Saddle Collection: The Ultimate Luxury Upgrade for the Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Enhancing Comfort and Style

U-Fo® presents the Saddle Collection, a premium leather seating system designed to elevate the iconic Herman Miller Aeron® chair. With a custom molded seat pad and a magnetic lumbar pillow, this collection offers unparalleled comfort and style for the discerning individual.

The Saddle Collection by U-Fo®, designed by Paolo Roth, draws inspiration from the works of Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, as well as the original designers of the Aeron chair, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick. The design pays homage to the modern classics of the fifties and sixties, with a nod to bent plywood, wire mesh, and fiberglass shells that featured complementary seat pads.

What sets the Saddle Collection apart is its unique manufacturing techniques and attention to detail. The clean and flowing visual transitions are achieved through innovative processes, resulting in a seamless integration with the Aeron chair. The magnetic lumbar support pillow is a standout feature, allowing for free-floating positioning without damaging the mesh surface of the chair.

The realization of the Saddle Collection involved the development of a unique leather forming technique. Using industrial heated hydraulic compression machines and custom milled aluminum tools, U-Fo® was able to create perfectly molded leather seats. Additionally, the poured 2-part polyurethane seats and lumbar pillows pushed the boundaries of traditional seat foam production.

The specifications of the Saddle Collection are as follows: the seat measures 47cm x 10cm x 48cm, while the lumbar pillow measures 28cm x 19cm x 4cm (width x depth x height). These dimensions ensure a perfect fit and optimal support for the Aeron chair.

Installing the Saddle Collection is a breeze, with no straps or hardware required. The seat cushion is custom molded to fit snugly on the chair's surface, thanks to the material's friction. The magnetic lumbar support pillow can be easily attached to the mesh surface using the supplied magnetic strap, allowing for versatile positioning without any damage to the chair.

The Saddle Collection was developed over a span of two years in the United States. Extensive research was conducted, including reading reviews and personal experiences with the Aeron chair. Accurate 3D models of the chair's surfaces were obtained using white scanning, which served as the foundation for developing the 3D models of the seat cushions. Full-size molds were created using 3D printers and traditional methods to test the forms for fit and comfort.

Despite the challenges faced during the design process, such as developing the leather forming technique and finding the right manufacturing facilities for the poured foam lumbar, the Saddle Collection emerged as a testament to U-Fo®'s commitment to quality and innovation.

The Saddle Collection has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2014. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Experience the ultimate luxury upgrade for your Herman Miller Aeron chair with the Saddle Collection by U-Fo®. Handcrafted in California, this collection combines comfort, style, and functionality to enhance your workday and elevate your workspace.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Paolo Roth
Image Credits: Paolo Roth
Project Team Members: Paolo Roth Janet Dwoskin
Project Name: Saddle Collection
Project Client: Paolo Roth


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