![1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_01.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_02.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_03.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_05.jpg)
See also: Alternative Alarm Clock by Ki Hyun Kim
![1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_06.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_08.jpg)
What intrigued me most, was balsa wood.
![1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_09.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_10.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_11.jpg)
Although seemingly disparate, the combination retains a commitment to experiment, challenge and innovate.
![1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_12.jpg)
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 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_17.jpg)
I wanted to hatch ideas on my own, experiment with forms, materials and techniques.
![1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim 1.3 Chair by by Ki Hyun Kim](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_1-3-chair-by-Ki-Hyun-Kim_16.jpg)
Material.
Balsa wood + Veneer + Lime wood
Dimension.
390 x 420 x 780 mm
Weight.
1.28 kg