Stoa Chess Set by Fabian Haydt is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award yn Goud in Boartersguod, Spultsjes en Hobbyprodukten Ûntwerp Competition Category.

GoudBoartersguod· 2026

Stoa Chess Set

by Fabian Haydt

Client: Svarv Studio

A' Design Award yn Goud Winner in Boartersguod Category

91,116

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180611

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

The Design

About Stoa Chess Set

Stoa is a chess set designed to be minimal without distracting from the character of each piece. While many minimal sets abstract forms to the point of obscuring them, Stoa preserves recognizability and focus. Crafted from recycled aluminum with a glass bead blasted finish, each piece is weighted for optimal balance, offering a precise, tactile, and premium experience, equally suited as a display piece in refined architectural settings or for immersive gameplay.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Goud

Stoa Chess Set is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Goud, in ekstreem prestisjeuze erkenning foar earste-klas, prachtige en treflike ûntwerpen. Goudwinners binne tige ynnovative, fisionêre en glamoureus ferbjusterjende skeppings dy't it sjeny, de wiisheid en de feardigens fan har ûntwerpers wjerspegelje. Fan Stoa Chess Set wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige priizge, trendsettende en monumintale útfining is dy't unferlykbere wearde leveret. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Goud is in spektakulêr, respektearre projekt dat grutte foardielen bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Stoa Chess Set makket yntinse gefoelens fan begearte, stekt passy oan, stimulearret kreativiteit en fassinearret ús.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Stoa is defined by a careful balance between reduction and recognition. Each chess piece is simplified to its essential geometry while preserving a clear identity.
Dimensions & Packaging: King 68 mm H, Queen 62 mm H, Bishop 58 mm H, Knight 52 mm H, Rook 47 mm H, Pawn 32 mm H. Board: 280 mm × 280 mm.
Tags: chess, chess set, minimal, modern, product design, scandinavian, design
Production Technology: All pieces are CNC-machined from solid recycled aluminum. After machining, the surfaces are polished and treated with a fine glass bead-blasting process to achieve a uniform matte texture. The pieces are then anodized for durability. Internal brass weights and leather base pads are assembled manually to ensure precision and quality.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was to design a minimal chess set that remains easy to read during a game. Reducing each piece while preserving its identity required many iterations. The Knight in particular demanded extensive experimentation to achieve a recognizable character within a simplified form. The project also involved learning the full development process, from early concept sketches to prototyping and final production methods.
Research: The development process focused on refining proportions and improving visual clarity. Special attention was given to how players recognize pieces during fast gameplay. Multiple prototype stages helped test form, balance, and ergonomics until a clear and consistent design language was achieved.
Inspiration: Stoa draws inspiration from Scandinavian design principles such as clarity, balance and calm visual expression. The goal was to create chess pieces that feel natural in modern interiors while still respecting the traditional language of the game. Architectural forms, simple geometry and restrained proportions influenced the design language.
Project Duration: Designed in Paris, Stoa is manufactured in Germany.
Operation Flow: Stoa embraces minimalism, allowing players to focus fully on the game. Each piece is easily recognizable and comfortable to hold, with weighted bases and leather pads for stability. Its clear, uncluttered forms prevent distraction, making moves precise and enjoyable. The premium finish enhances both visual appeal and tactile experience, creating a more immersive and satisfying chess experience.
Team Members: Fabian Haydt
Image Credits: Svarv Studio