Smartpack Cabinet Systems

Smartpack Cabinet Systems http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au kitchens, wardrobes, laundries, home offices, storage, workshop 02 9516 3222 posterous.com Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:53:00 -0800 The Custom Softclosing Sliding Wardrobe is here. http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/the-custom-softclosing-sliding-wardrobe-is-he http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/the-custom-softclosing-sliding-wardrobe-is-he

The discerning client knows that there is a large discrepancy in the quality, style and look of the basic sliding wardrobe and a hidden track system that looks good but also closes silently and smoothly, like the door of an expensive car.

Creativ by Smartpack have now made this a reality using the Hettich Top Line 22 track system with soft closers. The wardrobe is a complete carcase which is totally customisable and can be made with 2 doors up to 2400mm wide by 2400mm high and with 4 doors to 4800mm wide.

The Hettich Innotech softclose drawers are used where drawers are requested and adds to the overall appeal of this sliding robe. The doors are 16mm gloss or velvet melamine with or without mirror or milky glass inserts or sprayed in polyurethane. The doors are 30mm off the floor and the track is invisible top and bottom when closed and no bottom track is visible inside the robe.

The installation of the track requires a tradesperson or carpenter or an experienced handy person or Creativ will do the installation for you.The wardrobe 2400mm wide has a price range of between $2500 and $6000 depending on options and door styles chosen.

Here is a video showing the operation of a Softclose wardrobe.

Click this link to go to the Custom Wardrobe page of our website

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:40:00 -0800 New Year gift recipe from Smartpack http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-year-gift-recipe-from-smartpack http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-year-gift-recipe-from-smartpack

Happy New Year everybody. I thought - enough with the technical blogs for our Smartpack readers, so, as a New Year gift, my wife has agreed to gift this recipe to all the followers of our Smartpack blog. If this proves popular then I will intersperse more of her recipes (and favourites from my mother) among the latest technical and interest articles every month.

A fantastic pre-dinner snack with drinks served with rice crackers or ryvita biscuits. This will be a whole conversation by itself with your guests.

DELICIOUS FETTA BAKE WITH PINK PEPPERCORNS

~ Place 1 slab of Danish fetta into a baking dish and slice into bite sized pieces.

~ Cover with olive oil and fresh thyme leaves and crushed garlic

~ Bake in an oven uncovered at 180 degrees until the fetta becomes golden brown.

~ Sprinkle with pink peppercorns and serve with crackers before dinner

Yummo!

(Danish fetta is the best because it is the only fetta which absorbs the marinade ~ all others are dry)

Well enjoy and may the best of 2011 be the worst of 2012 for you all from the Smartpack team.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:18:06 -0800 New Push-to-open drawers http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-push-to-open-drawers http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-push-to-open-drawers

Newly launched Innotech Push to Open – and winner of the 2011 designEx New Bathroom Product of the Year – is the latest addition to Hettich’s renowned Innotech range featuring manual push to open technology and eliminating handles, for a sleek minimalist look. Great for bathrooms and entertainment units as well as kitchens.

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One should note that soft close drawers are not available with soft close feature. The reason for this is that the two mechanisms have opposing springs and therefore do not operate together. The only option is to use the electronic push to open which has a small motor pushing out the drawer and then the soft close mechanism operates effectively on the drawer close. The downside of this perfect solution is the price tag of the electronic mechanism. It adds about $1200 for up to 4 drawer banks next to one another.

Innotech Push to Open also features Hettich’s unique high quality Quadro drawer runnner technology, ensuring drawers run smoothly for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Push to Open drawers can be opened easily with a light touch regardless of how heavy the contents.

Hettich’s newest Push to Open range is manual, with a compact system that is easily fitted to new or existing cabinetry. This complements the Hettich Easys electronic option that has proved to be very popular in situations where hands are full or dirty.

Innotech Push to Open drawers come in a variety of widths ranging from 300mm to 800mm and are finished in silver or white. The antistatic surface ensures drawers are easy to clean and integrate stylishly and seamlessly into any design.

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Hettich is a family-owned German company with a 100 year old heritage of offering a wide range of customisable furniture hardware. In addition to providing an impressive product range, Hettich offers customers a comprehensive Lifetime Warranty on their key products.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:38:00 -0800 Induction Cooktops - an unbiased insight into the new trend. http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/induction-cooktops-an-unbiased-insight-into-t http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/induction-cooktops-an-unbiased-insight-into-t

In light of the Smartpack November special I thought our readers would be interested in some unbiased information about an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops work via an electromagnetic field that essentially turns your cookware into an element by inducing a thermal electric current in the pot or pan causing it to heat up. Food is cooked by the heat of the cookware and not from the cooktop itself.

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Benefits of induction cooking

Safer: There are no open flames and the air around the cookware is not heated other than by the cookware. The cooktop remains cooler to the touch than the traditional ceramic non induction cooktops. The only heat is from that from tranferance from the bottom of the cookware.In fact a piece of paper can be in between the cooktop and the cookware while cooking and it will not burn.

