Iron Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design · 2026
Ripple Glassware Series
by Seda Palanduz and Merve Bahar
- A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Kapp Industrial Kitchen Equipment
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 4,967
- Verification code 2A155DDD5B · Verify this award
About Ripple Glassware Series
Inspired by the rhythmic motion of water, the Ripple series reinterprets classic glassware using modern materials. Designed for hotels, restaurants, and cafes, it combines the look of glass with the durability of food-safe polypropylene. The wave-like texture improves grip and reduces slipping, while precision molding creates a clear, glass like finish. Lightweight, impact resistant, stackable, and recyclable, Ripple supports efficient service and practical use in commercial settings.
SedaPalanduz, MerveBahar, and DelphineHeynen's Ripple Glassware Series exemplifies contemporary achievements in functional glass design that honors craft traditions while embracing vibrant chromatic expression and playful compositional energy, positioning these drinking vessels within lineages of mid-twentieth-century Scandinavian and Central European glass design that celebrated material transparency, color saturation, and the elevation of everyday domestic objects through thoughtful formal refinement and surface articulation; the designers demonstrate sophisticated understanding of how light interacts with translucent colored glass, exploiting the material's capacity to function simultaneously as chromatic filter, light conductor, and reflective surface through the consistent application of vertical ribbing that fragments illumination into rhythmic bands of graduated value, creating visual dynamism and tactile interest across otherwise simple cylindrical and stemmed forms, while the carefully calibrated palette spanning cool aquatic tones through warm amber and honey hues to soft rose and verdant greens suggests both naturalistic phenomena such as water, sunlight, flora, and atmospheric conditions, and cultural associations with vintage barware, apothecary vessels, and celebratory glassware traditions; the compositional presentation through scattered spatial arrangement and varied orientations invites viewers to appreciate the vessels as both functional objects designed for daily use and aesthetic statements worthy of contemplation, acknowledging the dual nature of designed objects that must serve practical needs while potentially transcending utility through formal beauty and material expressiveness; technical execution appears accomplished across forming consistency, wall thickness uniformity, rim finishing, and chromatic saturation control, while the ribbed surface treatment demonstrates understanding of how regular geometric pattern can activate otherwise plain forms, creating visual texture and light-play that rewards sustained looking and close examination; the work participates in broader contemporary movements toward craft revival, slow design, material honesty, and the rejection of disposable culture in favor of durable, beautiful objects that bring daily pleasure and potentially become cherished possessions passed across generations, while the joyful palette and accessible forms suggest democratic design principles that make sophisticated aesthetic experience available within ordinary domestic contexts rather than reserving beauty for rarified occasions; one might observe how each vessel's distinctive color seems to propose particular contents or occasions, the aquamarine suggesting cool water or botanical infusions, the amber evoking spirits or amber ales, the rose hinting at rosé wines or floral cordials, the green recalling herbal liqueurs or fresh juices, thus embedding functional guidance within aesthetic choice, and consider how the act of daily drinking might be elevated and made more conscious, more celebratory, more connected to sensory pleasure and visual appreciation through the simple intervention of beautiful, thoughtfully designed vessels that honor both the liquid they contain and the hand that holds them.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Ripple series offers both a visual and tactile experience with its rhythmic surface texture. Thanks to the durability of polypropylene, it reinterprets the elegance of traditional glass through modern techniques, making it suitable for professional use.
Its lightweight and impact-resistant structure makes it ideal for the luxury segment of the HoReCa industry. Designed for refined venues such as beach bars, yachts, poolside areas, and rooftop lounges, Ripple delivers more than just a way to serve drinks it creates a memorable moment for the user. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The series consists of the following four main forms:
Whiskey glass: Content 300 ml, Diameter 79 - 80 mm, Height 95 mm
Wine glass: Content 350 ml, Diameter 77 - 78 mm, Height 192 mm
Beer glass: Content 600 ml, Diameter 81- 82 mm, Height165 mm
Cocktail glass: Content 350 ml, Diameter 68 - 70mm, Height 160 mm - Tags
- Polypropylene glass, HoReCa tableware, Drinking glass, Durable drinkware, Luxury barware
- Production Technology
- The Ripple series is produced using special molds and injection technology, with high-quality, food-safe polypropylene. Crystal like effects reminiscent of glass are achieved through precise mold engineering. Despite its lightweight structure, it offers high impact resistance, is dishwasher-safe, and durable enough for industrial use. All forms are made from recyclable materials and are available in translucent color options.
- Design Challenge
- Creating a three-dimensional surface effect in polypropylene requires high precision in mold production. At the same time, the surface must be durable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing.
Reproducing the elegance of glass using a safe material presents a design and manufacturing challenge of balance one that is achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration. - Project Duration
- The design process begins in January 2024 in Izmir and is completed in April 2025. The product is launched shortly thereafter under the Kapp brand.
- Operation Flow
- The Ripple series, with its simple yet striking form, invites a rethinking of how drinks are presented. The wave-inspired surface not only enhances ergonomic grip but also offers a practical, non-slip advantage.
Its stackable design saves space behind the bar and allows for safe use in high-paced service environments without the worry of breakage.
