Cuboro AG's Wave Marble Run presents a study in material honesty and geometric precision, where pale beechwood blocks arranged within pristine white packaging establish a visual dialogue between organ

Natural beechwood blocks interlocking through precise mortise-and-tenon joinery establish a modular sculptural construction whose warm honey tones and fine-grained surface reveal the intrinsic beauty

A vibrant turquoise rectangular package occupies the centered foreground space, its saturated cyan surface establishing immediate chromatic dominance through high-chroma color that commands visual att

Precision-milled blocks of pale hardwood timber, distinguished by their smooth surfaces displaying fine linear grain patterns characteristic of beech or maple, arrange themselves in a rectilinear conf

Pale beech wood surfaces present themselves as the primary material foundation for this modular construction toy system, their natural grain patterns rendered clearly visible through what appears to b

Gold Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design · 2026

Cuboro Wave Marble Run

by Sebastian Etter

A' Design Award 2026 Gold Winner in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design
Awarded April 15, 2026
CLIENT: Cuboro AG
Estimated Number of Design Views: 73,485
Verification code 7EFDEC2314 · Verify this award

Visit Site View at A' Design Award

Get a Badge

About Cuboro Wave Marble Run

Cuboro Wave expands the modular marble run system with wave-shaped elements that set marbles into rhythmic up and down motion. The reduced geometric design combines aesthetics with function, offering intuitive play for children and adults alike. Sustainably produced from Swiss Wood certified beech, the durable elements fit seamlessly with existing Cuboro sets. Wave introduces a new dimension of play that stimulates creativity, concentration and spatial imagination while ensuring lasting educational and emotional value.

Within the distinguished lineage of educational construction toys that trace their philosophical origins to Friedrich Froebel's nineteenth-century kindergarten gifts and find contemporary expression in objects designed for developmental enrichment, Cuboro AG's Wave Marble Run emerges as a refined meditation on material integrity, modular possibility, and the cognitive pleasures of spatial reasoning. The work presents itself through an elegant dual presentation: the sealed retail package stands as promise and invitation, its turquoise face featuring a photograph of an assembled marble course that demonstrates the creative potential within, while the open tray before it offers direct encounter with the beechwood components themselves. Each block has been precision-milled from sustainably sourced timber, revealing channels, curves, tunnels, and grooves that invite combination into countless configurations. The design philosophy evident here suggests a commitment to what might be termed honest materiality: natural wood left to speak through its grain rather than concealed beneath paint or decoration, geometric forms derived from functional requirements rather than arbitrary ornament. This approach positions the work within a broader tradition of objects that trust the intelligence of their users, providing components rather than predetermined outcomes. The interplay between the cool aquamarine packaging and the warm timber tones creates a chromatic dialogue that distinguishes commercial presentation from play substance while maintaining visual harmony. The single polished marble visible among the blocks introduces both scale reference and kinetic promise, the whole system existing in service of that small sphere's gravitational journey. Viewers might consider how such objects bridge the realms of toy and tool, entertainment and education, inviting contemplation of the enduring value placed upon hands-on spatial exploration in an increasingly screen-mediated world.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: Cuboro Wave is the Extra Set for dynamic, flowing runs. Specially crafted wave elements guide marbles in smooth up and down motions before they roll onto the next level. The clear design unites aesthetics and function, fitting seamlessly into the modular Cuboro system. Sustainably produced in Switzerland from Swiss Wood certified beech, Wave enriches the Starter Sets with new dynamics, unique effects, and enduring play value.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 230 x 230 x 57 mm, Weight: 1.55 kg. The set contains 22 elements, crafted from Swiss Wood certified beech. All Cuboro elements are produced in Switzerland, including the packaging. The hand-folded box is highly robust and provides safe, dry storage, protecting the elements from moisture.
Tags: Marble run, Wooden toy, Swiss design, Creative play, Educational toy, Minimalist design, Precision craftsmanship, Modular construction, Sustainable Swiss wood, Timeless toy
Production Technology: Cuboro Wave is crafted from untreated, Swiss Wood certified beech, air-dried and precision-milled to ensure perfect fit and smooth play. Produced entirely in Switzerland under the highest safety and quality standards, the robust elements embody durability, sustainability, and timeless design. Part of the Cuboro system since 1986, Wave continues the tradition of combining natural materials with precision engineering.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge in developing Cuboro Wave was to transform the natural motion of water into precise wooden elements that function reliably within the modular system. Designing curves that both guide marbles smoothly and fit seamlessly with existing cubes required extensive prototyping. Limited by wood properties and production tolerances, the team overcame obstacles through iterative testing and close collaboration with skilled joiners.
Project Duration: The project started in April 2024 in Bern, Switzerland, and was completed in June 2025 with the official launch of Cuboro Wave. It was publicly presented in July 2025 at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, within the Swiss Pavilion.
Operation Flow: Cuboro Wave is an add-on set that lets marbles glide up and down in smooth wave motions before continuing onto the next level. Players combine the wave elements with existing Cuboro cubes to create endless new tracks. The flowing movement adds surprise and excitement, inviting children and adults alike to experiment, adjust, and discover new possibilities in every run.
Research: Research Type: Applied design research. Objective: Expand Cuboro with dynamic, visually engaging elements. Methodology: Iterative design, prototyping, testing. Tools: Sketches, CAD models, 3D prototypes. Participants: Designer, joinery partners, children as test players. Results: Wave-shaped track elements. Insights: New dimension of play, stronger brand identity. Impact: Enhances education, creativity, and market visibility.
Inspiration: The inspiration for Cuboro Wave originated while sailing across gentle waves, where the smooth and rhythmic motion suggested the idea of translating this natural flow into a marble run system. The objective was to embody this dynamic energy within the Cuboro system, uniting Swiss precision with the rhythm of nature while at the same time introducing a new dimension of play that encourages users to discover novel movement patterns, explore creative strategies, and experience the element of surprise.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave open packaging with contents, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave marble run, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave closed packaging design, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave track from above, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave play situation with two children, 2025.
Video Credits: Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave product video, 2025.
Patents: Design Patent Pending. Cuboro AG, 2025.
Copyrights belong to Cuboro AG, 2025.
Trademark (1986) Cuboro AG.