More efficient: Induction cooking can be precisely controlled compared to traditional electric elements and gas. Energy transfer in induction is about 84% , electric element 71% and gas 40%, which means there is a cost saving in power bill for the user. Induction cooking recognises the base of the cookware, directly heating only the diameter of the pot so very little energy is wasted.

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Quicker: Heating and adjustments are immediate, saving up to 50% of the cooktime when compared to more traditional methods.

Even heating: Hot spots and rings are avoided because the bottom of the cookware heats uniformly.

Easy cleaning: The surface is flat and smooth like a electric ceramic cooktop, but in induction cooking spills and overflows do not burn on the surface of the cooktop and can be easily wiped away. There is no heat from the cooktop outside the pot or pan.

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Additional features: In induction cooking a pot can be kept on minimum boil or automatically turn the element off when the cookware is removed from it, or when the contents have boiled dry. This is because the induction source can detect slight changes in the current so it can be precisely controlled.

Limitations of Induction cooktops

Cookware: The cookware must be ferromagnetic. In other words ,if a magnetic sticks to the bottom of the cookware it is fine for induction cooking. You cannot use copper or aluminium bottom pots. The cost of cookware replacement might need to be considered with the price of the induction cooktop.

Glass top: This can crack with impact just like a ceramic cooktop but is made to specific impact standards. Aluminium foil can melt onto the top and can cause permanent damage or crack the top.

Noise: In some situations an audible hum may be produced on high power. Radio receivers (not digital) may experience some interference close to the cooktop.

The November special $99 appliance package can be upgraded to induction cooktop for $630.

Click here to see the special

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0700 Cabinet Doors Options made simple - Part 2 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/cabinet-doors-made-simple-part-2 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/cabinet-doors-made-simple-part-2

Sprayed doors
These doors go by a number of names such as two pack, polyurethane and lacquered doors. These doors are made from MDF (medium density fibreboard) and sprayed with a chemically cured paint similar to car paint.Polyurethane is a better option than an a acid catylised lacquer and is much more resilient to solvents once fully cured. The faces and edges of the door can have a routered pattern or just plain faced with pencil round edges. The paint finish can range in gloss levels from matt(10%) , satin (30%), semi gloss (60%) to high gloss (90%). The paint finish gives a very sleek modern appearance and shows no join seams on the edges. The paint is brittle but hard and can chip. The high gloss shows marks as does any highly polished surface. Semi gloss or satin finishes now more popular show less finger marks and are not so reflective. These doors are well suited to kitchen and bathroom installations. The price of a door 730mm x 450mm is between $85-150 per door depending on the routing and finish. The high gloss being at the more expensive end of the range. Smartpack offers a number of standard polyurethane doors click here

Veneer doors
Veneer doors are made from pre-veneered board which is then cut and edged and sprayed with clear polyurethane in a satin finish. The classical modern look has never been outdated in the last 60 years and gives that Danish or swedish design look with the warmth of timber. The advantage of this door is that one gets the real timber grain feel to the door without the expense of solid timber doors and still has a modern look as against the colonial or country look of solid timber doors (a result mainly of the construction). The door can be repaired by sanding and re-coating if damaged.The door can be made in a large range of natural timbers but one must be aware that the natural variation in the veneer from sheet to sheet from which the doors are cut. Depending on the type of veneer this can be quite obvious when installing a complete kitchen. A new type of restacked veneer has been developed to overcome this incnsistancy and is slightly more expensive but the result of using this Smartveneer or restructured or reconstituted veneer is a very consistent colour and grain throughout the kitchen or wardrobe. The cost of an average door 730mm x 450mm is between A$70-150 per door. The cheaper end of the scale would be the tasmanian oak or pacific mapl

e natural veneers, then the more exotic timbers to the restructured veneer doors.

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Timber doors

This is the more traditional style of door and has become increasingly more expensive as the exotic timbers have become more rare. These doors are hard wearing and can be repaired if damaged. After a number of years the doors can be re-sanded and re-lacquered to look like new. The doors have a number of different styles and moldings but mostly have a federation ,colonial , country style or shaker appearance. The doors need to be lacquered to protect them from moisture and grease. Oiling them is an option although not recommended in an hygienic kitchen environment. The doors can also be painted for the provincial look. The approximate price of the finished door 730mm x 450mm is between $150- 250 depending on the type timber used. Matching panels for these doors are generally made in a matching veneer as the large flat pieces of timber are not available or tend to warp.

Acrylic on board doors or High Gloss melamine door

This product branded UltraGlaze is a polymer with an ultra high gloss acrylic top layer. The sheet is then glued to a MDF zero emmission (E0) board and sold in sheets. Doors are then cut from the sheet and edged in matching edging or aluminium coloured edging. The result is a fantastic gloss front for kitchens and wardrobes and similar price to high gloss polyurethane . A 730mm x 450mm door priced between $120-$150 depending on the edging options.

A melamine high gloss product called Designer Gloss with a high gloss acrylic product applied to the melamine face gives a similar effect and is about 20% cheaper.

