Creative storage since 1965

It is not surprising that USM (Ulrich Schärer Möbelbau) has gained a reputation for high quality, flexible and durable storage furniture, as the technical know-how of steel has been refined since the 19th century. However, the core of the range - the USM Haller modular system - is perceived as very modern and timeless.

Created by architect Fritz Haller in the 1960s, the innovative furniture range consists of a series of colorful and elegant steel units that can be combined to create everything from bookshelves and storage solutions to workstations and sideboards.

In the hands of Pharell Williams and Nigo

When fashion brand Billionaire Boys Club, founded by Pharrell Williams and Nigo, launched a pop-up store in Galeries Lafayette in Paris, the store was fitted with USM Haller.

The clean lines of the storage system gave the store environment a modern aesthetic and an inviting atmosphere. The chrome of the furniture reflected the lighting and the shelf-free structure gave a clear view of the floor, which was photo-printed with a lunar landscape.

Tailor-made listening room

Devon Turnbull, the audiophile known as OJAS, has also been fascinated by the possibilities of USM Haller and has created an installation in USM's flagship store in Soho, New York. There, invited visitors can "experience a calming environment where they can contemplate music, free from distracting outside noise".

The installation combines a custom-made OJAS speaker system in brutalist gray and black with USM's furniture. A masterful match.

A dream storage solution

When it comes to storage solutions, whether stationary (at home or in the office) or portable (while traveling), USM and Rimowa are well-known reference brands. Both have significant lines and characteristic details that form the core of each brand's DNA: Rimowa with its ribbed aluminum suitcases and USM with its patented modular furniture system.

This unique prototype dreamed up by USM and Rimowa seems almost self-evident. The perfectly proportioned USM unit, slightly reminiscent of a suitcase, is completely covered with Rimowa's characteristic ribbed aluminum panels to create an ideal synthesis between the two worlds. Unfortunately, it is not commercially available, but is a fun example of the possibilities of the USM Haller.

Superior panache

Perhaps the most credible collaboration so far was the streetwear brand Supreme, which placed its iconic logo printed directly over the lower panels of the popular USM Haller Credenza furniture. A surefire success.

In harmony with architecture

The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, initiated by LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, is a contemporary art space designed by architect Frank Gehry. When the building was completed in 2014, USM furniture was used throughout. In addition to the quality and image requirements, it was important that the furniture offer optimal functionality in harmony with the building's distinctive shape and dimensions.

The project was characterized by clarity and a strong sense of quality. The sophisticated aesthetics of USM furniture perfectly met these requirements and set the tone for each area, whether it was the reception, meeting rooms or individual workspaces.

A family business is born

The history of USM, a family business founded in 1885 by Ulrich Schaerer in Münsingen, Switzerland, spans several generations. In the first decades of the 20th century, the company specialized in window fittings and precision-machined sheet steel.

It was in the 1960s that the modular system we know today, USM Haller, was created when the third generation of Schaerer joined the company and hired architect Fritz Haller to create a flexible factory and office pavilion. The result was a modular steel construction system, which was not only used for the buildings but also inspired the development of the USM Haller furniture system in 1963, which was then patented in 1965.

From Münsingen to New York

The unique furniture system, with its adaptable steel modules and innovative ball joint, attracted attention for its versatility and style. Although initially intended for the company's own offices, its popularity led to commercial production and sales from 1969.

In the late 1900s and early 2000s, the company launched new products and opened showrooms all over the world. During this time, USM Haller became an icon of modern design and was added to the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA) collection in New York in 2001.

A prominent feature of the USM Haller system is its flexibility. The modules can be easily adapted and reconfigured to meet specific needs and uses. Moreover, the furniture is made with high-quality materials and has a durable construction, making it not only stylish but also long-lasting.

USM strives to offer furniture that fits into different environments and lifestyles. Their design philosophy is based on simplicity, functionality and timeless aesthetics. In addition to the USM Haller system, their range also includes other furniture collections and accessories that complement and expand the possibilities for creating personal and well-organized spaces. USM products thus combine form and function in a way that appeals to both architects and design enthusiasts worldwide.

In the Nordiska Galleriet showrooms in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö you can see our wide range of USM Haller, which are also available online. Our experts are ready to assist you in creating a customized solution that fits your needs.