Interview about Axel Chair, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2021
The chair is produced in Indonesia from sustainable materials, blending Indonesian craftsmanship with classic Scandinavian lines and design, and creating an outdoor chair to suit any modern home. The chair frame is powder-coated aluminium, providing the matt grey colour, while the seat is made of quick-dry foam and outdoor acrylic material, backrest woven with italien rope, making the chair ideal for outdoor use. The flat armrests are made from teakwood.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIndonesia is a country rich in tradition, where craftsmanship is often a skill passed down through generations. This heritage brings an exceptional level of skill and artistry to our work. For the Axel Chair, we wanted to honor this legacy by collaborating with local artisans to hand-weave the backrest and incorporate beautifully crafted teakwood armrests. At the same time, we drew on Scandinavian design principles—simplicity, functionality, and a modern aesthetic. This fusion allowed us to create a chair that feels fresh and timeless, seamlessly blending cultural influences while showcasing the remarkable skills of Indonesian weavers
Our material selection for the Axel Chair centers on both sustainability and durability. We source all raw materials locally in Indonesia to support the community and reduce our environmental footprint. Through our partnership with Trees4Trees, we ensure that every cubic meter of teakwood we use contributes to reforestation efforts. Using a powder-coated aluminum frame and quick-dry foam also enhances the chair’s resilience in various climates, aligning with our commitment to creating furniture that’s functional, long-lasting, and responsibly crafted.
Looking back to the timeless designs of 1960s Denmark, we wanted to bring the character of that era outdoors. Scandinavian furniture from that period is known for its simplicity, comfort, and craftsmanship, so we aimed to capture those elements in a way that would suit open-air settings. This meant reimagining classic forms with durable materials, such as weather-resistant fabrics and a robust aluminum frame, to ensure the Axel Chair could embody both the elegance of Scandinavian heritage and the functionality required for outdoor living
Balancing classic aesthetics with outdoor durability involved thoughtful material choices and design refinements. By using quick-dry foam and outdoor-grade acrylic fabric, we ensured the Axel Chair could withstand the elements without losing comfort or elegance. We kept the design clean and timeless, choosing simple lines and natural tones that complement outdoor settings while maintaining the strength and resilience needed for outdoor use. This approach allowed us to create a piece that’s both enduringly stylish and highly functional in any environment
Receiving the A' Design Award has encouraged me to look more deeply into classic designs and draw inspiration from the past for future projects. This recognition has strengthened my belief that timeless elements can be reimagined in fresh ways, blending heritage with modern needs. Moving forward, I plan to continue exploring how traditional design influences can shape innovative and functional furniture
The idea for combining teakwood armrests with the woven rope backrest came from classic indoor furniture designs. Teakwood is perfect for outdoor furniture because it’s durable and has a beautiful golden color that softens the harder look of the aluminum frame. This combination gives the chair a nice contrast and makes it comfortable and stylish
Working with Indonesian craftsmen has been a truly exciting and seamless journey. They are always open-minded and eager to engage with new designs, which made the process enjoyable from start to finish. Their skill and willingness to explore fresh ideas allowed us to refine and evolve the Axel Chair’s design, ensuring that the final piece stayed true to my vision while benefiting from their expertise. The collaboration enhanced the chair’s quality and attention to detail, making it a unique blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship.
The original design was made with straight minimalist lines, which made aluminum the perfect material choice. The matte grey powder-coated finish not only enhances the chair’s modern, sleek look but also provides a durable, weather-resistant surface ideal for outdoor use. This finish bridges the gap between the chair’s retro-inspired design and contemporary aesthetics, adding a subtle yet strong foundation that highlights the craftsmanship of the woven rope and teakwood armrests
One of the key challenges was ensuring the backrest provided the perfect balance of support and comfort while maintaining the chair’s refined aesthetic. We wanted to preserve the elegant, minimalist design of classic Scandinavian furniture, but also needed the chair to be functional for outdoor use. It took careful attention to the design and the choice of materials to ensure the backrest was both visually striking and comfortable enough for extended use. Finding that balance between style and comfort was crucial to achieving the final design
I see the Axel Chair as a step toward shaping the future of sustainable outdoor furniture. By using eco-friendly materials like recycled wood and non-toxic ropes, and focusing on low-energy production methods, it sets an example for what environmentally conscious design can look like. The integration of cross-cultural elements—combining Scandinavian minimalism with Indonesian craftsmanship—adds a unique touch that speaks to the beauty of blending traditions. I hope this chair will inspire future designs that embrace both sustainability and cultural diversity, creating outdoor furniture that not only looks beautiful but also respects the environment and the craftsmanship from different parts of the world.
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