On Belay Sèithear-suidhe by Chong Zhi Yu

On Belay Sèithear-suidhe by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Umha A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àirneis Competition Category.

UmhaÀirneis· 2026

On Belay Sèithear-suidhe

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

Duais Umha A' Design Award Winner in Àirneis Category

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Colors

The Design

About On Belay Sèithear-suidhe

'S e sèithear-suidhe a th' ann an On Belay a bhios ag ath-chleachdadh ròpannan-sreap a chaidh a chur a-mach à cleachdadh. Bidh ròpannan nach eil freagarrach airson sreap tuilleadh a' gleidheadh an neart agus an sùbailteachd, agus mar sin thèid am fighe a-steach don t-suidheachan agus don taic-droma. Tha an uachdar fighte bog agus sùbailte, agus sgaoilidh e cuideam gu cothromach gus taic a thoirt seachad gun phàirtean raga. Tha am frèam air a dhèanamh de dh'fhiodh Kapur le altan-uchd agus altan-srèine air an neartachadh le dubhailean dùbailte aig na h-oiseanan. Tha dòighean fighe traidiseanta air an cur còmhla ri snaidhmean-sreap gus na ròpannan a cheangal ris an fhrèam. Tha an sèithear a' tomhas 600 air 850 air 650 millemeatair.

The Recognition

About the Duais Umha A' Design Award

Tha On Belay Sèithear-suidhe air Duais Umha A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean sònraichte a tha air an comharrachadh le cruthachalachd, innleachd agus geurchuis. Tha buannaichean Umha nan obraichean gu math sgileil agus gu sònraichte cruthachail a dhearbhas eòlas farsaing, mac-meanmna agus tapachd an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi On Belay Sèithear-suidhe na nì air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach, a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Umha A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr ann an ealain, saidheans, dealbhadh agus teicneolas an gnìomh, agus tha e sàr-mhath airson an aire do mhion-fhiosrachadh. Bidh On Belay Sèithear-suidhe a' sàsachadh fheumalachdan gu h-iongantach, a' suathadh ri miannan, a' tàladh faireachdainnean agus a' togail fiosrachd.

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.