Oblò : the new design handle that enhances simplicity

From the classic shapes of old portholes comes the inspiration for F.lli Razeto & Casareto‘s new refined design by Zuccon International Project presented on the second day of the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show. A handle, which although apparently ‘simple’, actually conceals unusual elements that make it an extraordinary design object.

Beauty is beautiful because it is functional, and it is precisely according to this vision that siblings Martina and Bernardo Zuccon have imagined the new Oblò handle, following 7 key features: ergonomics, function, style, technology, flexibility, tailor-made approach and, perhaps most importantly, illusion.

“Handle shapes and dimensions were optimized for use in an unsteady environment like a boat, while the overall design had to deliver the flexibility needed to adapt to various different market requirements, including a high degree of customization – stated Bernardo Zuccon, owner of the Zuccon International Project studio – Glass was inevitably the preferred choice of material for effectively evoking the image of a porthole”.

It is precisely from the deception of sight that the essence of Oblò is born: “We put a huge amount of work into hiding the things that aren’t meant to be seen, because the project set various constraints that I had to try to conceal so the object looks absolutely traditional.” said Bernardo, owner of the Italian studio. “I became fascinated by the image of the porthole, something that has always characterised the history of ships. The porthole is the archetype that defines the relationship between man and the sea, the escape route that allows you to see, dream and fantasise: starting from this concept, my aim was to adapt the typical shape of the porthole by translating it into the image of a handle.”

The result is a new object of pure design, functionality and quality, which continues the path of F.lli Razeto & Casareto, expert manufacturers of brassware, hardware, accessories and marine accessories for over 100 years.

The first key feature is the material used: an aluminium alloy treated with ESI Antimicrobial System. This innovative metal cluster complex continuously emits silver (Ag+) and other ions but contains no chemical substances. Thanks to this technology, which does not require any power supply, the handles cannot be contaminated by fungi, bacteria or viruses and Coronavirus, as confirmed by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Virology Laboratory and by the Universities of Genoa and Siena, as well is being certified by RINA in accordance with its Biosafe Ship additional class notation referring to surfaces with a high rate of use.

This technology guarantees a safe and sanitized surface and acts as a sanitizer for users’ hands when touched and for the surrounding environment.

Moreover, Oblò handles are luminous (using LEDs) and equipped with OSSH Network technology, an integrated smart access system that connects all the handles to any automation system installed on the yacht. They use light and colours to provide information about onboard hospitality and management services and also perform OSSH system safety functions in the event of a power failure or any other onboard alarm conditions.

The handle’s clean, linear design conceals a very complex technology within itself, recalling the theme of illusion. Studio Zuccon International Project has succeeded in combining both the light, hidden underneath, and the panel of Esi 1 and Esi 2 material, respectively in front of and behind the handle itself, into an object of extraordinary beauty and elegance, playing with a balance of see-through and invisible that make Oblò a decidedly unique object.

“Collaborating with Bernardo and Martina Zuccon was a source of pride and satisfaction for us,” commented Giangi Razeto, Head of Research and Development at F.lli Razeto e Casareto, “because they were able to capture the essence of our company by drawing on our origins, given that in the past we had supplied portholes to the most stunning Atlantic liners, such as the Raffaello, giving an elegant, timeless look to an object that expresses the utmost in technology when it comes to handles.

The collaboration between the Roman architectural studio (one of the most important in the world for the history of boating and which has designed some of the most beautiful boats that sail the seas of the world) and a company that has made quality, innovation and refinement its key principles for developing its accessories for a hundred years, has given rise to an incredible result, an elegant, functional and illusory handle that frees you from all thoughts… just like a Porthole.