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Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne by Isabelle De Mari

Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne by Isabelle De Mari is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Airgid A' Design Award in Dearadh Troscáin Competition Category.


AirgeadTroscán· 2026

Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne

by Isabelle De Mari

Client: Olho Moveis Autorais

Duais Airgid A' Design Award Winner in Troscán Category

18,400

Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne

Is cathaoir tolglainne í Tokyo atá déanta as crua-adhmad soladach sucupira ón mBrasaíl. Tá an fráma nochta go hiomlán, rud a thaispeánann an tsiúinéireacht agus na páirteanna adhmaid múnlaithe. Casadh na huillinneacha agus na taca droma ar deil faoi rialú láimhe, le mionsonraí cuasacha ag na foircinn. Tá inleagan leathair nádúrtha suite isteach i ngach taca uillinne agus críochnaithe le fuáil. Comhcheanglaíonn cúisíní an tsuíocháin agus an droma cúr polúireatáin sraitheach agus líonadh cleití, agus iad uigithe le línéadach donn. Tá na dromchlaí greanáilte de láimh agus críochnaithe le vearnais neamhlonrach. Cuireann an dearadh prionsabail adhmadóireachta na Seapáine i bhfeidhm ar ábhar ón mBrasaíl.

The Recognition

About the Duais Airgid A' Design Award

Bhuaigh an dearadh Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne Duais Airgid A' Design Award, aitheantas an-ghradamach a bhronntar ar dhearaí ardchaighdeáin, álainn agus drámatach. Is saothair thar a bheith drithleacha agus an-chruthaitheach iad buaiteoirí Airgid a léiríonn saineolas, tallann agus géarchúis shármhaith a ndearthóirí. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an dearadh Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne ina shaothar iontach, ina léiriú sampla, thar a bheith gairmiúil agus go domhain nuálach. Is aireagán an-suntasach, ionadmhuirthe é an dearadh seo a bhuaigh Duais Airgid A' Design Award a dhéanann leas do theorainneacha na healaíne, na heolaíochta, an deartha agus na teicneolaíochta agus a chuireann chun cinn iad. Is cruthú é an dearadh Tokyo Cathaoir Tolglainne a bhfuil formad mór leis, a mhúsclaíonn mianta, a thugann mothúcháin dhearfacha agus a adhnann iontas agus ionadh.

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

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