This Chelsea handle, from Olivari, is unique in design and collaboration. It was designed by renowned French Architect, Jean Nouvel, while he was working on the 100 11th Avenue residential tower in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York, a 23-storey building he describes as “a vision machine”, that captures reflections from the nearby Hudson River.

For the handles, Nouvel worked with Italian manufacturer, Olivari, to create a specific look. He wanted a shape that was different from the tubular geometry conventionally used for the lever handle. Nouvel specified that he wanted them to be stimulated by a soft, sensual shape that was pleasant to the touch, and a material that was warm, almost buttery. And the Olivari Chelsea was brought to life, modelled after the print of a hand gripping it, and made in soft, black rubber.

The Olivari Chelsea handle is available exclusively from Handles Inc – priced from R6999.