Good architecture requires good windows
When it comes to design planning for new residential or office buildings, Ayhan Uğuz is already on hand to help his clients. In 2003, the qualified architect founded a company that specialises in the production of high-quality building elements. He and his design partner Dilek Tanalp are highly sought-after specialists.
Uğuz explains that, during his studies at Selcuk University, he already understood that high-quality windows and doors are not only crucial in enhancing a building’s appearance, but also for the quality of life of its inhabitants. Through his work at that time for a window manufacturer with plenty of client contact, however, he came to realise that this belief was not at all widely shared. In his opinion, due to a lack of detailed knowledge, too many architects and construction companies were provisioning for and purchasing overly simple elements. He felt that the technological and functional possibilities that are offered by high-quality hardware, profile systems and glazing were simply not being exploited. From this, he came to a noteworthy conclusion:
“High-quality windows can only be sold by a good designer.”
Taking production and installation into his own hands
In 2003, Uğuz ultimately founded his own window factory with an associated architectural firm in Antalya. Word quickly spread among construction companies in the region that his designs and the “Remim” brand windows were guaranteed to leave customers satisfied, even in the luxury segment. From the outset, the entrepreneur not only oversaw the manufacturing, but also the proper installation of the windows at construction sites. “If incorrectly fitted, even the best window can cause a great deal of problems. That’s something that I didn’t want to risk.”
Production takes place in Remim’s own factory using partially automated systems. This makes it possible for the relatively small team of around 25 employees to process all the orders. By comparison, around 35 people are employed for installation work. Today, in addition to windows, balcony doors and sliding elements, the company also supplies and installs modern darkening and shading systems, conservatories, fixed glazing and facades made from aluminium as well as fire protection doors and glass interior doors.
An eye for detail
Since 2017, Uğuz has been supported in matters of design and project management by Dilek Tanalp, who initially worked in the window trading business as an interior designer at Remim, among other companies, and thus became well acquainted with the company. With their architectural background, there’s no doubt that the pair have a very keen eye for details and the ways in which a design can be enhanced.
“We provide suggestions on how to design windows and discuss the ways in which the proportions of rooms and buildings can potentially be improved. It’s something that our customers value, and it’s precisely why many of them approach Remim for their requirements.
Convincing quality
Ayhan Uğuz believes that there’s another reason behind the high level of interest in his company’s products: From the very beginning, the business only worked with components from European premium brands such as Roto. In his view, it’s likely because of this that so many construction companies have remained regular customers to this day. In the 20 years since the company was founded, there havebeen practically no complaints. Maintenance and readjustment work is completed quickly and Remim retains its status as a valued service partner.
A sliding system with added value
This year, the production of Tilt&Turn elements at Remim has been successfully converted to the Roto NX. Uğuz and Tanalp are now looking to work with the Patio Inowa. “We’ve been equipping sliding doors with the Patio Alversa system for many years now, but we definitely see potential in using the high-density Inowa system,” explains Uğuz. He intends to acquaint his customers with the innovative closing movement of the Patio Inowa – particularly for places where sound insulation is of considerable importance, or where space-saving sliding windows may be an ideal solution. This is in addition to the fact that the hardware is now also available in a variant up to 400 kg, the kind of sash weight that can be frequently found in private villas.
“Large sliding elements are characteristic of modern living.”
He is generally always very interested in the new solutions produced by his industry partners and greatly appreciates it when they develop innovative product concepts. “We need partners like Roto, whose systems can expand our freedom to design. After all, we want to continue winning customers over well into the future as a designer and manufacturer of particularly special building elements.”
Over the almost 20 years since the company was founded, Remim has continually developed alongside its customers, notes Uğuz in summary. “Today, I would say that all component designs for which transparency is a key focus are in good hands with us. We create the perfect view, the ideal transition between the interior and the exterior.”
Setting sights on Germany
In the coming years, the entrepreneur expects that changing conditions will make it harder to do business in Turkey. The enormous increase in material prices and high inflation are limiting the scope for new constructions in the lowerand middle segments of the market. Remim admittedly remains a very attractive partner for builders in the luxury segment, but with overall demand shrinking here as well, the competitive pressure will naturally also increase.
Uğuz wouldn’t be a true entrepreneur if he hadn’t already made a plan for this situation: “We’ve set up a subsidiary in Germany. With our new office in Monheim, which is situated between Düsseldorf and Cologne, we are aiming to establish ourselves in this economically strong region as a specialist designer and manufacturer of high-quality building elements. Since we only work with branded products that are highly regarded in Germany – basically without exception – we are considered a reliable partner for builders there as well, I’m sure of it.” And ultimately, there’s one other thing that Uğuz is certain of: Good designs are needed everywhere. Nevertheless, production will continue to take place in Antalya. This is where the company has its roots, after all, and Uğuz values his workforce as a dedicated community that knows exactly what needs to be done to ensure that Remim can continue to deliver high-quality products and services.
This article was published in Roto Inside 51.