Wave Your Handles

Located in Boston’s South End neighborhood where space is a commodity, this project re-conceives multiple competing programs to elegantly co-exist in a single, open space.  The typical expression of foyer, bar, kitchen, and powder room recede into the background, unified by a singular, sculptural design. Working closely with Furniture Design Services, we prototyped CNC-routed, hand-finished door and cabinet pulls carved out of walnut planks. The wavy, continuous hand-rail flows from one end of the kitchen to the other, varying in height and profile based on optimal grasp-ability as it traverses from powder room, refrigerator, pantry, lower drawers, upper cabinets, sink and culminating with the dishwasher. Each ripple in the walnut surface has an ergonomic purpose, while still allowing the handles to remain integral to the minimally expressed cabinetry.