The Unique Bronze Door Handles of Meander: Crafted by Ray Karppinen and Steven Holl

The elegant bronze door handles on Meander’s exterior doors are more than just functional objects; they are a testament to meticulous design and craftsmanship. Designed by architect Steven Holl and hand-cast in bronze, these unique handles greet everyone who enters Meander. The machining and polishing work was carried out by Ray Karppinen of Mome Oy, whose craftsmanship can also be seen in projects such as the Parliament Annex, Jätkäsaari’s Wood City, and Alvar Aalto’s Otaniemi Campus and Katajanokka Sugar Cube. 

 

Merging Art and Functionality in Handle Design 

Meander’s handles are a harmonious blend of artistic value and clear functionality. 

“The design of the cast pieces is exquisite. This wasn’t a symmetrical handle where the inside and outside parts are identical. The push plate on the interior side of the door gives a clear cue about the direction the door opens—it wouldn’t even require a ‘Push’ label because the design language is so intuitive. On the exterior, the handle reflects the building’s profile when viewed from above,” explains Karppinen. 

The production of the bronze handles involved multiple contributors: Leo Pölönen from Helsingin Mallimestarit crafted the casting model, Arvo Huisko from Erikoisvalu Halmela completed the raw casting work for the handle and push plate combination, and Ray Karppinen and Bernt Ingelin of Mome Oy refined the raw bronze pieces through machining, grinding, brushing, and turning them into installation-ready handles.

 

Precise design where beauty is found in imperfection

While precision was paramount in the production process, the final result intentionally retained a slightly rough-hewn finish. The concept of a raw, textured look was proposed by local architectural firm ARK-house Architects. 

“The goal was to create door handles with a subtle roughness and character. The design is impossible to overlook, and the handles are made from high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. Moreover, they feel incredibly satisfying in the hand,” Karppinen remarks.

 

 

Steven Holl’s Vision 

Steven Holl’s architectural approach, which merges modernist and functional elements, is evident in the design of Meander’s door handles that echo the building’s form. 

“Steven Holl’s buildings are landmarks, breaking away from traditional conventions. For Meander, this boldness extends even to the smallest details, such as the door handles,” Karppinen explains.

He also appreciates the handcrafted touch in Holl’s designs: “Alongside the digital drawings, I received a beautiful, hand-drawn sketch finished with watercolor. It was the most aesthetically pleasing project brief I’ve encountered in my career.” 

 

ABOUT MOME OY 

Based in Porvoo, Mome Oy specializes in crafting door hardware for public spaces. The company primarily works with brass and bronze. In addition to its standard collection, Mome produces custom-designed hardware for architects and industrial designers. The workshop has also created bespoke railings, fences, ballroom lighting fixtures, and metal frames for Aalto-designed room dividers, all crafted in brass. 

Founded in Helsinki in 1957, the workshop relocated to Porvoo and has been led and owned by Ray Karppinen since 2000.
https://www.mome.fi/