자하하디드 디자인의 NEXXA 도어 핸들 디자인

NEXXA door handle

ZHD x izé

Zaha Hadid Design (ZHD), in partnership with the architectural iron-mongery specialist izé, have released NEXXA, a unique door handle concept characterised by a seamless gesture through space.

The initial concept for the lever handle began as an exploration into its function. By considering the handle’s intended use, as a means of transitioning from one space to the next, it provided an opportunity to emphasise a sense of discovery, by prolonging the action of the handle rotation.

When developing the design there emerged a particular focus on presence, and the impact on the user, and their environment.

By purposefully experimenting with the proportions, a playful balance was achieved between form and scale. The articulation of the lever, as an angled projection, provided an opportunity to add a sculptural refinement; extending the visual interest beyond the functional.

This collaboration is distinguished by the innovative design of a new rotational mechanism. When considering how to deviate from the traditional assembly of parts that form the mechanism of the lever, it became clear that merging the components would allow for a re-imagining of the object as an integrated whole. The junctions are carved into a ball-and-socket detail, which is revealed within a smooth cavity when the handle is rotated. The unification of these parts, were crucial to minimising friction, and for the action of the rotation to embody a seamless movement in space.

The detail with which these surfaces are rendered, in addition to the innovative mechanism, provide an expressive, elegant, and sculptural quality to the design.

Woody Yao, co-Director of Zaha Hadid Design explained, ‘Our initial concept for the lever handle was focused on how we could design a handle that had continuity as if to suggest a single continuous line which isn’t broken even if the handle is being turned. We did a lot of research in how to make use of the break between the two elements as part of the story.’

When discussing the advancements in design software and prototyping tools, Maha Kutay, co-director of Zaha Hadid Design explained ‘3D printers allowed us to experiment with form and made it easier and quicker for us to refine the design, to make it more ergonomic. We were working with izé’s sculptor and model maker throughout the process and this back and forth was incredibly productive.’

Bernadett Kaszás, sales director of izé commented, ‘It has been a fascinating process, working with Zaha Hadid Design, to develop a handle that embodies a new idea, in a way that is practical to use and a joy to look at and touch.’

The NEXXA is available in variants of four distinct finishes and colour ways, of which the Satin Rose-Gold is unique to ZHD within the izé portfolio.

Guided by the fundamental principles of innovation in the work of Zaha Hadid we continue to imagine beyond what exists to offer a unique perspective on the future of design.

DIMENSIONS: L 21.5 X H 6.5 X D 8.0 cm

MATERIAL: Brass

FINISHES:

1. Satin-Matt Black

2. Polished Black Chrome

3. Matt Powder-Coated White

4. Polished Nickel-Plated

5. Satin Nickel-Plated

6. Satin Rose Gold

Credits

Design: Zaha Hadid Design

Project Directors: Woody Yao, Maha Kutay

Design Team: Johanna Huang, Michele Pasca di Magliano, Muhammed Shameel

Copyright © Zaha Hadid Architects.