ECHO Chair Uses Recycled Plastics in Large-Scale 3D Printing
ZHA has collaborated with Spanish large-scale 3D printing company Nagami on the ECHO Chair, a furniture collection that combines computational design with additive manufacturing. Developed through research at ZHA Lab, the chair is manufactured using recycled plastic feedstocks and continuous-extrusion 3D printing.
According to Nagami, the production process uses recycled plastics recovered from waste streams and converts them into new products for architecture and design. The chair is printed in a single continuous process rather than being assembled from multiple components.
Continuous Geometry
The ECHO Chair explores the concept of an echo as a geometric condition rather than an acoustic phenomenon. The design is based on two continuous surfaces that emerge from a shared structural edge. Both surfaces originate from the same geometry but perform different functions.
One surface forms the seat and base, while the other forms the backrest and supporting structure. This approach combines the structural and ergonomic elements into one continuous form.
The chair measures 543 × 634 × 699 mm.
Material Variations
The collection is available in several material finishes while maintaining the same underlying geometry. These include translucent and reflective finishes, warm mineral-inspired tones and opaque black.
According to ZHA, the colour palette references tonal transitions found in natural landscapes and reflects the project’s themes of continuity, transformation and resonance. The design also investigates how geometry and material influence the interaction between the object and the user.
Exhibited at London Creates
The ECHO Chair collection is currently on display at LONDON CREATES, an exhibition curated by ZHA and Archisource at The Truman Brewery in London. The exhibition is open to the public until 26 July 2026.
Source: ZHA
Images: ZHA / Maria Docam Studio