Dezeen Magazine

Nendo's Twig chair features interchangeable wooden tops

Different wooden backrests and armrests slot into the top of this aluminium chair by Japanese studio Nendo.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

Designed for Italian furniture brand Alias, the Twig chair has five interchangeable tops that slot onto the same white metal base.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

"Since the Italian furniture brand Alias specialises in furniture made from aluminium, the idea was to create a chair made of four aluminium 'twigs' and a seat," said Nendo, the Tokyo-based studio led by designer Oki Sato.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

T-shaped elements, connected sections, and a high or low backrest were all shaped with curving edges to complete the chairs and provide "different seating experiences".



These wooden pieces slot into four stems that extend upward from the legs around the seat, which is available in wood and plastic, or upholstered with fabric.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

"A number of different shapes and sitting experiences are achieved by fitting these units onto the four legs," said Nendo.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

When the additions are removed, the seats can be stacked for storage and transportation.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

Nendo – one of the most prolific design studios at the moment – has launched a variety of seat designs in the past year. The most recent examples include a chair with woodgrain patterns created using artificial suede, a stool that looks like it has missing supports and a minimal stacking office chair.


Related stories: see all our stories about Nendo


An exhibition of over 100 Nendo products designed in the past year took place during Milan design week in April.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

During an interview with Dezeen at the opening, Sato said that designing so many products at once "relaxes" him.

Twig chair for Alias by Nendo

Photography is by Akihiro Yoshida.