Flip: A Transformative Chair by Niko Kapa

Innovative plywood design offers flexibility and sustainable elegance

Inspired by the elastic curves formed when bending plywood, Niko Kapa’s Flip chair explores the intersection of movement, geometry, and human-centered design. The chair’s structure is composed of folded plywood strips, meticulously engineered to align with the proportions of the human body. This approach results in a chair that not only supports a variety of seating postures but also visually expresses a refined vocabulary of line and movement.

What sets Flip apart is its remarkable flexibility and transformative capability. By simply flipping the chair, users can adapt it to different settings and personal preferences, allowing for multiple seating configurations. This adaptability is paired with a minimalist use of materials, emphasizing both visual unity and environmental responsibility. The chair’s design philosophy highlights the reduction of components and the unification of forms, making it a standout piece in contemporary furniture design.

The production process utilizes steam bending, a sustainable technique that employs water rather than toxic adhesives, resulting in low energy consumption and minimal waste. Plywood is finished with low VOC coatings and Bio Shield natural oils, further underscoring the commitment to eco-friendly practices. The chair is available in natural beech, black, and white finishes, each revealing the tactile qualities of the wood.

Structurally, Flip achieves stability through overlapping, curved plywood strips that are glued at strategic connection points. Cushions are integrated as extensions of the frame, ensuring comfort without compromising the chair’s lightweight and rigid construction. The design’s fluid lines and crisp curves establish a visual rhythm, creating a profile that is both elegant and distinctive.

Extensive research and prototyping informed the chair’s ergonomic and functional qualities. Full-scale mockups were tested to optimize weight, comfort, and material efficiency. The result is a chair that embodies material restraint, geometric purity, and purposeful design, aligning with Dorma Design’s philosophy and suitability for mass production.

Flip’s innovative approach and sustainable ethos were recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to its practical excellence and positive contribution to modern living environments.

Image credits: Studio Niko Kapa