Tokyo Atseden-aulkia by Isabelle De Mari

Tokyo Atseden-aulkia by Isabelle De Mari is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Altzari Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarAltzariak· 2026

Tokyo Atseden-aulkia

by Isabelle De Mari

Client: Olho Moveis Autorais

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Altzariak Category

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Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Atseden-aulkia

Tokyo Brasilgo sucupira egur trinko gogorrez egindako atseden-aulkia da. Egitura erabat agerian dago, mihiztadurak eta forma emandako zurezko piezak erakutsiz. Besoak eta bizkarraldeko euskarriak tornuan landuak dira eskuzko kontrolpean, muturretan xehetasun ahurrekin. Larru naturalezko inkrustazio bat txertatuta dago besaulki-euskarri bakoitzean, jostura batekin errematatua. Eserlekuko eta bizkarraldeko kuxinek geruzatan jarritako poliuretanozko aparra eta luma-betegarria konbinatzen dituzte, lihozko oihal marroiez tapizatuak. Gainazalak eskuz lixatuak dira eta berniz mate batekin akabatuak. Diseinuak japoniar zurgintza-printzipioak aplikatzen dizkio brasildar material bati.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Tokyo Atseden-aulkia Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Tokyo Atseden-aulkia erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Tokyo Atseden-aulkia jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Tokyo asserts craftsmanship as structure and expression. Defined by its fully exposed wooden frame in solid Brazilian sucupira, the lounge chair reveals precision woodworking through manually operated lathe-turned arms with subtle concave detailing at the ends. An inlaid leather armrest refines the tactile experience, balancing substantial material presence with aesthetic lightness and disciplined form.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 700 mm W x 800 mm D x 700 mm H.
Weight: approximately 30 kg.
Structure: solid sucupira wood.
Armrests with recessed natural leather inlay and stitching.
Seat and back cushions with layered foam and feather filling, upholstered in brown linen.
Finish: matte acrylic varnish.
Non disassemblable construction.
Tags: Lounge chair, Solid wood furniture, Japanese craftsmanship, Brazilian sucupira, Exposed structure, Artisanal woodworking, Contemporary seating, Minimalist design, Leather inlay
Production Technology: Tokyo is manufactured in certified solid Brazilian sucupira hardwood. Structural components are precision machined, with arms and back supports shaped on a mechanically driven lathe under manual control. Armrests incorporate recessed detailing for flush leather inlay. Elements are hand sanded to refine concave terminations. The base is assembled from solid planks with radiused edges. Upholstery combines multi density polyurethane foam and feather filling. Finished with water based matte varnish.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was achieving formal discipline while working with substantial volumes of solid wood. Balancing structural mass with refined proportion required precise control during lathe shaping and manual finishing. Internally, the project sought to reinterpret Japanese woodworking principles within a Brazilian material context. Externally, contemporary production constraints demanded efficiency without compromising craft integrity, requiring careful coordination between technique, material and artisanal execution.
Research: Research focused on refining solid sucupira structure through controlled manual processes. The objective was to test how lathe shaped components and proportional studies could enhance structural precision. Methodology included full scale prototyping and ergonomic evaluation. Data was collected through physical mockups and material testing. Experiments centered on hand guided finishing. Results confirmed durability and refined surface quality, reinforcing craft driven production in contemporary furniture.
Inspiration: Tokyo was inspired by the principles of Japanese woodworking, where precision, restraint and respect for material define construction. The project explores how substantial volumes of solid wood can achieve visual lightness through disciplined detailing and controlled form. By prioritizing hand guided processes, even when using mechanical tools, the design embraces an a mano approach, valuing the artisan gesture over automated production.
Project Duration: The project started in July 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was completed in October 2025. It was officially launched in November 2025 as part of the Tokyo Collection, a broader furniture series inspired by Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Operation Flow: Tokyo is experienced as a balance between structure and comfort. The solid wood frame provides visual stability, while the layered cushions offer a soft and supportive seat. The recessed leather armrest enhances tactile contact, creating a refined resting point for the hands. Its proportions encourage a relaxed posture without excess, allowing the user to feel supported by craftsmanship rather than hidden structure.
Team Members: Designer: Isabelle De Mari
Designer: Filipe Melo