A so-called “work of applied art”, USM's Haller system has become the must-have storage solution with a cult following.
It’s a brand we buy for our own home. We love it for it’s adaptability, functionality and bright pops of colour that work in every home setting.
To us, USMis endlessly adaptable functional furniture to last a lifetime.
The USM story dates back to 1885, when it was founded as a metalworking and locksmith’s business by Ulrich Schaerer. The factory and headquarters were built in Muningen where they remain.
Third-generation Paul Schaerer joined the company in 1961 and stewarded the business into a new era. Paul had studied engineering at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and was keen to update USM’s factory and offices.
He commissioned architect Fritz Haller to design a new space that utilised a steel modular construction system that was very flexible and adaptable to manufacturing changes. Fritz Haller was an influential Swiss architect whose range of work spanned office buildings, residential projects as well as furniture.
To us, USMis endlessly adaptable functional furniture to last a lifetime.
The USM story dates back to 1885, when it was founded as a metalworking and locksmith’s business by Ulrich Schaerer. The factory and headquarters were built in Muningen where they remain.
Third-generation Paul Schaerer joined the company in 1961 and stewarded the business into a new era. Paul had studied engineering at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and was keen to update USM’s factory and offices.
He commissioned architect Fritz Haller to design a new space that utilised a steel modular construction system that was very flexible and adaptable to manufacturing changes. Fritz Haller was an influential Swiss architect whose range of work spanned office buildings, residential projects as well as furniture.
Sustainability and usm
USM say that Rethink, Redesign, Revalue sums up the work needed to do to develop sustainability. Longevity and durability are cornerstones of its business. The longevity of the design of their signature modular furniture system is already proven. The products are designed and constructed to last. Their goal is to be a valued, consistent companion for life and generations to come.
“We build products that endure: wear-resistant materials, fine craftsmanship, durable designs and timeless style all ensure that USM furniture lasts a lifetime. Nothing needs to be thrown away, as thanks to the retrospective compatibility of USM products, previously purchased parts can easily be combined with newly purchased parts.”
USM Haller has a recognised Cradle-to-Cradle® certification. It is the leading multi-attribute standard used globally across industries for designing and making products that enable a healthy, fair and sustainable future according to the world’s most advanced science-based measures.
Further reading: USM explain their sustainability strategy here.
“We build products that endure: wear-resistant materials, fine craftsmanship, durable designs and timeless style all ensure that USM furniture lasts a lifetime. Nothing needs to be thrown away, as thanks to the retrospective compatibility of USM products, previously purchased parts can easily be combined with newly purchased parts.”
USM Haller has a recognised Cradle-to-Cradle® certification. It is the leading multi-attribute standard used globally across industries for designing and making products that enable a healthy, fair and sustainable future according to the world’s most advanced science-based measures.
Further reading: USM explain their sustainability strategy here.
USM inspiration - wolf house
A House with History Receiving a Kitchen with History
Newburgh, New York, USA
Set atop a hillside with a panoramic view over the Hudson River, this classic mid-century modern home recently announced its completed restoration featuring a one-of-a-kind collaboration with USM Modular Furniture: a sustainably built kitchen constructed of reused USM parts.
Owners Jiminie Ha, Senior Director of Graphic Design at the Guggenheim Museum, and Jeremy Parker, founder of the creative agency Good People, have purchased the building in 2020. Since then, they have meticulously restored the Wolfhouse to its original condition.
Newburgh, New York, USA
Set atop a hillside with a panoramic view over the Hudson River, this classic mid-century modern home recently announced its completed restoration featuring a one-of-a-kind collaboration with USM Modular Furniture: a sustainably built kitchen constructed of reused USM parts.
Owners Jiminie Ha, Senior Director of Graphic Design at the Guggenheim Museum, and Jeremy Parker, founder of the creative agency Good People, have purchased the building in 2020. Since then, they have meticulously restored the Wolfhouse to its original condition.
USM in Clerkenwell, London
Lola Black and Adam Bracegirdle live in a two bedroom flat in the heart of London’s Clerkenwell. Both Lola and Adam have careers in the creative industries, Lola for production studio Unit 9, which works with companies including Adidas, Google and Xbox and Adam as a creative director collaborating with the likes of Nike, Bottega Veneta and luxury department store SKP Beijing.
"The beauty of USM is that you can pair it with something very old or super modern and it always works.”
What began as a limited special edition for the holiday campaign 2023 has become a sought-after favourite that everyone wants to have. The overwhelmingly positive reactions and continuous requests have promoted us to offer olive green (RAL 6003) as a new standard colour.
"The beauty of USM is that you can pair it with something very old or super modern and it always works.”
What began as a limited special edition for the holiday campaign 2023 has become a sought-after favourite that everyone wants to have. The overwhelmingly positive reactions and continuous requests have promoted us to offer olive green (RAL 6003) as a new standard colour.
USM storage configurator
Endlessly adaptable and available in a great selection of colours, you can use our configurator to build and then price your own storage.
Alternatively, we can help you build your storage system. Just reply to this email to get in touch and we’ll let you know the next steps. Configure you’re own custom USM
Further reading
Read: Hypebeast: How USM's Haller System Made an Icon Out of Storage Solutions
Mad About The House: A Home Office For Life
Dwell: Why Are These Sleek Shelving Systems From the ’60s Suddenly Everywhere?
Mad About The House: A Home Office For Life
Dwell: Why Are These Sleek Shelving Systems From the ’60s Suddenly Everywhere?
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