Oblò is the latest creation of a company that for over a century has been producing fittings, hardware and accessories for boats and the marine sector in general.
The project grew out of collaboration with the architecture firm Zuccon International Project led by Martina and Bernardo Zuccon.
Materials and technology
Oblò’s design is the result of ongoing research and development that has enabled F.lli Razeto & Casareto to become an international supplier to top-tier boatbuilders and shipyards.
The first key feature is the material used: an aluminium alloy treated with ESI Antimicrobial System. This metal cluster complex continuously emits silver (Ag+) and other ions but contains no chemical substances.
The emission of ions, which does not require any power supply, has an antimicrobial action on objects and the surrounding environment, continually disinfecting treated surfaces in total safety.
Thanks to ESI, the handles cannot be contaminated by fungi, bacteria or viruses and act as a sanitizer for users’ hands when touched and for the surrounding environment.
Effectiveness against coronaviruses has been confirmed by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Virology Laboratory and by the Universities of Genoa and Siena, as well is being certified by RINA in accordance with its Biosafe Ship additional class notation referring to surfaces with a high rate of use.
Other features of Oblò
Oblò’s other key feature is derived from the OSSH series handles recently launched by F.lli Razeto & Casareto for marine applications.
Oblò handles are luminous (using LEDs) and equipped with OSSH Network technology, an integrated smart access system that connects all the handles to any automation system installed on the yacht.
They use light and colours to provide information about onboard hospitality and management services and also perform OSSH system safety functions in the event of a power failure or any other onboard alarm conditions.
“We put a huge amount of work into hiding the things that aren’t meant to be seen, because the project set various constraints that I had to try to conceal so the object looks absolutely traditional.”
Handle shapes and dimensions were optimized for use in an unsteady environment like a boat, while the overall design had to deliver the flexibility needed to adapt to various different market requirements, including a high degree of customization.
“Even so,” adds Bernardo Zuccon, “glass was inevitably the preferred choice of material for effectively evoking the image of a porthole”.