Doors comes with a protective film which is removed after installation. The doors are flat profile only as against a high gloss polyurethane door which can have a face pattern or profile. The acrylic can scratch but can be polished out with a rubbing compound and a microfibre cloth or a very clean buffing wheel. There is absolutely no telegraphing in the acrylic extruded surface. Telegraphing is the effect where you see the ripples in the board surface through the painted polyurethane face in a painted door finish. Slight bowing can occur in large doors when temperatures and humidity changes significantly but will return to the original position once the temperature and humidity returns to usual levels.

The high gloss flat door gives an ultra modern look to a kitchen or robe with the right spashback and benchtop.

PLEASE NOTE: It should be noted that all doors to a greater or lesser extent are all affected by water and excessive heat which will destroy the doors. If the doors are looked after and maintained they will last the lifetime of the kitchen. Do not clean any of the doors with an abrasive cleaner. A simple wipe with a mild detergent will do the job. All doors should not be wider than 600mm otherwise it will bend the hinges and make sure that there are enough hinges to support the door. As a minimum use 2 hinges up to 900mm, 3 hinges up to 2100mm and 4 hinges for doors up to 2400mm. heavier thicker doors than 18mm might use more hinges.

All these doors are available as options to the Smartpack product range and also available from other kitchen suppliers.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:28:00 -0700 Cabinet Door Options made simple - Part 1 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/door-options-made-simple-what-is-the-differen-21021 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/door-options-made-simple-what-is-the-differen-21021

Cabinet Door Options made simple

The kitchen behind the doors and panels is usually made up of white high moisture resistant melamine board and varies only slightly in construction and finish between different manufacturers. The major cost difference in the kitchen comes from the benchtops and the doors and the choice of doors makes a considerable difference. Most kitchen companies will offer about five styles, each having a range of colours and finishes.

Melamine doors with melamine edging
This is the cheapest door style. Melamine paper overlay is a low pressure resin impregnated paper pressed on to board.Melamine paper is a thin brittle material that cannot be handled without the backing board.It is suitable for vertical surfaces such as doors and panels but not for kitchen benchtops.(It can be used for office benchtops which have less wear). With care it will last a long time and is a very economical way to bring colour into a kitchen. The only significant drawback is that the edging on the square cut door can peel off or the colour can chip off the edging if it is melamine edging. (This does not happen with PVC or ABS edging).The colour is on both sides of the door.The edge and the door do not have great impact resistance and water damage can effect the door because water can leach through the joint of the edging and the melamine face. Edging can be replaced as can the door at minimal cost. The approximate price of a 730mm x 450mm door is about A$30-45 depending on the branded colour. White generic board is always the cheapest.

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Melamine door with rigid PVC edging

This door offers you a low cost melamine option with a hard wearing 1mm or 2mm edge. The edging can be a complimentary or contrasting colour and the 2mm edge has a radius edge which gives a modern clean appearance. The advantage of this edge is the impact resistance and the non chipping features compared to the melamine edge. It is still affected by water which can leech through the edge joint. The approximate price of a 730mm x 450mm door is $40-50 depending on the colour and brand of the melamine board used. Gloss melamine colours are now available at a higher cost of $55-70 per door and at a distance gives the appearance of a much higher cost polyurethane door. The Smartpack website has a range of melamine colour doors available.

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Melamine door with Postformed edges or "Hardform" door
This door was invented to make a door to look like a postformed laminate door at a lower cost using melamine. The edges are rolled or postformed with a 6-8mm radius along the vertical or horizontal edges with the alternate edges edged with a 2mm PVC edge in the same colour. The door has a soft clean appearance which high lights the line where 2 doors meet. The colour in all melamine doors is the same on the inside and the outside of the door. The cost of a hardform door is $60-70 per door or panel.

There are a number of people in the industry who refer to laminate doors for the above types of melamine doors but this is an incorrect description. A laminate door is made using laminate applied to board as is done with a benchtop. It has better impact resistance than melamine. One can handle laminate separately without breaking. Melamine on the other hand has to be applied to board before it can be handled. The color can be the same for laminate or melamine but laminate is a thicker product (0.4-1.2 mm) whereas melamine is 0.1-0.2mm thickness. Laminate doors are now not used much as they are too expensive and they tend to bow on taller doors unless laminate is applied on both sides of the door which is even more expensive.

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Thermofoil or Vacuum formed door
This door style is manufactured using MDF (medium density fibreboard) which has a pattern routered into the face and /or edges and then a pvc foil is adhered to the one side of the door using glue, heat and vacuum. The door can have a modern (plain face) or federation, colonial, shaker or provincial appearance (routered face). The door foil comes in a textured, woodgrain, satin or high gloss finish. The doors are not repairable if damaged or scratched but could be replaced. The doors are easy to clean and have a 7 year warranty. However there have been some problems with delamination of the foil in the past and it is necessary to use the specified heat shield next to a heat source like an oven. The approximate price of a door 730mm x 450mm is $70-120 depending on the complexity of the routered face, thickness and foil finish.

