APART

In the Apart series, the upholstery compartments enable an alternative to foam in seat construction.

Apart is a robust and simple furniture series developed under two self-imposed restrictions: 1) requiring natural, voluminous alternatives to foam and 2) requiring industrial production with a reduction of the environmental impacts of shipping The upholstery is a result of investigations of eel grass and hair-lock as alternatives to foam. The series shows that it is possible to create a voluminous look with organic materials by working with upholstery compartments. The compartment technique ensures that the fibres of the material do not break or collapse but instead keep the shape and cushioning intact.

The treatment of foam requires vast amounts of energy. To make the material flame-retardant, hazardous chemicals are used which later evaporate in the home. The amount of energy used in raw material extraction, manufacturing and transportation play a large part in the environmental impact of the furniture industry. Moreover, the ability of the material to bind CO2 also plays an important part in reducing the environmental impact of furniture. Eel grass has previously been used in mattresses and has been shown to have a high lifespan. Like wood, eel grass binds a large amount of CO2.

Both materials are hygroscopic meaning that they have characteristics that enable them to absorb and release that moisture of the surroundings which ensures a healthy indoor climate.

Because of its high concentration of salt, eel grass is naturally flame-retardant and resilient against rot, fungal- and insect infestations. Although the furniture is easily re-assembled after transport or taken apart when not in use, the individual pieces present themselves with a precise aesthetic expression without visible joints. This is due to the usage of a special type of hinge developed by SISO which allows for a tight and solid joint ensuring that the furniture can be disand reassembled numerous times without compromising its structural integrity or aesthetic.

Due to the modular construction it is possible to use the same principles in the production of a series of different pieces of furniture. The variable length of the frame, the quarter circular legs, and the upholstery compartments result in benches, stools and bar stools.

Materials: Oregon pine, Eel gras, hairlock, textile from Kjellerup Væveri