J.C. Architecture has created an outdoor use chair made from Kobe leather to provide a lightweight and waterproof seating solution.

While Kobe beef is world-famous, its leather has long been overlooked. Working with Kobe Leather Cooperative, J.C.Architecture developed an expandable form inspired by Taiwanese lantern structures, complete with waterproofing capabilities allowing for outdoor furniture use.

The resultant form focuses on the elasticity of Kobe leather, with an architectural honeycombed construction flexible enough to be folded for storage or transport. The result is a leather chair that coexists in harmony with nature, with an elegant flower structural design, convenient storage, and lightweight design compared with other traditional leather furniture.

This project has been longlisted in the seating design category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: J.C. Architecture

Project: Bloom Chair