PRESS RELEASEBECKER-Antriebe GmbH

Traditional handicraft meets modern technologyMaster carpenter puts music perfectly in scene in cooperation with Becker-Antriebe

Sometimes it’s the small things that arouse the greatest excitement. And master carpenter Johann

Osterloh from Muhle & Osterloh GmbH in Hagstedt, Lower Saxony, certainly loves demonstrating

his creativity by putting unusual ideas into practice for his customers. And so it was that a young

family from the Oldenburg Münsterland was recently able to celebrate a unique construction that

provides wireless music enjoyment on the patio, as well as impressing with its technical

sophistication.

A patio becomes a stage

For three years the house owners had contemplated how they could make best use of the opening

leading into the garden, because the wind blew through the 1.30 metre wide and 2.80 metre high

gap in the wall and disturbed many a pleasant evening. But when Johann Osterloh was

commissioned to construct built-in cupboards for the pantry, the time had finally come to put an end

to this issue. The plan: The upper part was to be glazed and the lower part used as storage space.

During the course of the discussions, the idea arose of integrating a closed wall cabinet with a

special highlight: a stage on which a smart loudspeaker for streaming music could be moved in and

out of the cabinet when required. Just the right challenge for Johann Osterloh: He prepared a

freehand sketch of how such a solution could look and set to work on the implementation. He

quickly discovered, however, that the components he needed couldn’t be found in the classic

furniture sector. But the experienced designer knew how to overcome this issue: “If I meet a

problem, then I solve it. After all, we often take on projects that are anything but standard. I assess

what I need then set about finding it.”

Remote-controlled platform

He finally found what he was looking for at Becker-Antriebe – in the form of a flush-mounted radio

receiver and matching hand-held 1-channel transmitter. “I know Becker and their products from

earlier projects, and I know what they can do,” explains Osterloh. Becker had originally developed

its VarioControl VC420-II for simple control of various systems around the home – whether roller

shutters, Venetian blinds, lights or awnings. After all, the experts from Hesse are specialised in

intelligent house automation. But Johann Osterloh had other plans: He used the radio receiver to

control a small platform that he had integrated into the wall cabinet and fitted with a motor. When it

receives a signal, the platform rises and stylishly presents the music loudspeaker mounted on it –

ready to play. “And just as easily, a click on the hand-held transmitter or on the separately

connected wall switch and the platform is elegantly lowered again,” says Johann Osterloh,

explaining his impressive construction. The upper part of the platform is then flush with the shelf

surface of the wall cabinet. A window allows a clear view of the garden and lets in plenty of

daylight for a relaxing atmosphere.

Creative and skilful

But master carpenter Osterloh had also paid attention to a large number of other details that are not

so immediately recognisable – such as anti-pinch protection for the fingers and the weather

resistance of the material. The result impresses not only the proud owners, but also Manfred Tews,

responsible field service representative at Becker. “Our solutions also pursue the goal of making life

easier for our partners. And when they contribute to developing such a creative idea, then we’re all

the more pleased.” It will definitely not be the last unusual project that Johann Osterloh turns his

hand to. And certainly not the last that he will successfully complete together with Becker.

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BECKER-Antriebe GmbH

The globally operating company was founded in Sinn in Hesse in 1921. The company specialises

today in drives and control units for roller shutters, sun protection systems and doors. The family-

run company with various subsidiaries and numerous representatives is active internationally and

has more than 300 employees.

www.becker-antriebe.de

Press image 1:

© Muhle & Osterloh GmbH

Picture caption: At the beginning it was just a vision – that Johann Osterloh turned into reality with

great craftsmanship and technical know-how.

Press image 2:

© Muhle & Osterloh GmbH

Picture caption: With the VarioControl VC420-II from Becker, the master carpenter found a

sophisticated solution for easily and reliably controlling the loudspeaker platform.

Press image 3:

© BECKER-Antriebe GmbH

Picture caption: Not only good to look at! Johann Osterloh’s construction is a real eye-catcher that

impresses also when it comes to safety thanks to the anti-pinch protection for the fingers.

Press image 4:

© BECKER-Antriebe GmbH

Picture caption: Vision with style – the loudspeaker is mounted in a sophisticated frame that not

only moves up and down, but is also weatherproof.

Press image 5:

© BECKER-Antriebe GmbH

Picture caption: Aesthetic in every respect – the loudspeaker platform merges seamlessly into its

environment and presents an unpretentious but elegant highlight

Your contact:

BECKER-Antriebe GmbH

Karina Franz

Marketing

Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 3-4

35764 Sinn

T. +49 (0)2772 507-154

F. +49 (0)2722 507-215

marketing @becker-antriebe.com

www.becker-antriebe.de