Furniture can do more than stylishly top off a project. In commercial interiors, seating options help individuals understand how to use a space. These chairs offer ergonomic comfort, privacy, or extra room for a newspaper or computer—all to let users know they’re welcome to stay for a while. That’s not all. We round out this week’s collection with a sustainable carpet and a ceiling with swing-down access to building systems, each made from recycled materials.
Tia Maria Armchair, Moroso
Italian architect Enrico Franzolini created the Tia Maria armchair for Moroso with ergonomics in mind. Its sturdy upholstery (leather, shown) cradles a user in a reclined seating position and, along with the slant of its frame and asymmetric arms, provides maximum comfort. The chair measures 14.6” tall by 32.3” wide by 37.4” deep, with a base made of chromed tubular steel. It joins a small chair and a larger armchair to make up the Tia Maria collection. moroso.it
Echelon Frame and Panel System, Hunter Douglas
As building systems are increasingly integrated into the ceiling, building owners and service providers require ready access to the space. Echelon from Hunter Douglas provides both noise reduction and swing-down access to the plenum. The acoustical ceiling system features a noise-reduction coefficient of 0.85, and its panels measure up to 4’ square. Echelon contains up to 30% recycled content and is Greenguard certified. Available in white as well as a range of colored, wood, and textured finishes. hunterdouglascontract.com
Largo, Beaufurn
From college cafeterias to school libraries to hotels, chairs in public spaces often take a beating. Largo from Beaufurn offers both style and strength with a square-tube metal frame that is powdercoated for durability. The stacking chair’s all-wood back is available in four finishes with either a cutout for easy moving or perforations (shown). The seat comes in wood or can be upholstered. beaufurn.com
Windowseat Lounge, Haworth
Anyone who’s sat in a window seat knows the comfort it can provide. But in most contract situations, built-ins just aren’t feasible. Windowseat, designed by Mike & Maaike, a San Francisco-based industrial design studio, is one alternative. Created for the Haworth Collection, it combines the privacy of a window seat with the mobility of a free-standing chair. Windowseat is fully upholstered over a foam-padded rigid steel frame. It has a swivel base and is offered with or without sides that extend overhead to enclose the space. A matching ottoman is available. haworthcollection.com
Ro, Republic of Fritz Hansen
Created by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon for Republic of Fritz Hansen, Ro, which means “tranquility” in Danish, offers a contemporary take on the traditional easy chair. The company bills the chair as a “1 ½ seater” that can accommodate a child, newspaper, or computer alongside the sitter. Its hard shell contrasts a soft, upholstered interior. Available in nine colors. fritzhansen.com
Net Effect, Interface
It’s one thing to be inspired by the ocean, but it’s another to try to preserve it. A joint collaboration between the Zoological Society of London and carpet manufacturer Interface, Net Effect is made from the nylon found in discarded fishing nets that are reclaimed locally. The collection of six modular carpet tiles comes in three 50-cm-square tiles (a neutral ground, a transition tile, and a textural accent). interface.com
