Metal is often perceived as hard, cold and rigid. As a metalworker, I experience it differently, seeing it as a material that can be folded, shaped and brought to life by the human body. The 'Stephan' lounge chair embodies this duality, translating the logic of Kirigami (a form of origami in which paper is both folded and cut) into a solid metal structure.
Folded from a single sheet, the chair has a sculptural appearance with a brutalist front view and a surprisingly delicate side profile. Although its form suggests stability and mass, it subtly reacts to the user. When someone sits down, the structure yields slightly under their weight, transforming a static object into a dynamic seating experience.
The design is defined by precise alignment, large radii and chamfered edges, which reinforce the continuity of the folded geometry. The 100% wool felt upholstery provides comfort and shares the same material qualities as the metal body: durability, honesty and full recyclability.
'Stephan' is a chair that challenges expectations in terms of both materiality and physicality by combining responsiveness with sustainability in a monumental piece.
Bio At Böwing Design, we blend purist aesthetics with masterful craftsmanship. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea of 'reducing to the essentials', and we create furniture that balances raw, recyclable materials such as metal, leather, and natural wool felt.
Each piece has clear lines and tactile depth and is handcrafted to ensure extreme longevity. For us, sustainability means making pieces that will survive for generations and make a timeless statement.
Other prizes 1st place in the German national competition “Die gute Form 2019” (Good Design 2019) – design in metalworking
