Karekla: A Unique Blend of Art and Functionality

Designer Phebos Xenakis Transforms Neglected Wooden Shells into Award-Winning Furniture

The Karekla chair was inspired by the desire to preserve the original shape of wooden shells while incorporating a new function - a seating element. These wooden shells, initially neglected and gifted to a school by a furniture company, found a new life in Xenakis' design studio. The designer's creative process involved cutting the shell into segments, transforming it into a unique and functional chair.

When a user sits on the Karekla chair, the segments yield to the user's weight, creating a comfortable seating experience. Once the user stands up, the shell returns to its original shape, forming an almost sculptural object. This dynamic interaction between the user and the chair adds an element of surprise and delight, enhancing the overall user experience.

The chair is composed of two main components - a steel frame and a plywood shell. The segments were cut using a circular saw, and the frame was welded together, following the same S shape as the shell. Remarkably, the design does not incorporate any additional springs or rubber bands. The flexibility is a result of careful research and the combination of the shell's S shape, its thickness, and the width of the segments.

Despite the initial challenges of creating a comfortable seating element from an uncomfortable wooden shell, Xenakis succeeded in his endeavor. The designer cleverly hid a safety arch underneath the chair to prevent the segments from flexing too far when a person sits on it. This design decision not only ensured user safety but also maintained the chair's abstract appearance, prompting users to question its primary function.

The Karekla chair, with its dimensions of 600mm width, 600mm depth, and 530mm height, is a testament to Xenakis' innovative design approach. It's not just a chair; it's a piece of art that brings a comical twist to the concept of seating. The chair's unusual and abstract appearance, coupled with its functionality, earned it the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2018, an accolade reserved for designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

Through the Karekla chair, Xenakis has demonstrated how design can breathe new life into neglected materials, creating a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. This project is a shining example of the potential of upcycling in design, and it serves as an inspiration for designers and artists worldwide.