designing small interior spaces?
1. Maximising functionality – In small spaces, every inch and every mm counts. By having made-to-order furniture compared to buying generic-sized furniture, we can maximise every inch of space without having dead corners, making maintenance easy. In terms of aesthetics, everything looks much more coherent and flows through the entire space.
2. Optimising layout and flow – The furniture and other elements shouldn’t block the pathway and natural light flowing into the space to create a more airy space and comfortable movement. As much as possible, most of the built-ins/furniture should be zoned or tucked into the respective corners. Furniture should be kept suspended as much as possible to keep spaces looking lighter and airy.
3. Light and Colours – Colours should remain consistent and coherent throughout the entire space to mitigate visual clutter; and avoid using dark colours because dark colours absorb light. During the day, it is also good to have sheer curtains (day curtains) to allow filtered light to flow into the space. Keep the ceiling as light as possible to avoid feeling oppressive.
Zeng Hua Jia, founder and CEO of AStar
AStar Furnishing – The beauty of aluminium cabinetry and fittings
1. What are the 3 benefits of having aluminium furnishing?
Durability and Safety – Aluminium furnishings are termite-proof, fire-resistant, and resistant to rot, making them far more durable than traditional wood. They are built to withstand extreme conditions, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Health and sustainability – Unlike wood products that often emit harmful formaldehyde due to adhesives, our aluminium furnishings are completely formaldehyde-free, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for families, especially for young children and the elderly. Additionally, aluminium is a sustainable and recyclable material, supporting eco-friendly living.
Low maintenance and longevity – Aluminium is incredibly easy to maintain. It doesn’t warp, chip, or degrade over time, and even in the rare case of exposure to fire, it retains its form and looks like new after a simple wipe. This longevity makes it a cost-effective investment for homeowners.
2. Do they look good, and can they blend in with the interior design?
Absolutely. One of the biggest misconceptions is that aluminium lacks the elegance of traditional wood. However, at A Star Furnishing we’ve perfected customisable aluminium laminates that replicate the natural beauty of wood or any other finish homeowners desire. These laminates are not only aesthetically versatile but also formaldehyde-free, adding both style and safety to any home. Whether it’s for modern, minimalist, or classic interior designs, aluminium furnishings can seamlessly blend into and even elevate the overall aesthetic of any space.