Repose: A Strikingly Beautiful Lounge Chair Crafted from Solid Timber

Pushing the Boundaries of Solid Hardwood Construction

The inspiration behind Repose was to extend the design language of the Beke and Zene dining ranges to lounge furniture. The challenge was to create a lounge chair that was not only visually striking but also profoundly comfortable. The result is a chair that combines the clean modern curves of a modern shell design with the warmth and richness of solid timber.

What sets Repose apart from other lounge chairs is its construction. Unlike many chairs that are molded or made from pressed laminates, Repose is crafted from solid timber. The curved form of the chair is achieved through an extreme form of the "coopering" process, similar to the process used to construct round barrels from staves of timber.

The seat of the Repose lounge chair is made by laminating various pieces of timber with angled edges to create the desired curves. The inside curves are machined into smooth curves with custom-made tooling, while the arm uppers retain a segmented feel, adding a touch of uniqueness to the design. The rear legs are steam bent to maintain the chair's overall simplicity and to provide stability to the top part of the chair arms. The backrest is also a curved laminated, solid-wood form.

Despite its solid timber construction, the Repose lounge chair is designed to be as comfortable as an upholstered equivalent. The user settles comfortably into the seat using the armrests, and various postures are supported, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable sitting experience. Getting out of the chair is easy and facilitated by the arms.

The Repose lounge chair was designed and the first prototype built in Johannesburg, South Africa, over a period of four weeks, starting in December 2018. The design was then refined and built using finished materials, including American Ash for the frame and American Walnut for the seat and back, over the following four weeks.

Recognized for its exceptional design, the Repose lounge chair was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Repose lounge chair stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its ability to provide fulfillment and positive feelings to its users.

With its sweeping architectural forms and solid timber construction, the Repose lounge chair is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a work of art. Its clean modern curves and rich surfaces make it a striking addition to any living space, inviting users to "re-pose" and focus their energies in a comfortable and alert manner.