y.O Zmart Chair: A Revolutionary Convertible Chair Design

Combining Functionality and Style in One Piece

The y.O Zmart Chair stands out from other chairs due to its unique ability to convert from a reclining position to an upright dining position without the need for latches or hardware. This design feat is achieved through careful consideration of proportion, geometry, and the force of gravity. The chair remains in one piece, maintaining its sleek and elegant appearance in both positions.

One of the key features of the y.O Zmart Chair is its construction. It is made entirely from CNC cut flat Richlite panels, a material developed as a substitute for metal for the U.S. Navy. Richlite is a strong and water-resistant material made from phenolic resin and recycled paper. It requires no finishing, such as paint or stain, and comes in various earth tone colors and sizes. The seat of the chair rotates on stainless steel sleeves and axles, ensuring smooth and effortless movement.

The technical specifications of the y.O Zmart Chair are as follows: in the dining position, it measures 558mm in width, 558mm in depth, and 914mm in height, weighing 9.2 kg. In the lounge position, it measures 558mm in width, 571.5mm in depth, and 698.5mm in height, with the same weight of 9.2 kg.

Designing the y.O Zmart Chair presented several challenges for Rick Yestadt. Ensuring that the seat dimensions were suitable for both the dining and lounge positions was a crucial consideration. Additionally, finding the right pivot point in the support piece was essential to achieve the desired seat height in each position. Balancing the chair and maintaining stability required careful positioning of the seat pivot point relative to the occupant's hips. Lastly, the chair had to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance in both positions, without looking odd or unbalanced.

The y.O Zmart Chair made its debut at the 2015 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) with the support of Richlite/ecosupply. Since then, it has garnered recognition and acclaim, including the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2016. This award recognizes the chair's outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

The y.O Zmart Chair is not just a piece of furniture; it is a testament to the power of design to transform everyday objects into functional works of art. With its unique ability to seamlessly transition between different positions, this chair offers a versatile and stylish solution for modern living spaces.