Vacuum_formed_door

It should be noted that all doors to a greater or lesser extent are all affected by water and excessive heat which will destroy the doors. If the doors are looked after and maintained they will last the lifetime of the kitchen. Do not clean any of the doors with an abrasive cleaner. A simple wipe with a mild detergent will do the job. All doors should not be wider than 600mm otherwise it will bend the hinges and make sure that there are enough hinges to support the door. As a minimum use 2 hinges up to 900mm, 3 hinges up to 2100mm and 4 hinges for doors up to 2400mm. heavier thicker doors than 18mm might use more hinges.

Part 2 of this article will be publish in the next blog article in mid October.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:02:00 -0700 Smartpack launches a new site http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-launches-a-new-site http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-launches-a-new-site

In time for spring we have remodelled our website. Check out our new site at www.smartpackkit.com.au

A new look, easier navigation and more ebooks and brochures for you to download together with our pricelists and 3D DYOS design program. It is also easier now to book an appointmennt for a measure and quote online in Sydney, ACT, Perth, Tennant Creek, Mildura and Mackay for the full custom kitchen, laundry and wardrobe installation service. We still make the premium flatpack system in Australia and we ship anywhere on the East Coast for $250 when the order is over $6000.

The Smartpack online store is now much easier to use with no registration required and has products like drawer runners and hinges along with accessories for kitchen, laundry wardobes and home office. The best news is that we offer free shipping on the store for orders over $100 online.

So give the new site a whirl! click here

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:34:32 -0700 Acrylic benchtop now taking on stone in price and advantages http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/acrylic-benchtop-now-taking-on-stone-in-price http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/acrylic-benchtop-now-taking-on-stone-in-price

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Hanex Acrylic freeform material is now being supplied in finished format at prices that are competitive to installed stone like Caesar stone and Quantum Quartz. Seamless joins, thick edges up to 100mm , inbuilt sinks and draining boards and seamless splashbacks are all possible with this material.

The advantages of Hanex are laid out here for your information. Stone is a great product too and this article is to inform you of other cost effective alternatives.

100% Non-porous

Scratch and stain resistant

Resistant to heat, mould, pollutants and bacteria

Highly durable - stronger than stone

Easy to maintain

Renewable and repairable

10 year warranty

seamless constuction including moulded splashback, draining boards routered into the top and seamlessly undermounted sinks.Moulded in sinks are only available in white but are still seamless.

Installation of the benchtop can be idone at

the same time as the rest of the kitchen. Meaning a quick, stress free

experience for your customers who will not have to wait for a stone

mason to come in, measure up, go away and make a template, make the

benchtop then return to install it.

Please call 02-95163222 for enquiries regarding acrylic tops or email sales@smartpackkit.com.au

or view the product brochures on our website www.smartpackkit.com.au for the properties and colour availabilities.

Hanex_undermount_sink_and_drainer

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:26:00 -0700 Smartpack supplies the kitchens to the TOP DESIGN show http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-supplies-the-kitchens-to-the-top-de http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-supplies-the-kitchens-to-the-top-de

Smartpack supplied and installed the 5 kitchens specified by the design teams for the container fitouts. The show was aired on channel 9 last night and Smartpack was credited as the endorsed kitchen supplier. Well done to the design contestants but what was most important is that the kitchens and splashbacks looked stunning. Go to the following link to view the episode and view their designs.

Here are pictures of 2 of the kitchenettes. Amazing what fits in a small space.

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See the full gallery on Posterous

http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8195173

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:52:51 -0700 Customer installed -customer proud! http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/57855635 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/57855635

"Attached are some photos of our finished kitchen, which I promised to send some time ago, but your questionnaire in the mail reminded me. We are very happy with the result. Hope these may be of interest to you."

We love the fact that our customers are proud of their planning and installation and are willing to share the result with our other prospective and past customers.

In this particular project our customer "A" planned the kitchen and came in to our showroom for some advice and fine tuning. Smartpack then provided the detailed plans which were approved for manufacture. 3 weeks later we delivered the custom kit and "A" installed the kitchen.

The kitchen in a Semigloss white polyurethane Hamlet door, laminate benchtop, Zenolite acrylic splashback and woodgrain melamine barback was designed to match the existing family room funiture on the family room side but a clean white look from the inside area of the kitchen area. WOW what a great result and the main thing - another satisfied customer.

Smartpack thanks "A" for the recommendation and we are also proud of the result!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 29 May 2011 16:50:00 -0700 Australian Embassy Refurbishment Project http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/australian-embassy-refurbishment-project http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/australian-embassy-refurbishment-project

Smartpack is very proud to share these pictures of the project we have nearly completed for the Australian government. The Australian Embassy in Tokyo has ungone a refurbishment as it is now about 20years old. Smartpack won the tender to supply all the joinery for the new fit out for the bathrooms cabinets, kitchens ,wardrobes and laundries. Well done the Australian government for supporting an Australian based manufacturing company.

Manufacturing was done In Sydney and shipped to Tokyo in flatpack format, with stone tops, to the embassy in Tokyo where the Japanese contractor Hazama company has very competently installed all the joinery. 30 of the 43 apartments have now been occupied. The Embassy staff and the Department of Foreign Affairs project manager have been extremely satisfied with the finish and quality of our work.

