The Sinking Chair is a limited-edition sculptural furniture piece that merges experimental materiality with conceptual design. Created by designer Philipp Aduatz, the chair offers a commentary on memory, trauma, and the lasting impact of societal conflict. Inspired by cinematic references—particularly Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining—the chair creates a visual illusion of being submerged in a pool of red resin, symbolising enduring psychological and political tensions.

Material Composition and Fabrication Process
The chair was produced using a combination of 3D printed concrete, wood, glass fibres, and epoxy resin. The structure was first printed in concrete using additive manufacturing, enabling precise geometries and reduced material waste compared to traditional moulding methods. Concrete, typically used in architectural and structural applications, brings a sense of permanence and rigidity to the design.

A base composed of wood and glass fibres was then added to support the structure. This hybrid approach provides both strength and a level of material contrast. The entire assembly was placed in a mould, and red-tinted epoxy resin was poured to encapsulate the base of the chair. Once cured, the base was meticulously sanded and polished to a high-gloss finish, enhancing the visual depth and tactile quality of the piece.

Design Relevance and Application
While the Sinking Chair is not intended for mass production, it serves as a case study for interior and product designers interested in material experimentation, emotional engagement through design, and the integration of digital fabrication techniques into furniture making. The use of 3D printing with concrete opens possibilities for custom, one-off designs with minimal formwork, offering a more sustainable approach for limited-edition pieces.

In addition, the use of epoxy resin and glass fibres highlights the potential for combining materials in innovative ways that balance aesthetics with structural performance. Although the materials are not biobased or fully recyclable, the controlled fabrication process and limited-edition nature align with a slower, more considered production model that values longevity and artistic expression.

Installation and Exhibition
The Sinking Chair will be exhibited at the Isola Design Gallery during Milan Design Week, taking place from 7–13 April 2025 at Basic Village, Via Dell’Aprica 12, 20158 Milan. The piece is released as a limited edition of eight chairs, plus two artist proofs and one prototype.

Source: Philipp Aduatz
Photos: Philipp Aduatz