Filoferru: A Sculptural Marvel in Outdoor Furniture

Robby Cantarutti's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Nature's Organic Shapes

The design of Filoferru was inspired by the Diamond Bertoia chair, but Cantarutti took it a step further by shaping steel wires to mimic the growth rings of a tree. Just as these rings adapt to the tree's growth conditions, the wires of Filoferru adapt to the function of seating, creating a unique and engaging design.

What sets Filoferru apart is its simplicity and singularity of material. The entire collection, which includes a lounge chair, stool, and lamp, is constructed from a single material: steel rod. The form, while simple, is highly sculptural and reminiscent of complex organic shapes found in nature. It appears as though the material has been molded to create the function of the chair.

The chair was realized using CNC bending and steel welding technologies. The technical specifications of the chair are 65cm in length, 60cm in width, and 75cm in height, with a seating height of 45cm. The design project, which began and ended in Udine in 2015, was a collaborative effort between Cantarutti and architect Francesca Petricich.

The fundamental concept behind Filoferru was to create a shape from steel wires that could be used in various pieces of furniture. The design research focused on forms created by wires that are molded to give a function, with materials primarily inspired by organic lines found in nature. The use of CNC bending machines enabled the development of this form, which was designed using parametric CAD.

One of the main challenges in designing Filoferru was the desire to imitate basic natural forms that could help develop the concepts of form usually adopted. The chair, like the rest of the collection, stems from the need to develop a simple form constructed from a single material: steel rod. The form, while linear, recalls the complex organic shapes of nature.

For its innovative design and exceptional execution, Filoferru was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.