The apartment kitchens, laundries and bathroom cabinets are finished in White polyurethane satin finish and the wardrobes are in white melamine finish with painted sliding doors. The accessories were supplied by Smartpack but all appliances were sourced in Japan. We have included some shots for your perusal here of some of the typical rooms.

Kitchens

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See the full gallery on Posterous

Laundries

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See the full gallery on Posterous

Bathrooms

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See the full gallery on Posterous

Wardrobes

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 04 May 2011 08:57:00 -0700 New automatic soft closing door hinge from Hettich http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-automatic-soft-closing-door-hinge-from-he http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/new-automatic-soft-closing-door-hinge-from-he

In line with our commitment to bring you the latest tips and tricks on our blog we offer you this media release from our contact at the Hettich company. Smartpack can supply these hinges at a small extra cost as part of any kitchen home office or wardrobe project or we can supply the add on soft closers as mentioned in a previous blog article on soft closers.

Hettich consolidates its reputation as Australia’s leading supplier of innovative fittings for the kitchen and building industry, with their award-winning Sensys generation of fully integrated and automatic soft closing door hinges. The preferred choice of architects, cabinet makers and kitchen designers, Hettich’s commitment is to providing products that make living spaces to work beautifully.

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“As a family-owned German company with a 100-year proud tradition of being at the forefront of new concepts and design trends, Hettich produces only stylish, efficient and innovative quality products,” says Hettich Marketing Manager, Dave Angus.

Hettich’s Sensys hinge with its integrated soft close system hides the hinges and internal cabinetry, leaving the silence and luxury of soft closing cupboards. The Sensys System is available for all main door mounting options and unlike competitor products can close a door from an angle of only 35 degrees. No more doors ajar. An added bonus is that Sensys is interchangeable with the current range of Intermat hinges.

Sensys is cutting edge European design and is manufactured with high quality materials and standards Australians have come to expect from Hettich, with the drawer and hinge systems coming with a lifetime warranty and a full replacement guarantee.

People can view the Sensys range at their nearest Hettich Endorsed Showroom. Each showroom has been hand-picked to showcase the depth and breadth of Hettich products.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:49:00 -0800 Smartpack Auburn showroom end of lease kitchens at half price http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-auburn-showroom-end-of-lease-kitche http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpack-auburn-showroom-end-of-lease-kitche

Smartpack is closing it's Auburn showroom in the Nick Scali showroom by the end of March and is selling off the display kitchens.

The display kitchens can be reconfigured and Smartpack is offering to help to reconfigure the layout to suit your requirements and will supply a new laminate benchtop at a hugely reduced rate to facilitate the new layout. The display kitchens are at HALF price as see on the website. Please click the link to view the available kitchens and the layout plans.

Appliances displayed in the kitchens will be sold at 15% off the normal price advertised on the website if required.

Not many left so hurry and call 02-95163222 to reserve your bargain.

DISPLAY KITCHENS AT HALF PRICE Click here for the pitures prices and plans

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:03:00 -0800 Everything was easy to assemble and install - Customer applauds Smartpack http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/everything-was-easy-to-assemble-and-install-c http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/everything-was-easy-to-assemble-and-install-c

Hi Sally

Yes all has been received and installed

Everything was easy to assemble and install and you provided everything I

needed without fuss.

I would to thank The Smartpack Team and especially yourself for all the help

you provided.

I will be recommending you to all my friends in the future.

I have attached a couple of photos of the finished product

Have a safe and great Christmas break and a happy new year

Best Regards

Dave

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:51:00 -0800 Wear Resistant Laminate used in the standard range benchtops http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/wear-resistant-laminate-used-in-the-standard http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/wear-resistant-laminate-used-in-the-standard

Laminates are not all scuff resistant and environmentally preferable laminate.

This is why Smartpack has chosen a laminate with double the wear resistance performance for the standard range benchtops.

Rolled edge Benchtop end with self edge

Introduced more than two decades ago, ARP is one of the most significant improvements in the performance of high pressure decorative laminates. The armored protection surface is engineered using aluminium oxide particles blended with clear resins. Together they form a protective layer that allows objects to slide over the laminate surface as if they were on ball bearings.

Unlike other laminates using overlays that cloud the design, ARP’s patented process always allows the subtlety and depth of the decorative paper to show through. This dramatic clarity isn’t compromised by the surface protection during the serviceable life of the laminate.
Why Aluminum Oxide?
Aluminum oxide is harder than common everyday objects, protecting laminates against the wear caused when those objects slide across the surface. Yet, aluminium oxide is softer than silicon carbide or diamond which are commonly used in making cutting tools and blades.
Armored Protection keeps laminates looking new longer in the following ways:

It protects the laminate’s color by reducing surface wear caused by common abrasive substances such as sand (silica) particles present in dirt, dust, paper bags an

d boxes. Standard industry wear resistance tests (NEMA LD3) show armored protection outlasts conventional laminates.

