The long-anticipated collaboration between Zaha Hadid Architects and Italian furniture manufacturer Febal Casa has finally materialized in the form of the Onda collection, a stunning kitchen furniture line that transforms the gentle rhythm of Adriatic coastline waves into functional home furnishings. This partnership represents a perfect marriage of architectural innovation and practical home design, bringing the late Zaha Hadid's signature fluid geometry into spaces where people cook, gather, and live their daily lives.

The Onda collection centers around two main pieces: a kitchen island and an accompanying sideboard, both designed to serve as both functional furniture and sculptural art pieces. Rather than simply showcasing architectural prowess for its own sake, these pieces are carefully engineered to meet the real needs of modern homeowners. The kitchen island, for instance, provides a surface you can comfortably lean against while preparing your morning coffee, while maintaining the flowing, organic forms that made Hadid's work internationally recognized.

Febal Casa's manufacturing expertise plays a crucial role in bringing these complex geometries to life through sophisticated technical craftsmanship. The collection features back-painted fused glass doors that create a shimmering effect reminiscent of light dancing on water. These surfaces incorporate metallic wave effects that constantly change throughout the day as natural light moves through the space, creating a dynamic visual experience that evolves from morning to evening.

Two distinctive finishes define the collection's aesthetic: Metal Champagne Onda and Metal Iridio Onda. These specially developed finishes capture the essence of water's behavior, appearing reflective and bright in certain lighting conditions while taking on mysterious, deeper tones in others. The interplay between these surfaces and light creates an ever-changing visual narrative that keeps the furniture feeling alive and responsive to its environment.

The structural framework relies on lightweight aluminum framing, a design choice that prevents these substantial pieces from overwhelming smaller kitchen spaces. This careful consideration of scale and visual weight ensures that the collection can work effectively in compact city apartments as well as expansive suburban homes. Every surface detail has been meticulously planned, from the ergonomic way handles nestle naturally into users' palms to how the wave-inspired patterns guide the eye smoothly around the room.

The kitchen island demonstrates remarkable flexibility in sizing, reflecting a deep understanding of how people actually cook and entertain in their homes. Customers can choose from lengths ranging from 1,800mm to 3,600mm while maintaining a consistent depth of 1,218mm across all sizes. This approach ensures that the proportions remain visually balanced regardless of whether the piece is installed in a cramped urban kitchen or a sprawling open-plan living space.

Material options for the island include Gres, Abitum, Laminam, Neolith, Optimum, and Laminate, providing homeowners with extensive choices to either complement existing interior finishes or create bold contrasting statements. This variety allows the island to adapt to diverse design contexts while consistently delivering that unmistakable architectural presence that defines Hadid's work.

The accompanying sideboard extends the wave-inspired design language into living areas with remarkable elegance and grace. Glass shelving appears to float on impossibly thin blade-like supports, creating storage solutions that feel weightless despite their capacity to hold substantial items. The lacquered surfaces flow seamlessly from one piece to the next, establishing visual connections across open-plan spaces without creating repetitive or monotonous effects.

These pieces were clearly designed as part of a cohesive system, contributing to a larger conversation about how contemporary homes function and how furniture can enhance both form and function. The sculptural drama that emerges from the collection feels entirely natural, growing organically from genuine functional requirements rather than being imposed as mere decoration.

The wave-inspired curves serve multiple practical purposes: they guide natural movement patterns around the island, suggest intuitive hand placement points, and influence how storage compartments open and close. Hadid's parametric design methodology translates directly into intuitive daily interactions, making the act of opening a drawer feel like the logical conclusion of the curve that naturally led your hand to that precise location.

Set to debut at Milan Design Week 2025, the Onda collection signals an important evolution in architect-designed furniture. This partnership between Zaha Hadid Architects and Febal Casa demonstrates what becomes possible when visionary architectural thinking meets manufacturing expertise that truly understands the complexities and demands of kitchen design.

The collection addresses three frequently asked questions that potential buyers often have. Regarding materials, the Onda kitchen island combines both aesthetic beauty and lasting durability through its carefully selected material palette. Options include Gres, Abitum, Laminam, Neolith, Optimum, and Laminate, each offering distinct textures and characteristics. The standout Metal Champagne Onda and Metal Iridio Onda finishes catch and reflect light to create subtle, water-like shimmer effects. These materials are selected not merely for visual appeal but for their ability to withstand the daily wear and demands of busy kitchen environments.

Customization represents another key strength of the collection. The kitchen island comes in multiple length options, ensuring appropriate sizing for various space constraints, from small city kitchens to large open areas. The wide range of available materials and finishes allows customers to either match existing home aesthetics or create entirely new design statements. This flexibility means each Onda collection installation can feel uniquely tailored to its specific environment.

The collection's reflection of Zaha Hadid's design philosophy is evident throughout every element. The signature flowing lines and organic curves that made her architectural work internationally recognizable are clearly present, drawing inspiration from water movement and natural phenomena. However, the aesthetic choices go beyond mere visual impact, with shapes specifically designed to make the furniture feel intuitive and user-friendly. The collection successfully balances bold sculptural presence with practical functionality and welcoming accessibility, bringing architectural sophistication into everyday domestic life.