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1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

1.3 Chair by Ki Hyun Kim

Show RCA 2011: here's another project by Royal College of Art graduate Ki Hyun Kim: a balsa wood dining chair that weighs just 1.3 kilograms, making it even lighter than Gio Ponti's famous 1.7 kilogram Superleggera chair.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

The chair is made of compressed balsa wood protected by hardwood veneer to give it structural stability and a tough outer shell, while keeping it much lighter than Gio Ponti's 1957 effort.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

The chair, and a ladder made using the same technique (see image below) can be seen at Show RCA 2011 in London until 3 July.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

See also: Alternative Alarm Clock by Ki Hyun Kim

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

See all our stories about Show RCA 2011 »

The text below is from Ki Hyun Kim:


1.3 Chair

 

In starting to design a wooden chair, I looked at the properties of woods.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

What intrigued me most, was balsa wood.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

Balsa is a hardwood; but very unique. It grows fast, is light in colour, with a very soft, warm texture. Most surprising is its weight, as the lightest of all woods.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

Exploring this material, my process is based on reinterpreting craft techniques combined with developing alternatives to industrial methods.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

Although seemingly disparate, the combination retains a commitment to experiment, challenge and innovate.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

The chair intends to reflect practical considerations, in terms of production, use and everyday beauty, as well.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

I wanted to hatch ideas on my own, experiment with forms, materials and techniques.

1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim

Material.
Balsa wood + Veneer + Lime wood

Dimension.
390 x 420 x 780 mm

Weight.
1.28 kg