escargot by richard palmer from canada

“escargot”
door lever handle project design in cast phosphor bronze

originally, the prototypes for these handles were produced in hot forged steel. forging dies were made to flatten and taper the 20mm stock and to slightly curve the forms. additional jigs were used to create the tight coil. the forms were generated from this initial forging process.

the basic principles within lever handle design require creating a form with clearance for the hand parallel to the door face and a change in direction in the form returning to the door perpendicularly. in my design, by forming the coil, this transition is created.

the lever type door handle has an ergonomic advantage over the door knob and is more appropriate with current design. lever handles require a right and left hand function.

most importantly, this design comfortably fits the grasp of the hand with a slight camber against the palm and fingers as the thumb naturally fits into the coil. all edges are chamfered and smooth. we don't realize how frequently within a day we enter or exit through a door. often we take for granted passage into a space. using this door handle initiates a subliminally pleasurable, tactile and visual experience. i even enjoy the sound of a well fitted door and the latch engaging.

designing a functional object requires addressing other issues besides aesthetics. this is particularly true when considering the mechanics and utilitarian aspects of the door handle. the lever is actually only a small part of the whole system.

door handles must function well, continuously, and with little maintenance.
the “escargot” design is versatile. a client may require:
main entry doors that lock.
doors with interior privacy latch.
doors simply for passage.
with double or French doors, the lever on one side is nonfunctional and is simply used as a pull.
exterior and interior doors are often the same style. continuity of design from room to room may be desired. i have adapted the escutcheon plates used with the levers to accommodate all of these scenarios.

in my design, the escutcheon plates on the exterior side of doors have 4 internal threaded lugs in the bronze casting. this eliminates access to the fasteners on the exterior side and provides better security against break and entry.

on privacy doors, a slotted boss on the exterior side can be turned with a coin or screwdriver, etc. providing egress in the case of emergency, i.e. some one falls or faints in the bath or a child is locked inside. this feature is often required by building codes and insurance policies.

this designboom competition is to design a lever handle for interior doors in homes and public buildings. on a plain passage door, a small circular rosette type escutcheon with the raised flange ring as shown in my photo files could be used with the “escargot” lever.

my design adheres to sizes and standards needed to be compatible with quality precision commercial parts and hardware, for easy installation. split square spindle stock with set screws on doors of varying thickness and european profile cylinders for key lock systems are also part of the design.

the handles have been cast in phosphor bronze using a lost wax with ceramic shell foundry method. bronze has a warm feel about it. bronze can be finished in a myriad of patinas and colors from black, green and reds to traditional antique finishes, high polish, or nickel and gold plating. the design works well in residential and public settings and with heritage and contemporary architecture.

the expertise of columbo design engineers would best determine how to mass produce the handles.

in the end, a seemingly simple object like a door handle must function imperceptibly and enhance the beauty and design of the door and the space we enter into.