It reduces gloss change (dulling and buffing).

Substance	Knoop Hardness Value
Diamond	7000
Silicone Carbide	2480
Aluminium Oxide	2100
Steel Can	1570
Silica /Quartz	820
Glass	530
Iron Can	430
Aluminium Can	125

Nevamar 900mm wide island benchtop with inset sink

Armored Protection gives Nevamar laminates more than twice the wear protection than standard laminates.( ANSI/NEMA LD3 test method)

Added protection during fabrication and installation.

Thanks to their superior abrasion and scuff resistance, Nevamar Armored Protection laminates go through fabrication shops with less damage and waste. Expensive furniture and ﬁxtures are also less likely to be damaged in transit. You save time and money while maintaining high ﬁnished quality. And, when you’re done, you can be conﬁdent your designs will retain their beauty for a long time to come. Armored Protection also beautiﬁes as it protects. It actually enhances the clarity of the laminate design, providing a cleaner, truer look and appearance when compared to other laminates.

Only Nevamar offers Armored Protection surface.

Armored Protection laminates are a prime example of Nevamar’s commitment to high quality products. Nevamar pioneered the technology, patented it and improved it over the years. Today, Armored Protection gives Nevamar laminate more than twice the wear protection than standard laminate (ANSI/NEMA LD3 test method).

Everyday, Nevamar with ARP, proves its toughness in hospitals, hotel and restaurants, airports, retail shops and other commercial environments. This rugged performance and long lasting style also makes it a great choice for residential installations.

It is for this reason Smartpack is now offering Nevamar laminates as the standard range for benchtops with a tight 8mm radius top and bottom for a squarer look.

A note on scratches

Many marks often perceived as “scratches” are actually scuffs. Armored Protection laminates are highly resistant to scuff damage. A true scratch, however, involves actual removal of material from the laminate surface, and typically caused by a hard, sharp object, such as a knife or razor blade.

Armored Protection laminate is not more resistant to this type of abuse than conventional laminates. The effect would be the same on both types of laminates. (It is also important to note that on any laminate, medium to dark colours tend to highlight scratches more than lighter colours)

Environmentally friendly

Water saving

Non contact cooling water is used during the manufacturing process. Nevamar employs a closed loop system to recycle 60-95% of cooling water depending on ambient temperatures.

Sustainable Resources

All decorative papers used in the laminate production process contain a portion of recycled content.

Green Guard Certification

The Green Guard Environmental Institute is an independent non-for-profit organization that overseas the Green Guard certification program. Nevamar laminates have been scientifically tested to earn Green Guard Indoor Air Quality Certification for low emitting products.

Ecospecifier

This product has been independently assessed by Ecospecifier and included on their list of environmentally preferable materials and products. In addition, Ecospecifier has determined that this product may contribute to Green Star credit points. Visit www.ecospecifier.org for further information.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:14:07 -0800 BECOMING A KITCHEN DESIGNER AS EASY AS D.Y.O.S http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/becoming-a-kitchen-designer-as-easy-as-dyos-0 http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/becoming-a-kitchen-designer-as-easy-as-dyos-0

SmartPack Kitchens’ DYOS program gives renovators the ability to design, view in 3D and cost their kitchen or home office renovation. The results speak for themselves.

Dyos_created_picture

The "DYOS" design

Dyos_reality-kitchen-final2

...and the Reality 3 weeks later.

With SmartPack Kitchens’ new Design Your Own SmartPack (DYOS) software, renovators can point and click their way to kitchen and home office designs – seeing the results in 3D and getting an estimate of cabinetry costs – in their own home and without talking to a salesperson.

Downloadable free of charge from www.smartpackkit.com.au, the program guides customers through the design process: from entering their room’s dimensions, marking out windows and doors, adding to-scale cabinetry options and choosing colours and finishes. Customers can change their options with the click of the mouse – then view and print out their 3D design. Here is the direct link to the DYOS program .

DYOS automatically calculates the order requirements and cost (bar benchtops), so customers can easily consider the budget implications of different configurations. There’s also the option to buy $50 sample kit, which contains an extensive range of sample finishes for benches, doors and handles, plus a $100 SmartPack voucher which makes the end cost much less than zero.

Managing Director of SmartPack Kitchens, Mike Caminer says DYOS gives customers the best of both words: total control over the design with expert advice on-hand if required. A free video skype call can be made from the contact page and a designer can share the onscreen design with you while you chat.

“The system is almost foolproof, as most errors are obvious in 3D. But to be certain, SmartPack Kitchen’s qualified designers can check each DYOS design free of charge, picking up oversights that might only be evident to a trained eye,” Mike Caminer says.

Caminer adds that SmartPack can also design custom cabinetry, so that the finished kitchen fits the customers’ requirements exactly.

Australia’s premier quality flatpack system for kitchens, home offices and garage/workshops, SmartPack kitchens are constructed around a cam and dowel system that is easy-to-assemble and requires no sawing, drilling or screws.

