Aimed at the design-driven home, Trufig custom installation kits provide consistent colour, texture and industrial design to common wall fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets and AV wall plates.

Launched at the 2009 CEDIA US Electronic Lifestyles Expo, Trufig produces seamless installation into a wall or ceiling in order to create a uniform look and feel to a home. It is the result of over 25 years of design innovations, and was originally inspired by Sonance’s innovative flangeless in-wall speaker design.

“Trufig addresses key concerns in design that no product, person or company has previously addressed,” general manager Rob Roland says.

“Most devices, such as receptacles, data jacks, keypads and touch screens are incorporated after the design phase of a project. Though devices like sockets and light switches are necessary for functional reasons, or to meet construction codes, they often compromise the original design version.”

Rob says Trufig doesn’t force architects to compromise their design, as it provides the aesthetic treatment to other manufacturer’s technology.

“Architects are continually faced with managing these constraints on their projects and often settle for the compromise that these devices inherently bring to the project,” he says.

Trufig can also present new opportunities for integrators, particularly as installation is simple and straightforward.

Each Trufig custom installation kit includes a mounting platform, trim components and fascia. The mounting platform is an engineered piece of composite gypsum board (13mm or 16mm thick) with dimensions of 29cm x 52cm and an integral electrical box (8.3cm deep) that can be various heights and widths depending on the core device.

Three standard colours are available and custom colour matching instructions are provided for on-site modifications.

“The mounting platform is installed on the wall or ceiling just like the gypsum board would be installed in a new construction or renovation project. It is then taped and finished as would typically be done,” Rob says.

“The trim components are then installed which justify the device, or socket, data jack and keypad. Finally the fascia is attached to the trim components through magnets to complete the installation.”

As Trufig is able to integrate technology into architecture, it creates an opportunity to establish the integrator as an important and integral member of the design team.

“For the first time I believe that the integrator finally has the right tools to approach the architect and designer with something that is relevant to the audience,” Rob says.

“For years integrators have been striving to reposition themselves from the status of ‘sub-contractor’ on a project to the status of ‘design team member’. Trufig is the concept that will solidify this position.

“In fact, we believe this concept and opportunity is big enough that new companies will be created to service this need in the market. This has already proved to be true with new companies established to only sell Trufig in various markets.”

Although Trufig isn’t currently available in Australia or South East Asia, Rob says the company is evaluating all business opportunities to determine their future growth plans.

“We work with several architects and designers around the world who are specifying projects in those markets and we need to develop a solution to support these customers.”