Colors of Cuboro Wave Marble Run

Grand Interview about Cuboro Wave Marble Run

The idea for Cuboro Wave emerged during a sailing trip. While feeling the calm, rhythmic movement of the boat on the water, I began to imagine a marble moving in a similar way. Until then, marbles in the CUBORO system mainly travelled in straight lines, curves and tunnels. Suddenly, I saw a new possibility: what if a marble could gently rise and fall, creating a flowing movement similar to waves on the water?At that moment, I did not yet know what the final elements would look like. The challenge was to translate a natural and organic movement into the precise geometry of the CUBORO system. Every element in CUBORO must fit within a strict modular grid and remain fully compatible with all existing sets.The development therefore became a process of experimentation. Together with our team and our long-standing production partner Nyfeler Holzwaren in Switzerland, we created and tested numerous prototypes. We refined the curves, transitions and inclinations until the marble moved smoothly and reliably while remaining true to the principles of the CUBORO system.What fascinates me most is that the final result still reflects the original inspiration. The movement feels natural and flowing, yet it is achieved through carefully engineered wooden elements that integrate seamlessly into a system that has been evolving since 1986.

One of the strengths of the CUBORO system has always been that it invites people to learn through exploration. Children and adults build, observe, adapt and try again. The experience is physical, hands-on and open-ended.With WAVE, we introduced a new type of movement that adds another layer to this experience. The marble no longer travels only through straight lines, curves and tunnels. Instead, it moves in a gentle up-and-down rhythm, creating moments of surprise and anticipation. Players can observe how small changes in the construction influence the movement and then experiment with new solutions.In a time when many activities take place on screens, I believe there is great value in tangible experiences that engage both the hands and the mind. Building with CUBORO encourages concentration, spatial reasoning and creative thinking because there is rarely just one correct solution. Every construction can be improved, modified or approached from a different perspective.What I particularly like about WAVE is that it combines technical curiosity with an emotional experience. The flowing movement of the marble is fascinating to watch and often inspires players to continue experimenting. In that sense, WAVE does not replace the existing CUBORO system but enriches it with a new form of movement that encourages even more exploration and creativity.

