such as the legs, back support, seat, arm support and with a greater surface
than a handle. This means that more variables can be modified and combined
to give rise to a new product. A handle on the other hand, is distributed in a
much smaller space, which means having to pay attention to each millimeter,
because each millimeter matters even more – which isn’t easy. A handle must
indeed be treated like a jewel.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
Is your first sketch/prototype close to the end result?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
Not really. At the beginning, the lever handle was shorter and thicker, and the
grip had more depth. We learnt the importance of taking special care of the
transition from the sketches, to the computerised design, to the 3D printed
prototype to the final result. The key element is being conscious about the material,
which is brass and is shiny, and results in a completely different appearance.
The wooden prototype and the 3D model compared to this polished brass or
satin brass model, don’t have anything to do with each other. It’s like a completely
different lever handle due to metal’s properties and presence. When designing
a lever handle, getting the right proportions is harder than expected. Groël
masters the proportions of the handle design, the transition between materials,
and the market much better than us. This is why they helped us out through
the design process, to pull off the design in the best possible way. The aim of
collaborations at the end is just having designers sharing their experience and
ideas to create the best possible product.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
How would you describe the end product?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
Super well-done! A very high-quality material and finish. Absolutely surprising.
This lever handle combines both modern and classic style. From the front, it
has a flat surface with a more classic appearance. However, the back side is fully
ergonomic, giving a modern touch to this model. This has been a whole new
experience for me and the rest of the team because we have never done anything
similar to this. We were all excited to see the end result and now we are all just
in love with it.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
What, in your opinion, is the lever handle’s best finish?
and what interior would it fit into?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
In all interiors, modern or classic based on the selected finish. For the finishes,
I’d personally say I prefer matt over shine - which is probably more classic.
However, I think both would fit pretty well, it would only depend on the type
of environment you’re trying to create.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
Commercially, what are your expectations?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
I will retire with this model. Absolutely.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
Does this lever handle fit within Lagranja’s projects/style
or is it very diverse?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
It’s difficult for us to describe ourselves. We are a big group but we work very well
because we have been together for a long time now, so we end up working the
same way. Nonetheless, every project is different and we also try to do every project
differently from the previous. We try not to repeat ourselves but at the end, all our
projects have Lagranja’s essence of design, and we are proud of that.
GROËL'S MAGAZINE
Do you have a name in mind for this model?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
Honestly, my partner Gabrielle is more clever than me in this aspect. To be
honest I don’t really know. María has probably got something to say.
MARÍA RUIZ (HEAD OF PRODUCT DESIGN & ART DIRECTOR)
What do you think about Bimba?
GERARD SANMARTÍ
Bimba? Perfect. Fantástico.
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