paloma
oVERSIZED aRMCHAIR
„Paloma“ is an oversized, trapezoidal armchair designed for reading and ultimate relaxation. The design thrives on contrast: a rigid, cage-like framework with ultra-soft, voluminous cushions. Warm coffee house tones pair with the light ash wood to create an inviting, modern aesthetic.
1. Project Brief & Constraints
The task was to design a functional, low-complexity piece of furniture on a 1:1 scale. The defining challenge was a strict limitation on material resources: designs were restricted entirely to ash wood profiles (27×27 mm) and round bending wire (Ø 6 mm).
2. Wood joinery
Prototyping & Engineering
The iterative design process evolved from 1:5 scale models to 1:1 pine pre-models, and finally the ash wood prototype. 3D modeling was executed in Rhino, with technical drawings and three-view projections done in SolidWorks. A major technical milestone was engineering custom wood joints specifically for this frame.
3. Craftsmanship & Fabrication
The manufacturing phase involved a steep, hands-on learning curve. Core fabrication included designing and welding the load-bearing steel structure and manually crafting the complex wood joints. I also completely self-taught the upholstery process—from pattern making and foam cutting to sewing the final covers.
4. Final Product
The project resulted in a comprehensive set of physical and digital assets. Deliverables included 1:5 scale models, a 1:1 pine pre-model, tape scale visualizations, the final full-scale seating model, custom wood joint samples, detailed technical drawings, and high-quality KeyShot renderings.
