Shortlist

Lighten The Load

Student Designer

Lighten The Load

Project Info

Made from an innovative carbon-conscious sheet material, this solid presenting chair is a fraction of the weight of solid wood.

Seeking a sustainable and lightweight alternative to solid wood, this student project has developed a method to laminate a honeycomb cardboard core between thin sheets of plywood, concealed behind an oak trim. Utilising the inherent properties of each material, the process results in a composite sheet material with structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Made entirely from this composite material, the Lighten the Load chair is designed to have a deceptively weighty appearance and to incorporate the tonal contrast between the plywood and oak in a distinctive manner.

Using halving joints throughout allows the chair to feel refined while being easy to assemble, and offers the potential for larger-scale productions.

LocationBrighton

Wood SupplierBrighton University

SpeciesBirch Plywood (Latvia), English Oak (UK). FSC certified

DesignerUrban Template

ManufacturerUrban Template

University / CollegeBrighton University

PhotographerMorris Winby