D01 Chair - the first densified wood chair
Category: Furniture
Competitions: Home Competition [Now Closed]
The D01 Chair is a densified radiata pine chair, the first of its kind. For this project the relatively unknown technique of wood densification was brought to the design landscape as a means of making the most of the already most sustainable material in the world. As well as explore the opportunities that wood densification presents to furniture design. Platforms to densify wood were designed and built as part of the Dense Project, wood densification proved capable of taking radiata pine from a low value disposable soft wood to a greatly improved material, as its greater density provides improved mechanical properties as well as an evolved sensory profile with distinct coloration, finish and scent. All through a purely hydro-thermo-mechanical process that keeps wood in its completely natural state. D01 chair proves even expendable soft woods like radiata pine can have their place in furniture and simultaneously help to relieve demand for endangered wood species that are sought after for their durability. It also demonstrates the ability to optimize material usage through specific density profiles for each member of the chair, allowing for great weight management and efficiency with a total chair weight of only 2.3 kilograms. The D01 chair is composed of 16 elements with a 16x16mm section which grant it its memorably slender appearance whilst maintaining complete structural resilience through subtle joinery that comes together without relying on metal fasteners, keeping with its pure wood innovation and sustainable spirit. D01’s value lies in its structure and careful composition, avoiding any single standout feature or fine detail to not disrupt the delicate poise granted by the orthogonal configuration of its elements. Manufacturing is a relatively simple process without need for great material removal or energy-intensive milling operations, readily available 2x2 dimensional lumber can be subject to densification through the Dense Project platforms which provide densified wood with much greater durability, and all the same ecological and recyclability credentials that are expected from natural wood.