Having backed more than 15,000 kitchen and other home renovation projects over the past 20 years, SmartPack Kitchens’ aim is providing the best value – rather than the cheapest price – in the market. The company’s components are manufactured in ISO 9001-accredited facilities and are guaranteed for seven years, while fittings – SmartPack uses leading European brands such as Hettich and Blum - carry the manufacturers’ lifetime warranties.

The result is that renovators get quality outcomes, a designer look – and now, complete design control - at $thousands less.

Kitchen_after_1

“There’s no longer the need to put up with heavy sales pressure – or worse, ‘cowboy’ kitchen companies that are here one day and gone the next. With DYOS you are in control at every step of the way, with the option of free, expert advice to make sure you get a great result at a value-for-money price,” says Caminer.

Developed in third-generation technologies at a cost of more than $500,000, the DYOS program works on both Windows-based and Macintosh computers although there are some anomolies on Mac. In addition to the kitchen and home office programs available now at www.smartpackkit.com.au.

Kitchen_after_4

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:42:00 -0700 SmartpackCreativ is now offered as a premium service custom made individually designed kitchen http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpackcreativ-is-now-offered-as-a-premium http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/smartpackcreativ-is-now-offered-as-a-premium

Smartpack_creativ_logo

SmartpackCreativ is a custom made and individually designed product with a very high quality standard using E1 board,hettich soft closing drawers and a in home design service at no extra cost. SmartpackCreativ is a fully assembled screwed together product which is delivered assembled and installed by one of our team of experienced tradespeople. We offer a full turnkey project management including plumbers,electricians,tilers and plaster board installation.

smartpack_creatic_inspiration_high_res.mp4 Watch on Posterous

There is no better value for money product on the market offering Australian made cabinets and German engineered hardware with a lifetime warranty than that made by our nesting based production line for customised cabinetry. We offer you a hassle free experience in any of your kitchen ,wardrobe or home office product.

Hettich_logo-1

SmartpackCreativ is a new product line for a 25 year old company dedicated to quality manufacturing in Australia.

SmartpackCreativ has partnered with Hettich for all the german engineered hardware and accessories and offers a lifetime warranty on the hinges and softclose drawer runners. Visit the website for SmartpackCreativ to get some inspirational ideas for our kitchens and accessories.

Arc appliances, Elica range hoods and Fagor European appliances are offered with our kitchens. There are a huge range of appliances from new-age range hoods to integrated dishwashers and ovens and coffee-machines. Click on the link on the SmartpacCreativ home page for Accessories ideas and Appliance recommendations.

Space2-small

Star_kitchen_image

Miniomgreen

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Call now or book an in home visit from one of our experienced designers.

Creativ_request_button

Click here to Call now or request a designer visit.

Button_call_consultant-1

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:56:00 -0700 Soft Closing Mechanisms for Cabinet Doors and drawers. http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/soft-closing-mechanisms-for-cabinet-doors-and http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/soft-closing-mechanisms-for-cabinet-doors-and

The latest technology from Blum and Hettich has been the introduction of soft closing doors and self closing drawers. Up to now the drawer runners have been made so that the last 50mm of a drawer is pulled in by its own weight. Either that or a smart push will cause the well recognised “bang” against the carcase which will eventually dislodge the drawer front or the hinge plate. Not to mention the rude shock when you are trying to be quiet or recovering from the night before. So the ingenious design of the shock absorber soft closer was introduced for doors. They can be fitted by either drilling a hole in the edge of the cabinet or the easier option is to buy the hinge clip holder. The shock absorber can be adjusted to suit the weight of the door. This means that the soft closers can be retro fitted on any door with Hettich or Blum hinges. Both these manufacturers have introduced their own soft closing mechanisms. A soft closer costs around $16 each.

Softclose-clipon-blum

Softclose-clipon-blum2

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One can also use these on the self closing drawers but the shock absorber tube needs to be drilled into the carcase edge for each drawer. This is a little more tricky than fitting the hinge attachment but not impossible with the correct drill bit and steady hand.

Soft-closer-with--plate-ho2

Softcloser-with-thin-holder

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The real bells and whistles mechanism which is a self closing and soft closing spring system is now incorporated into the Blum Tandembox drawer or the Innotech drawer by Hettich . It cannot be used for any other drawer system as it has incorporated it into the drawer side. A fantastic mechanism which costs about 2-3 times the normal Metabox or Multitech drawer range. A white drawer costs about $120 per Tandembox or Innotech drawer. So if you have 10 drawers in the kitchen that is going to add about $1200 to your average kitchen cost. These options are all available in the versatile Smartpack system from your distributor or you can order them on the online store at www.smartpackkit.com.au . Also available through our distributor Builders Bargain Centre www.bbcentre.com.au .Well done Blum and Hettich!!! SmartpackCreativ the new premium product from Smartpack has the softclose Innotech drawers as standard.

Innotech_white_with_topside

Tekform has brought out a mechanism that can be retro fitted to metabox or innotech or similar steel sided drawers. These also cost around $15 each and one needs to fit only one per drawer for drawer sizes less than 900mm which need two. All these products can be purchased on the smartpack online store.

