Avante: A Modern Sofa Inspired by Twentieth Century Molded Plywood Furniture

A Freestanding Seating Option for Comfort and Style

Inspired by the character and style of twentieth-century molded plywood furniture pieces, Avante is a three-seater sofa designed by Valeriano Villegas Goyos. With its symmetry, proportion, and use of basic geometrical forms, this sofa is a unique addition to any lounge area.

Avante stands out with its curved plywood shells for the backrest and seat, which are complemented by cushions upholstered in cotton. These elements are mounted on a solid wood frame-base with four legs, providing a sturdy foundation for the sofa. The frame construction utilizes solid walnut holders, base-frame, and feet, which are glued, screwed, and reinforced at all structural areas.

The seat and backrest of Avante offer both comfort and support, allowing people to adopt a proper sitting posture. The high-density foam core wrapped with fiberfill provides a plush seating experience. The sofa's dimensions are as follows: width of 1800 mm, depth of 800 mm, height of 820 mm, seat height of 420 mm, back height of 690 mm, net seat depth of 530 mm, and leg height of 270 mm.

Avante is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It aims to provide comfort, style, and connection between people. The design is influenced by iconic molded plywood furniture pieces of the twentieth century, such as the Eames Lounge Chair, Plywood Dining Chairs, and Curved Sofa. By examining these designs, Valeriano Villegas Goyos has mastered the manufacturing technique of molded plywood, resulting in a design suitable for a wide range of applications.

The development of Avante started in 2012 as a special design for a private customer. The first version featured a thicker solid ash wood frame and a lower backrest. This version was produced and sold in 2012, and it currently resides in an apartment in Mexico City. In January 2016, the development of the new version of Avante began, with the aim of participating in the A' Design Award and Competition 2017. The project concluded in January 2017.

Avante has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award in 2017. This award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

With Avante, Valeriano Villegas Goyos has created a modern sofa that combines the elegance of molded plywood furniture with the comfort and functionality required for a lounge area. Its unique design and attention to detail make it a standout piece in any interior setting.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Valeriano Villegas Goyos
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Valeriano Villegas, Main image, 2016. Image #2: Creator Valeriano Villegas, Front image, 2016. Image #3: Creator Valeriano Villegas, Back image, 2016. Image #4: Creator Valeriano Villegas, Back perspective image, 2016. Image #5: Creator Valeriano Villegas, Context, 2016.
Project Team Members: Valeriano Villegas Goyos
Project Name: Avante
Project Client: Valeriano Villegas Goyos


Avante IMG #2
Avante IMG #3
Avante IMG #4
Avante IMG #5
Avante IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant