Spanish industrial designers Rafa Peris and David Guilmain, working under the collective name Pecadora, have created an innovative furniture piece called the MT Chair that showcases the potential of bent plywood construction. The minimalist chair design uses only two sheets of plywood and requires no hardware whatsoever, yet can support an impressive 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of weight.
The construction process involves sophisticated manufacturing techniques, including the use of 5-axis CNC machinery during production. While the designers have not disclosed the specific assembly methods, the advanced CNC technology is believed to be used for precision trimming of the chair's edges to achieve its final shape after the two plywood sheets are bonded together. The original sheets likely start much larger than the finished product before being shaped and refined.
The MT Chair represents a compelling example of how traditional materials like plywood can be transformed through modern design and manufacturing techniques. The piece demonstrates the designers' ability to create structural integrity and aesthetic appeal using minimal components, challenging conventional furniture construction methods that typically rely on multiple parts and connecting hardware.
Currently, the MT Chair appears to serve as a statement piece showcasing the designers' technical skills and creative vision rather than a commercially available product. The chair does not appear to be in active production, positioning it more as a design exploration and proof of concept for innovative plywood furniture construction techniques.
The project highlights the growing trend among contemporary industrial designers to push the boundaries of traditional materials and manufacturing processes. By eliminating hardware and reducing the design to its essential elements, Pecadora has created a piece that embodies both functional engineering and minimalist aesthetic principles, contributing to the broader conversation about sustainable and efficient furniture design.
