Dezeen Magazine

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

Konstantin Grcic designs "strictly vertical" Primo chair for Mattiazzi

German designer Konstantin Grcic has created a straight-legged "archetypal" chair for Italian furniture brand Mattiazzi.

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

Unveiled at Milan design week, the Primo chair has been designed using only the most stripped-back elements, with its plain square seat sitting atop four "strictly vertical" legs, chosen by Grcic to give the chair a "strong architectural presence".

The back legs extend upwards to support a curved chair back, which has been slightly tilted to lend the chair some comfort, as well as contrast its straight lines.

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

"I felt like Mattiazzi had one chair missing, and that was the most archetypal, simple chair," Grcic told Dezeen. "A chair that you feel exists, but actually doesn't."

Grcic previously created a bench-like chair for the Italian furniture manufacturer, using flat sloping planes of wood.

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

"I wanted Primo to have very upright geometry, and I think a chair that has completely vertical front and back legs has a very different presence," he said. "It relates to space and architecture."

The chair, which is designed for home environments as well as public spaces, comes in beechwood as well as black lacquered and gold finishes. There's also an upholstered version of the chair made from solid oak.

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

An accompanying Primo table mimics the shape of the chair with four plain vertical legs, each of which is detachable, allowing the table to be shipped flat. It is available in an additional finish of Fenix laminate, which was first developed for kitchens, and protects from heat, scratches and fingerprint marks. 

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

Mattiazzi, which is based in Udine in north eastern Italy, also unveiled a new collaboration with the Bouroullec brothers, a minimal ash lounge chair, at this year's Salone del Mobile in Milan. The brand has previously collaborated with London studio Industrial Facility.

Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

Grcic originally trained as a cabinetmaker before studying design at the Royal College of Art in London. He set up his own studio in Munich in 1991, and has created furniture, lighting and products for Cassina, Vitra and Muji.

He ranked 14th among designers on Dezeen Hot List – a data-driven power list of the top designers, architects and brands.

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Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi
Primo by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi