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.