Click here to get there.

Easy_on_softclose_drawer_mechanism

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:18:00 -0700 HI-MACS - Solid surface-step ahead of Stone http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/hi-macs-solid-surface-step-ahead-of-stone http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/hi-macs-solid-surface-step-ahead-of-stone

Kbq173_gunnersens_001

Splashback to 60mm edge on the benchtop seamlessly.

HI-MACS solid surface is developed by LG Hauys, is a world leader in manufacturing technology, made for seamless installation. HI-MACS is different from traditional decorative surfacing products, as it is non-porous and easy to clean, impact resistant and repairable.

This makes HI-MACS the perfect choice for:

• Kitchen benchtops and splashbacks

• Vanity tops

• Integrated sinks, baths and shower units

• Interior wall cladding

• Commercial food preparation areas

• Retail/ Reception counter tops

• Laboratory benchtops

Extend the life of your benchtop

Commercial developers, designers, builders and renovators alike are upgrading to HI-MACS. Unlike laminate and stone and granite the advanced acrylic resin technology used in the manufacturing process of HI-MACS allows for the product to be repaired if it is scratched or chipped.

Kbq173_gunnersens_005

Integrated sink and draining board incorporated seamlessly in the solid surface top

Design freedom

The unique seamless invisible joining system of HI-MACS gives you total design freedom. HI-MACS offer the beauty and elegance of stone surfaces without the disadvantages such as porosity or lack of flexibility.

HI-MACS can be cut into any shape and it can be manufactured to achieve the sharpest lines or the softest curves. It offers infinite possibilities with a wide variety of the edge treatments and inlays sink mounting options, invisible joins and coved splashbacks that eliminate water penetration.

Easy to clean

Unlike other surfaces HI-MACS does not absorb spillages or food odours that may occur during daily use, leaving surfaces hygienically clean for the life of the benchtop. It can be cleaned simply with warm water and a non-abrasive household cleaner. HI-MACS is so hygienic that it is officially certified as being suitable for contact with food.*

*HI-MACS is recognised by NSF International as complying with ANSI/NSF51 and is LGA 5631227 hygiene tested.

HI-MACS - a step ahead of Stone.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:00:00 -0700 Kickboards- building on a solid base http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/kickboards-building-on-a-solid-base http://blog.smartpackkit.com.au/kickboards-building-on-a-solid-base

The bases of cabinets are made in 3 ways:

1. Plinth attached to the cabinets.

2. Legs attached to the cabinet.

3. Inset kickboards with the cabinet sides going to the floor.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. Different installations can benefit fromfile:///tmp/Smartpack.jpg different bases. The basic principle is to have the doors raised from the floor to prevent damage from shoes, brooms and mops and to enable one to get closer to the cabinet and benchtop. The plinth is easily leveled in order to get the perfectly horizontal cabinet and benchtop regardless of the slope of the floor. The kickboard are also designed to prevent the water damage to the cabinets in the kitchen, laundry or bathroom.

Plinth - A plinth is made in the form of a box without the top and bottom normally with a height of 100-150mm. The plinth is wedged up to get the horizontal level and then a front fascia is placed onto the plinth to cover the gaps left by the wedges. The fascia is best scribed to the floor (the change in floor level traced onto the fascia and then cut to follow this line thus the fascia has a height varying to follow the floor level ). Plinths are subject to water damage the water can track from the floor saturating the plinth and then tracking into the cabinet above. This is obviously not the best solution for the kitchen, bathroom or laundry cabinets. It is cheap to make (using off cuts) and gives even support to the whole cabinet. The plinth gives very solid support for heavy cabinets in bedroom wardrobes and home office bookcases.

Adjustable Legs – Plastic legs made from hard PVC and easily fitted, easy to level by twisting the leg. The fascia is clipped to the legs (after scribing the fascia to the floor level difference). The legs must be positioned so that they support the cabinet sides. The weight is transferred through the sides to the legs which are very strong under compression. If it is not under the side then the weight of the cabinet is taken by the fixings of the bottom to the side panel which does not have the support strength. Water damage to the plinth fascia can be easily rectified by unclipping the fascia and replacing it without moving the cabinets. When supporting a heavy cabinet or stone top. Place a fascia at the back of the cabinets for extra support. Legs can be predrilled in the bottom to take the adjustable legs as with Smartpack cabinets or they can be screwed onto the base of the cabinets. View the video on kickboard and leg installation.

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Inset kickboards – For non moisture areas this is the easiest solution and very stable as the sides go to the floor. Wedges are used to level the cabinets and a front fascia can be attached to the recess cut into the cabinet sides. Single cabinets in the home office or bathroom vanities this construction is used for its ease of installation. The kick fascia is fixed between the sides. Isolated cabinets of 1m or less, leveling is less important as the total floor differential over 1m is relatively small. Where this method is used on a bathroom vanity it is advisable to embed the sides of the cabinet onto a silicone to reduce the risk of water damage to the cabinet sides

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/525509/n623737182_466.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5erKCVLRYAUN Michael Caminer mikesmartpack Michael Caminer