In knot theory, a branch of mathematics, the trefoil knot is the simplest example of a nontrivial knot also known as a ring or “unknot”. As the simplest knot, the trefoil is fundamental to the study of mathematical knot theory.

The Tesseract project is a is a complete remodel of a mid-century home set on the Magnolia bluff, overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle. The client, a leader in the theory of quantum computing, appreciated the way our design team embraced his passion in the reimagining of this property and the concepts applied to it. To complement his Tesseract, the client wanted a dramatic light fixture as the feature in the home’s entryway and suggested the trefoil knot as a conceptual starting point for our design.

In our research we discovered many variations of this knot, but the team’s final selection is meant to reflect the shape and aesthetic of the newly-remodeled home. The trefoil knot was molded into right angles and stretched to fit the proportions of the home. The square tube of the ‘strand’ was split in two, with the inner-most surfaces becoming luminous light emitting faces, and the exterior becoming an earthy, dark mottled bronze to offset the sleekness of the light sides.

Suspended by thin cables attached to an existing skylight, Tesseract’s Trefoil catches and scatters light during the day and glows warmly at night. The fixture was built by Resolute, a local lighting fabricator.

LOCATION Seattle, WA
COMPLETED 2022
DIMENSIONS 25.5” x 25.5” x 98.5”
MEDIUM Acrylic, Solid Walnut
DESIGNERS Shane Leaman
COLLABORATORS Resolute