TREY
"Design a responsibly crafted wooden chair that thoughtfully considers tools, techniques, structural integrity, and ergonomics, while also addressing ethical, social, and environmental sustainability."
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This chair takes its name from its defining feature, the triangular form created by the intersection of the leg, backrest, and seat. The gentle curves of the seat and backrest contrast beautifully with the crisp angles of the side frames, creating a visually compelling balance of softness and structure.
Inspiration, sketching, and mini models
Thinking about what kind of space I envision my design to fit in, what characteristics from existing chairs I wanted to incorporate, and beginning the process of figuring out how to flat pack.
Full-scale prototype
I constructed a full-scale, rough-draft model of my final chair design. Since it was only a prototype, I didn’t use all of the intended production methods, such as vacuum bag wood bending. After evaluating the prototype, I made several significant changes, including reducing the overall scale, increasing the recline, thickening the side frames, and refining the shape of both the seat and backrest.
Final model process
The process included preparing and cutting wood to precise dimensions, cutting angles, making domino joints, and building gluing jigs. I glued the joints, routed the edges, created a vacuum bag mold, and cut both plywood and veneer. I then laminated the layers and used the vacuum bag to bend the seat and backrest. After shaping the seat, I drilled screw holes and ensured the entire chair could be disassembled for ease of transport and assembly.
Assembly and considerations
This chair can be easily disassembled into four parts using a simple Allen key. Two side frames, a seat, and a backrest. It’s designed for effortless assembly and disassembly by a single person. Prioritizing disassembly was important to me, as it allows the chair to be shipped in a compact flat box, supporting sustainability, ease of transport, and overall simplicity.
