A Study in Counterbalance - Hemp Chair
2025/2026
2025/2026
A plant-fibre composite chair with a legible, honest structure based on counterbalance and tension.
Developed in Thailand, the chair combines hemp fabric and pineapple-leaf agricultural by-product in a counterbalanced structure. A tensioned rope allows the elements to remain thin and precise, supporting both upright sitting and a reclined posture that gently elongates the spine.
The chair is held by forces rather than parts. There is no hidden frame, no hierarchy between skin and support. What carries the body is the continuous negotiation of counterbalancing forces.
LINEAGE
Hemp Chair continues an investigation into balance and structural counterweight using renewable fibers and bio-composite fabrication.
Hemp Chair continues an investigation into balance and structural counterweight using renewable fibers and bio-composite fabrication.
A first iteration: 'Counterpoise Chair'
Hemp Chair takes the loom as a quiet reference
MATERIALS:
Hemp fabric and pineapple-leaf fibre composite shells, solid wood, tensioned rope
DIMENSIONS:
55cm x 58cm x 86cm (seat height 44cm)
STATUS:
Prototype, 2025-2026
Hemp fabric and pineapple-leaf fibre composite shells, solid wood, tensioned rope
DIMENSIONS:
55cm x 58cm x 86cm (seat height 44cm)
STATUS:
Prototype, 2025-2026
Presented at Milan Design Week 2026, Isola's No Space For Waste exhibition.
Read on Designboom 2026
LICENSING AND COLLABORATION INQUIRIES WELCOME
Hemp Chair was developed as an exploration of embodied design and sustainable material innovation. The project is open to conversations with furniture brands, manufacturers and licensing partners interested in bringing the chair to a wider audience.
Hemp Chair was developed as an exploration of embodied design and sustainable material innovation. The project is open to conversations with furniture brands, manufacturers and licensing partners interested in bringing the chair to a wider audience.
Get in touch: veronica.olariu@gmail.com