What truly defines the series is its interaction with light: the rhythmic patterns on the surface refract light, giving the glasses a vibrant and sophisticated look in any setting. This transforms ordinary drink service into an aesthetic experience. - Research
- Throughout the design process, user behaviors and usage scenarios within the HoReCa sector are thoroughly analyzed. Visual clarity, stackability, and ergonomic use are prioritized. To optimize the design both aesthetically and technically, various prototypes are developed. Traditional sketching methods are supported by digital 3D modeling tools throughout the process. A multidisciplinary collaboration with the engineering team is carried out to ensure that the final molded product is free from deformation, has high surface quality, and establishes a strong interaction with light.
- Inspiration
- The Ripple series takes inspiration from rhythm and flow. The wave-like traces left by water and the repetitive patterns in nature shape its design language. Reinterpreting the classic glass form, the series blends aesthetics, lightness, and durability. Its rhythmic texture, paired with architectural simplicity and modern materials, adds refined dynamism to any setting.
Specially developed for the HoReCa sector, it enhances the sensory experience of beverage service in luxurious spaces like beach clubs, poolside lounges, and upscale restaurants. - Patents
- 202501650
Colors of Ripple Glassware Series
Grand Interview about Ripple Glassware Series
The moment I knew Ripple had truly come together was when we held the first functional prototype in our hands. From the beginning, my goal was not simply to create another glassware collection, but to establish a meaningful physical connection between the user and the product.When the wave-inspired texture started to create both a visual rhythm and a comfortable tactile experience, I realized we were achieving something beyond aesthetics. At that point, Ripple became more than a serving vessel—it became an experience that could be felt as much as it could be seen.
In today's hospitality industry, sustainability is no longer defined solely by material selection; it is increasingly about the entire lifecycle of a product.I believe Ripple contributes to this shift by offering a durable, recyclable alternative that reduces breakage-related waste while maintaining a premium guest experience. Its long service life makes it particularly valuable in high-volume hospitality environments where replacement rates can be significant.What matters most to me, however, is demonstrating that responsible design and sophisticated design can coexist. Ripple shows that environmental awareness does not have to come at the expense of aesthetics, quality, or experience.
One of the most important technical achievements was ensuring that the three-dimensional wave texture maintained visual consistency from every viewing angle.The surface is not merely decorative; it is central to the identity of the collection. This meant that every curve, transition, and repetition had to perform consistently throughout the manufacturing process.Working closely with the engineering team revealed how even the smallest geometric adjustments could dramatically influence perception. In some cases, fractions of a millimeter made the difference between a surface that felt static and one that conveyed movement and rhythm.
I believe the quality that most distinguished Ripple during the evaluation process was its ability to combine emotional engagement with functional performance.Many products succeed either technically or aesthetically. Ripple was designed to connect these dimensions, creating an experience that begins the moment the user touches the glass and continues throughout the act of serving and enjoying a beverage.Receiving international recognition validates my belief that successful design should engage both practical needs and human emotions. It encourages me to continue exploring this balance in future projects.
The defining challenge was translating the fluidity of natural wave patterns into a form that could be manufactured efficiently and consistently.Water moves freely and organically, while industrial production requires precision, repeatability, and strict tolerances. Finding the balance between these two realities became one of the most important aspects of the project.The experience reinforced a lesson that continues to shape my work today: great design is not only about generating ideas but also about transforming those ideas into solutions that perform successfully in the real world.
The process began not by copying water itself, but by studying the rhythm it creates.I was fascinated by the repetitive patterns formed by waves and how those patterns communicate movement even when frozen in time. From there, I developed a simplified design language capable of translating that rhythm into a manufacturable product.As the collection expanded across different vessel types, maintaining a consistent visual identity became essential. Whether designing a whiskey glass, wine glass, beer glass, or cocktail glass, the goal was to preserve the same rhythmic character while respecting the unique proportions and functions of each form.
I see the luxury HoReCa sector becoming increasingly experience-driven, and I believe Ripple is well positioned to evolve alongside that trend.Future developments may include new vessel types, exclusive collections, and translucent color variations that interact differently with changing light conditions and hospitality environments.What excites me most is that Ripple's design language is highly adaptable. The core concept of rhythm and movement provides a strong foundation for future explorations while maintaining a coherent identity across the collection.
One aspect of Ripple that I believe deserves more attention is its tactile dimension.Most people initially notice the visual qualities of the collection, yet the physical interaction between the hand and the textured surface is equally important. The wave-inspired geometry was designed not only to be seen but also to be experienced through touch.Throughout the project, I focused on how the product would feel in use as much as how it would appear. In many ways, this balance between visual and tactile experience defines the true character of Ripple.
Interestingly, the interaction with light was not the primary objective at the beginning of the project. Initially, the focus was on creating rhythm, ergonomics, and tactile engagement through the wave-inspired surface.However, during the prototyping phase, we noticed that the geometry created unexpected and highly appealing light effects. As a result, light behavior gradually became an important design consideration.From that point forward, we evaluated surface refinements not only for comfort and manufacturability but also for the way they animated the product through changing reflections and highlights.
At first glance, Ripple may appear simple, but that simplicity is the result of extensive research, testing, and refinement.The project involved analyzing hospitality workflows, user behavior, stacking requirements, ergonomics, material performance, and visual perception. Every prototype provided valuable insights that helped improve the final design.If there is one lesson I would share with emerging designers, it is not to become overly attached to the first idea. The strongest solutions often emerge through iteration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.The most important lesson I learned from Ripple is that good design is not only about shaping objects—it is about shaping experiences. What people remember is often not the product itself, but how it made them feel.