Bronzo Arredamento · 2026
On Belay Poltrona lounge
by Chong Zhi Yu
- A' Design Award di Bronzo 2026 in Arredamento
- CLIENT: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 7,215
- Verification code 67EBFD1B40 · Verify this award
Colors
About On Belay Poltrona lounge
On Belay è una poltrona lounge che riutilizza corde da arrampicata dismesse. Le corde non più idonee all'arrampicata conservano resistenza e flessibilità e vengono quindi intrecciate per formare la seduta e lo schienale. La superficie intrecciata è morbida ed elastica e distribuisce il peso in modo uniforme, offrendo sostegno senza elementi rigidi. Il telaio è realizzato in legno di Kapur con giunzioni a mezzo legno e a incastro con tenone, rinforzate da doppi tasselli negli angoli. Le tecniche di intreccio tradizionali si uniscono ai nodi da arrampicata per fissare le corde al telaio. La poltrona misura 600 per 850 per 650 millimetri.
About the A' Design Award di Bronzo
On Belay Poltrona lounge ha vinto l'A' Design Award di Bronzo, un riconoscimento altamente prestigioso conferito a design eccezionali che si distinguono per creatività, ingegno e astuzia. I vincitori di Bronzo sono manufatti ampiamente abili e sorprendentemente creativi che autenticano la vasta esperienza, l'immaginazione e l'intraprendenza dei loro designer. Ci si aspetta che On Belay Poltrona lounge sia un oggetto molto apprezzato, ammirato e amato, notevolmente professionale e innovativo. Questo design vincitore dell'A' Design Award di Bronzo incorpora le migliori pratiche dell'arte, della scienza, del design e della tecnologia, ed è eccellente per l'attenzione al dettaglio. On Belay Poltrona lounge soddisfa splendidamente i bisogni, tocca i desideri, affascina i sentimenti e attira la curiosità.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- On Belay ingeniously repurposes discarded climbing ropes as integral structural and tactile elements of a lounge chair. Though no longer fit for safety-critical use after extended wear or falls, these ropes retain strength and flexibility ideal for furniture applications. Woven meticulously into the seat and backrest, the design redefines lifesaving equipment into a durable, sustainable, and comfortable seating experience that bridges heritage craft with modern ecological responsibility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 600 mm x Depth 850 mm x Height 650 mm
- Tags
- Sustainable , Upcycled materials, Climbing rope, Lounge chair, Tension weaving, Recycled furniture, Knotting techniques, Outdoor , Ergonomic seating, Conceptual furniture
- Production Technology
- The seating structure combines traditional weaving techniques learned in Thailand with climbing rope knotting methods to bind reclaimed ropes securely onto a Kapur wood frame. The chair’s frame uses time-honored joinery methods including lap and bridle joints reinforced with dual dowels at frame corners to ensure strength and durability.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this project was that it was our first, so many aspects were unfamiliar, especially weaving and knotting techniques. These skills required extensive practice and patience to master. Additionally, limited information and guidance made the learning curve steep. Overcoming these challenges deepened my understanding of material manipulation and craftsmanship, which was crucial for realizing the design successfully.
- Research
- I focused on upcycled materials and chose climbing ropes for this project. I researched various weaving techniques and climbing knotting methods, alongside exploring line art for visual inspiration. During mock-up stages, I drilled multiple holes to find optimal positions and consulted with my mentor to determine the best structure and joinery for the chair frame. I tested different diameters of climbing ropes and ultimately selected 5mm support rope for its balance of aesthetics and comfort. I am very satisfied with the final product. This design taught me that upcycling can be both practical and visually appealing.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the themes of safety, trust, and connection inherent in rock climbing culture, On Belay transforms retired climbing ropes symbols of protection and resilience into core materials for furniture. These ropes embody stories of endurance and rebirth, and through creative upcycling, the design offers a poetic metaphor for rest and renewal, highlighting sustainable innovation intertwined with emotional narratives.
- Project Duration
- This Project started in August 2025 in Singapore NAFA and finished in NAFA's workshop.
- Operation Flow
- The woven climbing rope seat provides a soft, flexible surface that naturally conforms to the human body, evenly distributing weight to deliver ergonomic support without rigid components. Its minimalist yet stable construction fosters a sense of security and calm, evoking the trust foundational to climbing safety. This tactile interaction invites relaxation and mindfulness, transforming the chair into a restorative haven for body and mind.
