APART

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

Apart is a robust and straightforward 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 results from investigations of eelgrass and hair-lock as alternatives to foam. The series shows that creating a voluminous look with organic materials is possible by working with upholstery compartments. The compartment technique ensures that the material's fibres do not break or collapse but keep the shape and cushioning intact.

The treatment of foam requires vast amounts of energy. Hazardous chemicals make the material flame-retardant, which later evaporates in the home. The amount of energy used in raw material extraction, manufacturing and transportation plays a large part in the environmental impact of the furniture industry. Moreover, the ability of the material to bind CO2 also plays an integral 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 moisture from the surroundings, which ensures a healthy indoor climate.

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

Due to the modular construction, the same principles can be used to produce a series of different pieces of furniture. The variable length of the frame, the quarter-circle legs, and the upholstery compartments result in benches, stools, and bar stools.

Materials: Oregon pine, Eel grass, hairlock, textile from Kjellerup Væveri.