Anatomy of a Chair

WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Supplied

Founders of local furniture brand Pedersen + Lennard, Luke Pedersen and James Lennard, talk us through the inspiration and design process behind their new Tulbagh Chair.

The idea

A client came to us with a request for an all-timber chair. It was something we’ve wanted to add to our offering for a long time, so this was a great opportunity. For inspiration, we paged through the Cape country furniture books that have been on the studio shelves for years.

A key part of the design process was a trip to the Tulbagh region to get acquainted with a significant piece of South African furniture history. Compared to traditional Cape country furniture, with its ornate European influences, the Tulbagh chair is simpler in style. It fits perfectly into our Pedersen + Lennard aesthetic, and is a reflection of our commitment to considered, functional and timeless design.

The creative methodology

We always begin by trying to identify the essence of the piece. Designs start out as sketches that outline larger elements, such as profiles and proportions, while keeping the reality of the build in the back of the
mind. But it is really in the CAD space that the crux of the design work begins. Translating the original sketches into models is the first step of refinement. We use CAD to hone in on the larger design components, which are then adjusted for the best technical solution. From here, the small details begin to reveal themselves: seats need bow-tie joints for strength; corners need space for detailed finishing; and edges need chamfers to ensure the longevity of softer materials.

This process will repeat and be refined until every detail has been considered. Thereafter, we test the prototype to make sure of build quality, and that it feels right.

The engineering and the materials

We used 100% oak for the frame – it’s all timber. We use no screws, opting for dowels to strengthen the joints. There are four different material options for the chair’s seat – timber, riempie, rattan, and fabric upholstery (including leather) – as customisation has always been key to our ranges. You can also choose from various oil finishes for the timber frame.

The most difficult part of any construction is the corner detailing; all the technicality lies in this tiny space. The corner must provide all the strength in the chair – but this is also where most of the aesthetic detail lives. Inspired by the antique Tulbagh chair and the technical requirements of the piece, we “exploded” the corner to give these details their own space, and the chair an overall sense of lightness. This creates a window into the corner to see the bow-tie joint in the frame of the seat, which shows that the chair is made and secured with wood alone – not a common practice for furniture produced at scale.

The range

Once we have nailed down the methodology, it quickly extrapolates into new product ideas that reflect the same aesthetic and technical resolutions. We’re going to expand the range into dining tables and benches, beds and bedside tables, and perhaps even a few more traditional items, such as folding riempie stools and standing mirrors. | pedersenlennard.co.za

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