Beke Kitchen Bar Chair: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Elegance

An Ergonomic and Aesthetic Design for Extended Comfort

The Beke kitchen bar chair, designed by John G Williams, is a perfect combination of comfort and elegance. Inspired by the Danish Modern simplicity and South African Cape Dutch architectural motifs, this chair aims to provide users with a sense of peace and connection while sitting at the breakfast bar. With its unique design and innovative construction techniques, the Beke kitchen bar chair stands out as a sophisticated addition to any kitchen.

The Beke kitchen bar chair is not just a regular bar stool; it is designed to offer extended comfort for those long conversations or shared moments at the kitchen counter. The geometry of the seat, backrest, and footrest has been carefully tailored to ensure maximum comfort. The seat, made from a custom plywood laminate finished in walnut veneer, follows an architectural form that not only looks elegant but also provides excellent support.

One of the standout features of the Beke kitchen bar chair is its rear legs. These legs are formed in two parts: first, they are steam bent to achieve their graceful shape, and then they are laminated for long-term dimensional stability. This innovative combination of steam bending and lamination ensures both strength and durability, making the chair stable and reliable.

The backrest of the Beke kitchen bar chair is constructed using the ancient art of coopering. The backrest staves are cut with edges slightly off perpendicular, so when glued together, they naturally pull into a curved form. This technique not only adds to the chair's aesthetic appeal but also provides excellent back support.

The rails of the Beke kitchen bar chair incorporate forms inspired by local Cape Dutch architecture. These forms are achieved by trimming the rails to custom templates, resulting in a unique and visually striking design. The clean ash frame of the chair beautifully showcases the richness of the local and international hardwoods used.

Measuring 1080mm high x 470mm wide x 670mm deep, the Beke kitchen bar chair is designed to fit perfectly at any kitchen counter. With a seat angle of 3 degrees and a backrest angle of 18 degrees, it provides optimal comfort for extended periods of use. The chair weighs 7.0kg, making it easy to move around when needed.

The Beke kitchen bar chair is the result of approximately 4 weeks of design and manufacturing in Johannesburg. Extensive research was conducted to ensure the chair's geometry and manufacturing processes met the highest standards. Overcoming challenges in conceptualizing a design that was unique yet congruent with the existing dining chair, as well as mastering the dynamics of steam bending and lamination, led to the creation of this exceptional piece of furniture.

The Beke kitchen bar chair, with its elegant design and exceptional comfort, is a true testament to John G Williams' creativity and craftsmanship. It has been recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2019, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. With the Beke kitchen bar chair, you can elevate your kitchen space with a touch of sophistication and enjoy moments of peace and connection.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: John G Williams
Image Credits: John G Williams
Project Team Members: John G Williams
Project Name: Beke
Project Client: John G Williams


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