The Slot Chair: A Minimalist Approach to Structural Innovation
The Slot Chair demonstrates an approach to furniture design that prioritizes both material efficiency and structural integrity. Designed by Bored Eye Design, the chair consists of two interlocking pieces of plywood, illustrating the potential of efficient material use and construction.
Structural Design and Functionality
The Slot Chair is composed of a single curved plywood sheet forming the seat and backrest, while a second element slots in to provide support. The design process involved multiple iterations to achieve both stability and usability.
Initial prototypes explored a two-piece construction with different angles and interlocking methods. While visually refined, these early versions presented challenges in durability and weight distribution. A subsequent iteration introduced a third component for additional reinforcement. However, further refinements allowed the final design to return to the original two-piece structure while maintaining functionality.
Material Considerations and Sustainability
The Slot Chair incorporates plywood, a widely used and renewable material, aiming to minimize material waste while ensuring durability. The layered composition of plywood contributes to the chair’s structural performance.
The chair’s stackable design improves logistical efficiency, reducing the space required for shipping and storage. Although not fully flat-pack due to its curved form, its ability to stack optimizes transportation, potentially lowering carbon emissions. These characteristics make it suitable for applications requiring adaptable and space-efficient seating solutions, such as event spaces and cafes.
Aesthetic and Practical Applications
The Slot Chair’s design is aligned with contemporary trends in Scandinavian and minimalist interiors, characterised by clean lines and natural materials. Its form and wood finish contribute to its versatility in both residential and commercial settings.
The interlocking structure allows for straightforward assembly and disassembly, requiring minimal tools or expertise. This feature enhances its practicality in spaces requiring flexible and temporary furniture solutions.
Source: Yanko Design
Photos: Bored Eye Design