Cape Grace – Front Entrance Handles

The Brief

DHK Architects approached Blue 7 with a concept based on a London hotel’s front entrance handles, originally made from brass. Through various discussions we agreed the handle should be tapered on both ends — and Blue 7 proposed giving it an African twist by placing a King Protea on either end.

This proved to be quite a challenge, taking the design from nature all the way through CAD modelling, full-scale 3D printing, and ultimately to a solid brass casting.

Inspiration

The journey began by studying the King Protea — South Africa’s national flower. Its layered, architectural bracts and bold egg-shaped form made it the perfect motif for a statement entrance handle.

Indigenous King Protea bouquet — initial reference study

Close-up of the Protea’s layered bracts — the defining characteristic

Design Development

From the flower, the design was translated into 3D CAD. Each bract layer was individually modelled and arranged around an egg-shaped body, with the handle tapering at both ends — a process that went through numerous iterations before the scale and spacing felt right.

Early 3D model — side profile with working sketches

Elevation view — defining the taper geometry

Perspective render — bract pattern taking shape

Interior view — individual bract panels modelled for casting

Final CAD model — approved for prototyping

Full-Scale Prototype

Before committing to casting, the final design was 3D printed in plastic at full scale. This allowed the team and DHK Architects to evaluate proportion, grip, and the tactile quality of the bract detail in hand before any metal was poured.

Full-scale 3D printed prototype — approved for casting

Cast in Solid Brass

With the prototype approved, the handles were cast in solid brass. The result — a King Protea reimagined as an architectural fitting, uniquely South African, built to greet guests at one of Cape Town’s most prestigious hotels for generations.

Finished solid brass castings — ready for installation at the Cape Grace Hotel