For us, using Swiss Wood certified beechwood is not a marketing decision. It is part of the identity of CUBORO. Since the beginning, we have worked with high-quality Swiss wood and regional production partners because we value durability, craftsmanship and short supply chains.With WAVE, this commitment presented an interesting challenge. The new elements introduced smooth curves and wave-shaped surfaces that had never existed within the CUBORO system before. The movement needed to feel flowing and natural, while still meeting the precision requirements of a modular marble run system where every element must fit perfectly within a defined grid.Together with our long-standing production partner Nyfeler Holzwaren in Switzerland, we developed and tested numerous prototypes. Small changes in the shape, inclination and transitions between the curves could significantly influence how the marble moved. Our goal was to achieve a smooth and reliable motion while preserving the robustness and longevity that people expect from CUBORO.What I appreciate most is that the final result demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship and innovation can complement each other. The wave elements feel new and dynamic, yet they are made from the same natural material and follow the same principles of quality, safety and durability that have shaped the CUBORO system since 1986.

Receiving the A’ Design Award is a great honour for our team. Together with the iF DESIGN AWARD and the Red Dot Award, it represents a remarkable recognition of the work that went into developing CUBORO WAVE.What makes this especially meaningful is that these awards come from different international juries and perspectives, yet all recognised the same combination of innovation, craftsmanship, play value and design quality.For us, these recognitions are not an endpoint. They encourage us to continue developing the CUBORO system with curiosity, care and a long-term perspective. As a family company now in its second generation, we see WAVE not only as a new product, but as another step in the ongoing evolution of a system that has been inspiring creative minds since 1986.

One of the most interesting aspects of developing CUBORO WAVE was finding the balance between a natural material and a highly precise modular system.The idea itself was inspired by the flowing movement of water, but translating that movement into wood was far from straightforward. Every CUBORO element must fit perfectly within an established grid and remain fully compatible with all existing sets. At the same time, the new wave elements needed to create a smooth and natural motion that felt effortless to the player.Together with our long-standing production partner Nyfeler Holzwaren in Switzerland, we developed and tested numerous prototypes over the course of about a year. We experimented with different shapes, inclinations and transitions, carefully observing how even small adjustments influenced the movement of the marble. The challenge was not only to create an attractive wave form, but to ensure that the marble would move smoothly and reliably every time.What I particularly enjoyed about this process was the close collaboration between design, engineering and craftsmanship. The experience and know-how of the joiners played an important role in transforming an abstract idea into a functional product. Each prototype taught us something new and helped us refine the elements further.Perhaps the most surprising lesson was that achieving a natural-looking movement required a great deal of precision. The final motion appears simple and effortless, but behind it lies a long process of testing, refining and learning. In many ways, that combination of craftsmanship, patience and curiosity reflects the spirit of CUBORO itself.

The starting point was not a sketch or a technical drawing, but a feeling. While sailing, I was fascinated by the calm and rhythmic movement of the boat on the water. The motion felt natural, flowing and almost meditative. At some point, I began to imagine a marble moving in a similar way.The first challenge was to translate this abstract impression into something that could become part of the CUBORO system. CUBORO has a very clear geometric language based on a modular grid that has been evolving since 1986. Any new element must feel like a natural part of this family while still introducing something genuinely new.In the beginning, the idea was simply to create a gentle up-and-down movement. As the project developed, we explored different wave shapes, transitions and proportions through a series of prototypes. The goal was not to imitate water literally, but to capture the feeling of flow and movement within the visual and functional language of CUBORO.Throughout the development process, we worked closely with our team and our production partner Nyfeler Holzwaren in Switzerland. Each prototype helped us better understand how the movement, geometry and material interacted. Over time, the forms became more refined and more closely aligned with the reduced aesthetic that defines the CUBORO system.What I find most satisfying is that the final elements feel both familiar and surprising. They clearly belong to the CUBORO family, yet they introduce a completely new movement that did not exist in the system before. In that sense, WAVE is not a departure from CUBORO, but a natural evolution of it.

