Bronze Furniture Design · 2025
Dolomite Armchair
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Gabriela Casagrande Arquitetura
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,518
- Verification code 0F9E63B0D8 · Verify this award
About Dolomite Armchair
Dolomite is an armchair designed for residential and corporate interiors. The form is continuous, with a smooth transition from the backrest to the armrests. The structure is made of certified tauari wood, and the upholstery is available in boucle or canvas in white and beige tones. The armchair measures 74 cm in width, 64 cm in depth and 64 cm in height, with a seat height of 38 cm. The compact proportions suit both small rooms and architectural projects. Production is carried out by local artisans using traditional woodworking techniques.
Gabriela Casagrande's Dolomite Armchair emerges from contemporary furniture design traditions that honor both sculptural expressiveness and functional refinement, positioning this seating design within ongoing conversations about organic modernism, material authenticity, and the elevation of utilitarian objects to the status of contemplative art. The compositional achievement demonstrates sophisticated understanding of three-dimensional form development, where bold curved wooden elements establish dynamic structural and visual frameworks that simultaneously support the sitter and create powerful aesthetic presence, the generous radii and continuous flowing lines suggesting influences ranging from historical bentwood innovations to mid-century organic modernism's commitment to biomorphic form languages. The technical execution reveals considerable facility in complex curve manipulation and joinery precision, particularly evident in how the bentwood components maintain consistent wall thickness while describing varying radii and trajectories, their rich walnut surfaces finished to enhance rather than obscure the inherent figure and grain patterns that testify to organic growth processes. The chromatic sophistication lies not in polychromatic complexity but in subtle tonal modulation within a restrained earth palette, where darker walnut zones provide grounding weight, lighter sapwood banding creates luminous linear accents that articulate form boundaries, and cream upholstery offers soft chromatic and textural counterpoint, the overall analogous harmony evoking natural material honestly deployed rather than artificially imposed color. The integration of contrasting materials achieves formal and experiential success, hard polished wood providing structural elegance and visual clarity while soft textile surfaces promise haptic comfort and bodily accommodation, this dialogue between geometry and yielding organic form, between visual sculpture and functional furniture, suggesting design intelligence that refuses simplistic categorical divisions. The work invites consideration of how contemporary furniture design might honor craft traditions and material integrity while exploring sculptural possibilities, how seating objects can function simultaneously as utilitarian supports and aesthetic statements worthy of sustained formal attention, and how the language of curves, the eloquence of wood grain, and the invitation of soft surfaces might combine to create domestic objects that enrich daily living through beauty, comfort, and the quiet presence of thoughtful making. How might this armchair's balance of sculptural confidence and functional invitation suggest broader possibilities for furniture that elevates everyday experience through formal sophistication and material authenticity, and what does its celebration of visible craft and premium natural materials communicate about values of permanence, care, and aesthetic attention in contemporary domestic environments?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Dolomite Armchair embodies the balance between design and functionality, featuring continuous forms that provide comfort and visual fluidity. Its boucle or canvas upholstery, combined with a certified tauari wood structure, enhances sophistication and environmental commitment. The piece stands out for its well researched ergonomics, versatile proportions, and an artisanal production process that values sustainability and local craftsmanship.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Total height: 64 cm
Seat height: 38 cm
Width: 74 cm
Depth: 64 cm
Material: Structure in certified tauari wood, upholstery in boucle or canvas in white and beige tones.
Compact yet exceptionally comfortable, the armchair is ideal for both residential and corporate environments. Its ergonomic design and well balanced proportions ensure versatility and sophistication. - Tags
- Dolomite, armchair, Brazilian design, artisanal furniture, certified wood, ergonomics, woodworking, sustainability, fluid aesthetics, comfort
- Production Technology
- Crafted from certified tauari wood, the Dolomite Armchair combines traditional woodworking techniques with a contemporary design. The upholstery, available in neutral toned boucle and canvas, is sourced from environmentally responsible companies. The piece is produced by local artisans, ensuring high-quality finishing and promoting sustainability through the conscious use of materials and support for the regional economy.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was creating a design that combined fluid aesthetics with effective ergonomics. The continuous structure required detailed studies of proportions and woodworking techniques to ensure both durability and comfort. Additionally, sourcing sustainable materials and suppliers committed to ecological practices added complexity to the process. Overcoming these challenges resulted in a sophisticated, functional, and environmentally responsible piece.
- Project Duration
- The project began in August 2023 in Curitiba, Brazil, and was exhibited at Milan Design Week in April 2024. Designed with a focus on ergonomics and comfort, the Dolomite Armchair was also conceived to seamlessly integrate into architectural projects, with special attention to scale. Produced by local artisans, it combines high-quality craftsmanship with sustainability, promoting responsible material use and strengthening the regional economy.
- Operation Flow
- The Dolomite Armchair is designed to offer an intuitive and comfortable user experience. Its ergonomic shape gently accommodates the body, promoting relaxation. The seamless transition from backrest to armrests provides support without excess, while the selected materials create a warm tactile sensation. The piece integrates easily into various settings, making it ideal for rest, reading, or socializing.
- Research
- The project was based on research into ergonomics, sustainable materials, and artisanal production processes. The goal was to create an armchair that balanced comfort, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. Different types of wood and fabrics were analyzed, prioritizing certified suppliers. The methodology involved prototyping and ergonomic testing. The result is a piece that combines durability, versatility, and reduced environmental impact.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the gentle curves of the Serra Paranaense, the Dolomite Armchair reflects the pursuit of a design that harmonizes with nature and contemporary well-being. Its concept unites aesthetics and functionality, creating a refuge for moments of contemplation. The selection of natural materials and artisanal techniques enhances a design that prioritizes sensory experience, making the piece not just furniture but an invitation to comfort and presence.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Adalberto Rodrigues, Dolomite Armchair, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer Adalberto Rodrigues, Dolomite Armchair, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Adalberto Rodrigues, Dolomite Armchair, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer Adalberto Rodrigues, Dolomite Armchair, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Adalberto Rodrigues, Dolomite Armchair, 2024. - Patents
- BR 30 2024 001118 0
Colors of Dolomite Armchair
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