The UER3200 CIMA Ladder

Ladders are one of the earliest examples of technology for the common man and have been in use for tens of thousands of years, perhaps even predating the wheel. Ever improving materials technology has enabled the ladder to take on many new shapes in the last half century but the Cimaladder is the first of a new breed. The single piece carbon fibre composite ladder is extremely strong and weighs just a kilogram making it easily transportable. At EUR 3200 it’s in no danger of revolutionizing the ladder marketplace but it sure is a looker.

The Cimaladder came about from a challenge to demonstrate the versatility of composite materials and so successful in its implementation that it was selected as one of 20 exhibits for the Composites-on-Tour exhibition which is currently making the international rounds.

The design thought process was to provide a natural climbing experience and to be easily transportable according to co-designer Sergio Mahler.

Belying the visual simplicity of the CIMA ladder, the production is a complex handmade process. According to Mahler, the torsional forces on the vertical side bars are especially high when in use, necessitating additional fibres placed at 45 degrees in the mould in both directions to ensure sufficient strength and the finish requires patient handwork.

Accordingly, it won’t be appearing at your local Walmart in the near future – production is still a hand-made process with a two month lead time direct from the Spanish designers Sergio Mahler and George Papadogiannis. The price of the ladder is 3200 euros but for all those interior designers eyeing this beauty, there is some very good news - it can be produced in any Pantone colour.