Interview about Birch Office Chair, winner of the A' Office Furniture Design Award 2025
Birch is a high-performance flexible office chair with upgraded back comfort as its core. The designer uses the natural structural curves of the human body as the source of design inspiration, simulating the moving arcs of the human body's back and spine to present a linked double-back structure, which can easily handle the human body's forward, backward, side twisting and other movements, and can easily take care of a variety of usage scenarios.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe double-back structure emerged from our shared belief with ITO Design that ergonomic support should move with the body, not against it. Over three years, we explored how to separate and articulate the upper and lower back zones to reflect actual spinal movement. Through repeated prototyping testing, we arrived at a solution that mirrors the natural curvature and motion of the spine — offering independent yet synchronized support for the back and lumbar regions.
We were driven by one question: how can we offer seamless, full-back support during posture shifts? The gliding support system was born from observing micro-movements during long working hours. By integrating flexible zones that shift in harmony with the user, we created a responsive system that supports the back, waist, and sacrum simultaneously.
The idea came from watching users reach awkwardly for levers under the seat. We asked ourselves, “Why not bring the controls where the hands already are?” By integrating adjustment keys beneath the 3D armrest, we reduced unnecessary movement and improved accessibility. The result is a more intuitive interaction—users adjust posture effortlessly without breaking focus.
Aluminum alloy posed a unique challenge: how to ensure high load-bearing strength while preserving smooth, elegant lines and seamless component integration.We needed the frame to feel fluid and unified, not fragmented — yet it also had to perform under daily stress.Through precise structural modeling and iterative prototyping, we refined every joint and curve to maintain visual continuity and mechanical stability.
We designed the double-back system to respond dynamically — it adapts without the user needing to think. The upper and lower sections move semi-independently, flexing in sync with shifts in posture, whether leaning forward in focus or reclining during reflection. Our testing matrix included different body types, work habits, and motion scenarios to ensure balanced support throughout.
We wanted users to feel suspended, not seated. The mechanism uses counterbalance principles and calibrated spring tension that automatically adjusts to weight and motion. It senses changes in posture and adapts in real-time, offering continuous lumbar contact and balanced recline angles—what we call a “zero gravity zone” where the body feels almost weightless.
Our starting point was real user pain points—especially fatigue in the lower back after prolonged sitting. We conducted pressure-mapping studies and posture tracking with a diverse user group. Insights showed the need for differentiated lumbar and sacral support. That’s how we refined the lower back panel's flexibility while keeping the upper panel responsive, creating a support structure that feels personalized and dynamic.
BIRCH's debut marked a shift: from static chairs to movement-centric design. Its reception proved that the market is ready for chairs that don’t just support, but understand the body. We believe this will push the industry toward intelligent ergonomics — where chairs adapt to people, not the other way around.
We wanted a mesh that breathes well, feels soft, and maintains tension over time. Aesthetically, it needed to complement the lightweight frame and double-back form. We sourced a high-density, flocked mesh that offers breathability while remaining skin-friendly — strong enough for daily use, yet subtle enough to maintain the chair’s clean silhouette.
This award validates our pursuit of design-driven innovation. At Goodtone, we believe ergonomic seating can be beautiful, intelligent, and intuitive. BIRCH isn’t just a product milestone—it’s a statement of our mission: to craft seating solutions that enhance human movement and wellbeing in every work environment.
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