Akhalteke Lounge Chair: Where Equine Elegance Meets Modern Design

Amin Mohammadyari’s award-winning chair reimagines the art of sitting

The Akhalteke lounge chair stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and horses, drawing direct inspiration from the anatomy and grace of the famed Turkmen Akhal-Teke breed. Amin Mohammadyari, the designer behind this striking piece, sought to revive the primal sensation of horseback riding, translating it into a contemporary context. The chair’s form subtly echoes the contours of a saddle, one of humanity’s earliest seating inventions, inviting users to rediscover a posture deeply embedded in collective memory.

What sets Akhalteke apart is its two-way interaction with the user. The design encourages an active engagement, transforming sitting from a passive act into an experience that is both intuitive and novel. This dialectical relationship between the sitter and the chair is achieved without resorting to literal representations of a horse, instead relying on abstract forms that evoke the essence of equine movement and presence. The result is a lounge chair that not only provides comfort but also invites reflection on the act of sitting itself.

Sustainability is at the core of Akhalteke’s construction. The chair utilizes bio-composites made from hemp or flax fibers combined with PLA bio-resin, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber. This choice not only reduces the environmental impact but also reinforces the chair’s natural inspiration, creating a tangible link between form, function, and ecological consciousness.

Measuring 770mm in width, 855mm in depth, and 720mm in height, Akhalteke is designed to command attention in any space while maintaining a refined silhouette. The project, which began in Tehran in September 2023 and concluded a year later, reflects extensive research into both the cultural history of sitting and the latest advancements in sustainable materials. The design process overcame significant challenges, particularly in achieving a balance between aesthetic subtlety and ergonomic functionality, ensuring that the chair’s identity remains both distinct and inviting.

Akhalteke’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the design was honored with the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award, recognizing its creative ingenuity and contribution to improving quality of life. By merging art, science, and technology, Akhalteke offers more than just a place to sit—it invites users to engage with history, nature, and design in a wholly new way.

As contemporary lifestyles increasingly value both sustainability and meaningful experiences, Akhalteke stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful design can bridge the past and the future, transforming everyday objects into works of art that enrich daily living.