Designers prefer to think about a whole composition than a single piece, yet the way home hardware works does not always lend itself to this approach. Take the classic dichotomy of door+handle, for example – no matter how classic or modern, these are generally considered separate objects.



Albed has taken a slightly different approach, dispensing with knobs altogether and building the opening-and-closing functionality straight into the cores of doors themselves. Now if only they could do something about those hinges, too (so cleverly concealed but no doubt still there when the doors are opened). Handle-free doors might sound strange, but they operate in a cool way.


From recessed pull handles (and push buttons) to curved built-in handles that seem to fold out of the surface, these designers have developed a line of (both real working and concept models) that illustrate various other ways to reconsider the age-old relationship of major opening and minor fixture. Fad, trend or timeless design? Hard to say – we will see how people feel about getting so closely in touch with their everyday door.


“Venturing beyond the limits of imagination: RING is INNOVATION capable of surprising us once again; the handle is a circular hole hiding a SOPHISTICATED opening technology.”






“Habits are hard to lose, but when faced with the ELEGANCE of the BLOW door, one is faced with the essence of simplicity. The vertical grip of the handle becomes a natural operation. The door panel is no longer fl at, its form shapes into a wave and the handle is its inside groove.”


“Albed was founded in 1964 with the idea of making high-quality design aluminium complements. It has developed its style and its own production skills, while maintaining its original goals. Our products are made entirely in italy, with raw materials that comply with all environment and safety criteria.”

“A wide ranging production of doors, room dividing systems and walk-in wardrobes. These solutions can adapt to any space, to furnish rooms while creatively optimising every area of the home and office in a refined, thoughtful and innovative manner. Technology, know-how and our production cycle that is entirely an internal process, allows us to make products and offer a “tailor-made” service for every furnishing need.”