On Belay Sitkamerstoel by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Brons in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.
BronsMeubels· 2026
On Belay Sitkamerstoel
by Chong Zhi Yu
Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Meubels Category
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The Design
About On Belay Sitkamerstoel
On Belay is 'n sitkamerstoel wat afgetrede klimtoue hergebruik. Toue wat nie meer geskik is vir klim nie, behou hul sterkte en buigsaamheid, en daarom word hulle in die sitplek en die rugleuning ingeweef. Die geweefde oppervlak is sag en buigsaam, en dit versprei gewig eweredig om ondersteuning te bied sonder rigiede dele. Die raam is gemaak van Kapur-hout met oorvleuel- en toomvoeë wat by die hoeke deur dubbele deuwels versterk word. Tradisionele weefmetodes word met klimknope gekombineer om die toue aan die raam vas te bind. Die stoel meet 600 by 850 by 650 millimeter.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award in Brons
On Belay Sitkamerstoel is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Brons, 'n hoogs prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan uitstaande ontwerpe wat gekenmerk word deur kreatiwiteit, vindingrykheid en skerpsinnigheid. Wenners in Brons is ruimskoots vaardige en opvallend kreatiewe artefakte wat die groot ervaring, verbeelding en vindingrykheid van hul ontwerpers bevestig. Daar word verwag dat On Belay Sitkamerstoel 'n hoog aangeskrewe, bewonderde en gekoesterde voorwerp is wat merkwaardig professioneel en innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Brons gewen het, inkorporeer die beste praktyke in kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie en is uitstekend vanweë sy aandag aan detail. On Belay Sitkamerstoel bevredig behoeftes pragtig, raak aan begeertes, bekoor gevoelens en spreek die nuuskierigheid aan.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- On Belay ingeniously repurposes discarded climbing ropes as integral structural and tactile elements of a lounge chair. Though no longer fit for safety-critical use after extended wear or falls, these ropes retain strength and flexibility ideal for furniture applications. Woven meticulously into the seat and backrest, the design redefines lifesaving equipment into a durable, sustainable, and comfortable seating experience that bridges heritage craft with modern ecological responsibility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 600 mm x Depth 850 mm x Height 650 mm
- Tags
- Sustainable , Upcycled materials, Climbing rope, Lounge chair, Tension weaving, Recycled furniture, Knotting techniques, Outdoor , Ergonomic seating, Conceptual furniture
- Production Technology
- The seating structure combines traditional weaving techniques learned in Thailand with climbing rope knotting methods to bind reclaimed ropes securely onto a Kapur wood frame. The chair’s frame uses time-honored joinery methods including lap and bridle joints reinforced with dual dowels at frame corners to ensure strength and durability.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this project was that it was our first, so many aspects were unfamiliar, especially weaving and knotting techniques. These skills required extensive practice and patience to master. Additionally, limited information and guidance made the learning curve steep. Overcoming these challenges deepened my understanding of material manipulation and craftsmanship, which was crucial for realizing the design successfully.
- Research
- I focused on upcycled materials and chose climbing ropes for this project. I researched various weaving techniques and climbing knotting methods, alongside exploring line art for visual inspiration. During mock-up stages, I drilled multiple holes to find optimal positions and consulted with my mentor to determine the best structure and joinery for the chair frame. I tested different diameters of climbing ropes and ultimately selected 5mm support rope for its balance of aesthetics and comfort. I am very satisfied with the final product. This design taught me that upcycling can be both practical and visually appealing.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the themes of safety, trust, and connection inherent in rock climbing culture, On Belay transforms retired climbing ropes symbols of protection and resilience into core materials for furniture. These ropes embody stories of endurance and rebirth, and through creative upcycling, the design offers a poetic metaphor for rest and renewal, highlighting sustainable innovation intertwined with emotional narratives.
- Project Duration
- This Project started in August 2025 in Singapore NAFA and finished in NAFA's workshop.
- Operation Flow
- The woven climbing rope seat provides a soft, flexible surface that naturally conforms to the human body, evenly distributing weight to deliver ergonomic support without rigid components. Its minimalist yet stable construction fosters a sense of security and calm, evoking the trust foundational to climbing safety. This tactile interaction invites relaxation and mindfulness, transforming the chair into a restorative haven for body and mind.
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