December 8, 2023
So much more than just a cabinet.
There’s no doubt that proper storage solutions are crucial in any home. But with Singapore’s humid weather and more, traditional carpentry often finds itself victim to wear-and-tear (read: does not age gracefully).
Throw in the added problem of lifestyle/household needs changing as you go from a couple to a family with kids, and the built-ins you installed during your renovation can end up under-utilised.
So, when we heard about Ximula’s aluminum cabinets – a premium and versatile alternative to traditional carpentry – we decided to visit its showroom to find out more.
Here’s what we learnt about the material used and its applications:
You know how shelves in traditional carpentry sometimes sag over time when the load gets too heavy? Not a problem with a Ximula aluminum cabinet!
With frames made of a premium grade 6063 alloy, Ximula’s aluminum systems have a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than traditional wooden carpentry despite their slim profile. In turn, this allows them to hold significantly more weight, such as to display your liquor or book collection.
But there’s more. Because the material is so sturdy, the applications go beyond what traditional carpentry can do.
Ximula is a subsidiary of Bellus Group, that also carries an extensive selection of Neutra Quartz, Gardenia Sintered Stone and more to complement your aluminum storage system
One that really wowed us was this motorised rack. Which rack are we referring to, you ask? Well, you can’t see it in the photo above because it’s so seamlessly concealed under the counter!
So, imagine our surprise when the staff raised it up to show how just how easy it is to access items stored within when needed:
You definitely won’t be able to get this with traditional woodworks alright.
Bathroom vanity, open shelves and mirror frame by Ximula, paired with a Neutra Quartz countertop for a coherent aesthetic with the bathroom walls
Strength aside, aluminum cabinets are also termite-proof, water-proof and don’t absorb smells. This makes Ximula ideal for Singapore’s humid climate, as well as moisture-rich areas like the bathroom and kitchen, without having to worry about wood rot.
Hinges on traditional wooden carpentry giving way due to wood rot (left) VS hinges incorporated within Ximula’s aluminum system (right)
Fans of the wood look aren’t left out either – as you’ll be able to paste any laminate of choice over PVC inserts that are slotted into Ximula’s aluminum frames, reducing the amount of wood used.
In short, you’ll still get the same wide variety of designs and finishes that traditional carpentry has to offer, sans the problems associated with it.
A kitchen remodel involving a change from traditional carpentry (left) to Ximula’s aluminum system cabinets with wood-look and matte black laminates, paired with a Gardenia Sintered Stone countertop for a modern look and superior resistance properties (right)
Ximula aluminum systems used for both kitchen cabinets and the island to achieve a cohesive look
And unlike traditional carpentry, you won’t have to deal with pesky little things like ABS trimming peeling off. That’s because Ximula’s aluminum frames are designed to ‘clam’ laminates in, minimising exposure to water damage and abrasion, giving you clean edges for years to come. Talk about attention to detail!
‘Claming’ mechanism used to hold laminate/PVC inserts
The second thing that really caught our attention at Ximula’s showroom was its seemingly simple yet ingenious space-maximisation applications. After all, those of us living in BTOs will know that EVERY. SQUARE. INCH. COUNTS.
The corners of L-shaped cabinets or the deep recesses of any given cabinet, for example, often end up as dead/wasted space during to how inaccessible they are.
To circumvent this, Ximula’s L-shaped cabinets can be fitted with angled hanging rods and/or swivel racks, which wooden cabinets will not be able to support from a structural standpoint.
On this note, Ximula is so confident of its structural integrity that visitors to the showroom are welcome to test it out for themselves with… their body weight!
Putting Ximula’s strength to the test with dips on a cabinet (left) and full body weight on a clothing hanging rod (right)
Needless to say, we were definitely convinced of Ximula’s strength thereafter.
Should you wish to maximise vertical space instead, a pull-down wardrobe lift system can also be installed to provide easy access to clothes kept at the top of your wardrobe.
And notice how the set above has reeded glass doors? Well, that’s another thing that wooden cabinets cannot support, but Ximula can!
Beyond cabinets, Ximula’s aluminum systems can also be used for other furnishings. Take this pull-out chair (with storage under the seat!), for instance. In addition to maximising precious square footage by tucking it under the vanity when not in use, it also gives your room a clutter-free appearance and consistent look.
Now, if this doesn’t count as versatile, we don’t know what will.
Lastly, if you’re going to invest in built-ins, you’ll want to make sure that they remain fully suited to your household’s lifestyle needs for years to come.
Changing up what you store in any given cabinet, like from books to large toys for your kids, may require a change in shelf height. Traditional carpentry often tries to pre-empt this by drilling hinges at multiple heights, but these can be quite unsightly, with most of them being left unused.
Ximula’s aluminum systems, on the other hand, have shelving ledges that are easily unlocked with an allen key, and slid along its aluminum track to a precise new, desired height. No more unnecessary/unsightly ledges, thank you.
Ximula flexible system used for a walk-in wardrobe
And should you decide to switch up the configuration of your storage solution or move homes, you won’t need to get a brand new set. Unlike traditional carpentry, Ximula’s solutions can be dismantled into its constituent parts, then set up (and/or reconfigured) again in a new location!
So, while the upfront cost of Ximula’s aluminum systems maybe be higher than that of traditional carpentry, they’re actually worth the investment in the long run.
A summary of Ximula’s aluminum systems that make them worth the investment
Believe us when we say we’ve only just scratched the surface. With Ximula’s wide selection of profiles and finishings to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless.
For more real-life applications or to have a look and feel for yourself, call 6844 5255 to book a visit to Ximula’s showroom (by appointment only). Alternatively, visit Ximula’s website to find out more.