On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award in Dearadh Troscáin Competition Category.
Cré-umhaTroscán· 2026
On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil
by Chong Zhi Yu
Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award Winner in Troscán Category
Verified Award Winner
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About On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil
Is cathaoir suí sócúil í On Belay a athúsáideann rópaí dreapadóireachta atá as feidhm. Coinníonn rópaí nach bhfuil oiriúnach a thuilleadh don dreapadóireacht a neart agus a solúbthacht, agus mar sin fitear isteach sa suíochán agus sa chúl taca iad. Tá an dromchla fite bog agus solúbtha, agus scaipeann sé an mheáchan go cothrom chun tacaíocht a thabhairt gan pháirteanna dolúbtha. Tá an fráma déanta as adhmad Kapur le hailt lapa agus srianta atá treisithe le dúbailtí dúbailte ag na coirnéil. Cuirtear modhanna traidisiúnta fite le chéile le snaidhmeanna dreapadóireachta chun na rópaí a cheangal den fhráma. Tomhaiseann an chathaoir 600 faoi 850 faoi 650 milliméadar.
The Recognition
About the Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award
Bhuaigh an dearadh On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award, aitheantas an-ghradamach a bhronntar ar dhearaí sármhaithe a mbíonn cruthaitheacht, aireagacht agus géarchúis mar shaintréithe acu. Is déantúsáin ghlic agus chruthaitheacha go suntasach iad buaiteoirí Cré-umha a dhearbhaíonn taithí fhairsing, samhlaíocht agus acmhainneacht a ndearthóirí. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an dearadh On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil ina rud a bhfuil an-mheas air, a n-ardaítear agus a ghráitear, atá thar a bheith gairmiúil agus nuálach. Ionchorpraíonn an dearadh seo a bhuaigh Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award na cleachtais is fearr san ealaín, san eolaíocht, sa dearadh agus sa teicneolaíocht, agus tá sé sármhaith as a aird ar mhionsonraí. Sásaíonn an dearadh On Belay Cathaoir Suí Sócúil riachtanais go hálainn, bainíonn sé le mianta, cuireann sé draíocht ar mhothúcháin agus tarraingíonn sé fiosracht.
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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