CHIPS Mesh easy chair

“I like to work with translucent materials, so in this design I chose a visually light yet intentionally oversized backrest, which is made from perforated fabric framed by manually bent wood,” describes Lucie Koldová the key features of Chips.‎ Her signature style, best known for her work with light fixtures, enables the chair and the space that surrounds it to permeate each other harmoniously.‎ “I wanted a chair that would be defined by its gentle curves, a chair that would be comfortable and inviting at first glance.‎ A solitary piece with a distinctive character and story.‎ And in contrast to a conventional chair, I wanted a chair that would feel sexy,” adds the designer.‎

Chips hits the mark.‎ The commanding, airy backrest, which also forms part of the chair base, resembles the typical shape of a potato chip.‎ The backrest stands in strong contrast to the massive seat, which is supported by moulded plywood.‎ In addition, seating comfort is enhanced with a removable back pillow.‎ “At first I thought that the most challenging part of the design would be forming the backrest.‎ Surprisingly, we had to pay more attention to the strength of the chair base, to ensure that the backrest would withstand the forces applied to it,” reveals the designer.‎

Next to its sensual shape, Chips is interesting for its manual wood-bending production process.‎ “I recommend a look at the video showing how individual bentwood pieces are made.‎ It's fascinating – fast and yet complex.‎ I see it as a creative dance,” says Koldová.‎ It all begins with steaming the beechwood in special steam baths, where it stays for several hours.‎ Once steamed, the wood is placed into metal moulds and secured by a special flange that applies pressure and allows it to be shaped into a new form.‎ The wood is then dried, left to acclimatise for several weeks, sanded, stained and varnished.‎ In Bystřice pod Hostýnem furniture has been made this way since 1861.‎