Sebastiaan Van Beest's Minimal Techno: A Masterpiece in Minimalist Design

Golden A' Furniture Design Award Winner 2021: A Blend of Sustainability and Aesthetics

Minimal Techno is a prototype armchair constructed from recycled solid steel and repurposed bamboo hardwood flooring. The chair is coated in matte black, with brushed brass screws holding the bamboo slats in place. Despite its delicate appearance, the design is robust and comfortable, capable of supporting weights exceeding 250lbs. The thin steel and bamboo give the chair an amazing flexibility, making it comfortable for long periods of sitting.

The chair's design is a nod to Japanese minimalism and the concept of negative space. It is designed to feel as though it doesn't consume much space, yet it has a large presence. The matte black coating and brushed brass screws add a sense of robustness to the delicate design, creating a piece that is both striking and functional.

Van Beest's commitment to sustainability is evident in his choice of materials. All the materials, except the screws, are recycled, and he is currently sourcing recycled brass to make the product fully recycled. The chair consists of only three materials, making it easy to reproduce and potentially more compact for shipping purposes when it goes into production.

Minimal Techno was conceived and completed in Vancouver, Canada, between March 26 and March 30, 2021. The biggest challenge Van Beest faced was finding a way to create a comfortable, delicate, yet strong armchair using the least amount of materials. His solution was to use solid steel and hardwood, resulting in a design that is light, flexible, sleek, and strong.

The design was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding and trendsetting design. The award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.