Presenting CUBORO WAVE at the Swiss Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka was a very special experience. It allowed us to introduce the product not only as a toy, but also as an example of Swiss craftsmanship, design and manufacturing.What made the experience particularly meaningful was the fact that CUBORO has already enjoyed a strong following in Japan for many years. Thanks to the dedication of our long-standing partner Atelier Niki Tiki, generations of children, families and educators have discovered CUBORO, creating a unique community of enthusiasts. The Expo therefore felt less like entering a new market and more like sharing a new chapter of the CUBORO story with people who already knew and appreciated the system.One especially memorable moment was our event with professional Shogi player Sota Fujii. Mr. Fujii has often spoken about his childhood experiences with CUBORO, and seeing him engage with WAVE and share this enthusiasm with families and media representatives was both moving and inspiring. It highlighted how a construction toy can accompany people far beyond childhood and remain meaningful throughout different stages of life.What impressed me most throughout the Expo was how universal the reaction to WAVE was. Regardless of age, language or cultural background, people were immediately curious about the movement of the marble. Many visitors instinctively wanted to touch the elements, build something themselves and watch the marble travel through the waves. The fascination was often immediate and required very little explanation.For me, the experience in Osaka was a reminder that good design can cross cultural boundaries. The materials may be simple, the interaction completely analogue, but the curiosity, creativity and joy that emerge while playing are universal. That gives me confidence that there is still a strong international appetite for thoughtful, tactile and long-lasting play experiences.

One of the strengths of the CUBORO system is that it is not a collection of isolated products, but an evolving system. Since 1986, new elements have continuously expanded the possibilities of construction while remaining compatible with previous generations of sets.With WAVE, we introduced a new dimension of movement. Until now, the system mainly explored straight lines, curves, tunnels, direction changes and level transitions. WAVE adds a flowing, rhythmic movement that creates new experiences for both builders and observers.What I find particularly exciting is that WAVE has shown us once again how much potential still exists within the CUBORO system. Future developments can emerge on different levels. Some ideas are inspired by mathematical and logical challenges, creating new ways to think, build and solve problems within the system. Others, like WAVE, are inspired by physical phenomena and new forms of movement that can be experienced directly through play.In both directions, I believe there are still countless possibilities to explore. Nature will certainly remain an important source of inspiration. The idea for WAVE emerged while sailing and observing the rhythmic movement of a boat on the water. At the same time, many ideas also arise from watching children and adults play with CUBORO. It is fascinating to see how people use the system in ways we never anticipated and how their creativity often sparks new ideas for future developments.For me, the challenge is always the same: to transform an inspiring observation into a simple, elegant and timeless element that feels as though it has always belonged within the CUBORO system. WAVE is one example of that process, and I am convinced there are many more discoveries still waiting to be made.

We never set out to create a kinetic sculpture. Our goal was to introduce a completely new type of movement into the CUBORO system.The most important requirement was that the new elements had to function reliably within the existing system. If the marble did not move smoothly and consistently, the idea would not work, regardless of how beautiful the elements looked.At the same time, we wanted the movement itself to create an emotional experience. Watching the marble gently rise and fall along the wave elements is fascinating and calming, giving WAVE a sculptural quality without compromising its educational value or technical precision.What pleases me most is how naturally these aspects came together in the final product. The movement feels smooth, effortless and surprisingly engaging. The educational value comes from experimentation, the engineering ensures reliability, and the visual beauty emerges from the movement itself.For me, WAVE succeeds because none of these qualities dominates the others. They all support the same goal: creating a meaningful and enjoyable play experience.

One of the key goals throughout the development of WAVE was that the new elements should feel like a natural extension of the CUBORO system rather than a separate product.The wave elements had to introduce a completely new type of movement while remaining fully compatible with the established CUBORO grid. This requirement influenced every design decision. The basic dimensions of the system had to be respected, while the geometry of the wave-shaped grooves needed to create a smooth and natural movement.A great deal of attention was therefore given to the radii, curves and transitions of the wave elements. Through countless prototypes and repeated testing with the marble, we continuously refined these details until the movement felt both reliable and effortless. Small changes often had a surprisingly large impact on how the marble behaved.We were careful not to make the wave form overly expressive or decorative. Instead, we aimed for a simple and reduced design language that reflects the character of CUBORO. The focus was always on the movement of the marble rather than on the shape itself.What I find particularly satisfying is that the final elements feel both familiar and surprising. They introduce a new dimension of movement, yet many people react as if this possibility had always been hidden within the system, simply waiting to be discovered. For me, that is one of the most rewarding aspects of the design.