Sonoma Forge SansHands Faucets: Rustic Elegance Meets Touchless Technology

Sonoma Forge's SansHands faucets combine rustic, artisan-crafted design with cutting-edge electromagnetic proximity technology, offering seamless, touchless operation that enhances hygiene and style in high-end spaces.

Key Highlights

  • Replaces problematic infrared sensors with electromagnetic proximity technology that is more reliable and looks better.
  • Features handcrafted, forged metal designs inspired by traditional plumbing components, emphasizing rustic industrial style.
  • Offers versatile spout options like Elbow, Waterfall, and Cixx, catering to various aesthetic and functional needs.
  • Supports customization with finishes such as Rustic Copper and Satin Nickel to match diverse interior styles.
  • Enhances hygiene and simplifies maintenance by eliminating handles and sensor windows, reducing water stains and germ transfer.

Blending rustic, artisan-crafted faucet designs with state-of-the-art touchless technology, Sonoma Forge’s SansHands faucets embraces form and function. 

Eliminating the frantic hand-waving experience traditionally associated with outdated infrared sensors, electromagnetic proximity technology offers a more accurate, seamless experience. 

Explaining how the technology works, Sonoma Forge President Erik Ambjor says, “The faucet creates a small electromagnetic field around the spout using a low-voltage current. When you place your hands under the faucet, they interrupt that field. The system instantly detects the change and opens the valve to start the water flow. Once you move your hands away, the field returns to normal—and the water shuts off automatically. 

It’s a simple, seamless process that makes handwashing completely touch-free and efficient.  The result is a fixture that feels authentic, tactile and full of character—almost like a functional piece of art or a conversation starter,” says Ambjor. 

In addition to this enhanced reliability, the technology introduces much more design flexibility with the elimination of the traditional black windows or lenses 

This enhanced versatility helps support Sonoma Forge’s high-end, rustic industrial style. Taking inspiration from traditional plumbing components, the distinctive faucets are hand-forged, producing a level of metalwork quality that is undeniable in several styles.

Rustic Meets Hands-Free

The Elbow Spout mimics the right-angles of underground piping. Directing water downward, the selection is ideal for shallow ramp- or vessel-style sinks. 

The Waterfall Spout blends the look of raw plumbing parts with a sanctuary-like design style. The faucet projects the water stream outward flowing in a graceful arc.

Then there’s the Cixx collection, pronounced “Six.” The distinctive design features the hammer marks of a blacksmith, evoking an image of hot metal being poured and forged. 

The other sensor operated Sonoma Forge collection is the Strap lavatory. The fixture is designed with handles and a spout evoking the look of a cylinder inserted into the yolk of a U-bolt fastener. 

Interest in designs like the Waterfall Spout, Elbow Spout, CiXX and Strap really comes from the ongoing popularity of modern industrial style,” observes Ambjor. Designers are embracing exposed plumbing elements, hand-hammered textures and bold, architectural forms. These pieces don’t try to hide their mechanical inspiration—they celebrate it. The result is something that feels authentic, tactile, and visually striking. 

Overall, Sonoma Forge has found a niche with high-end commercial and hospitality spaces seeking a rustic industrial look that’s intentional as opposed to mass produced. In combining the improved sensor technology with the metal crafted fixtures, the product lines are gaining even more appeal.  

“Architects and designers don’t have to compromise between achieving a strong, sculptural look and offering modern touchless functionality. They can have both,” says Ambjor. 

Customization is further enhancing this trend with distinctive finishes such as Rustic Copper or Satin Nickel, enabling designers to tailor faucets to complement a wide range of interiors—whether it's a warm, rustic spa retreat style to a sleek, contemporary minimalist space

Enhanced Hygiene

SansHands faucets also deliver easier maintenance and an enhanced level of hygiene to the restroom area. “Without handles and sensor windows, there are fewer spots for water stains and soap residue to collect, making the faucet much easier to keep clean. And since there are no physical handles, there’s no direct contact, so the transfer of germs is reduced,” Ambjor says. 

 

About the Author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett has more than 25 years as a trade press journalist and writer in the building and construction industry. Her articles regularly appear in several leading architectural publications. 

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