Baralho: A Bold, Contemporary Armchair by Flávio Melo Franco

Winner of the Silver A' Furniture Design Award, Baralho Armchair is a testament to innovative design and precision.

The Baralho armchair stands out for its unique properties. Its design surprises the viewer with pure forms and straight lines. Made using only folds and leftovers on the plate of brushed aluminum, the chair challenges the strength of the material. This innovative design approach allows the Baralho armchair to embody beauty, lightness, and precision in one element.

Flávio Melo Franco chose brushed aluminum for its lightness and strength. The metal sheet undergoes cutting and cold bending in specific industrial machinery. The assembly of the product, made in local manufacturing, strictly adheres to the angulation of the project, and welds are necessary for tying the pieces together. The armchair can be presented in different colors, with automotive paint used for this purpose.

The design process, which took place in Teresina - Piaui - Brazil, lasted for approximately five months. From the first ideas to the preparation of the final product, the process was marked by challenges and innovation. The initial challenge was to find a lightweight and aesthetically viable material for making the chair. The prototype was made of iron sheet, which was unaffordable due to its weight. Brushed aluminum was the chosen material, making the product easy to ship and handle.

The second challenge was to ensure the chair's support: how to stress the support plane without it succumbing. For this reason, the manufacturing process includes welding to anchor the parts. The final work, as it is marketed, was completed in August 2013.

The Baralho armchair is a testament to Flávio Melo Franco's innovative design approach. It showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. This design, admired for its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, is a demonstration of top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable design.

With its striking contemporary design, pure forms, straight lines, and bold use of brushed aluminum, the Baralho armchair is a unique piece of Brazilian furniture that truly stands out. It is a perfect example of how design can challenge the strength of materials and create something beautiful, light, and precise.