On Belay Apyka Puiterã by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Brónse in Mba'epyru Jejapo Competition Category.

BrónseMba'epyru· 2026

On Belay Apyka Puiterã

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

A' Design Award Brónse Winner in Mba'epyru Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About On Belay Apyka Puiterã

On Belay ha'e peteĩ apyka puiterã ojepurujeýva umi tukumbo jupiha ndojepuruvéivagui. Umi tukumbo ndoikovéiva jejupirã oñongatu imbarete ha ijeroviaha, upévare ojepovyvy hikuái apyka guapyha ha ijatukupe rehe. Pe jepovyvypyre hu'ũ ha ikangymi, ha omosarambi porã pohýi opa hendápe oipytyvõ hag̃ua avave apytu'ũ atã'ỹre. Pe apyka retekue ojejapo Kapur yvyra rehegua, ojoajúva lap ha bridle joaju rupive, omombaretéva mokõi yvyra'i esquina-kuérape. Umi jepovyvy ymaguare rembiapokue oñembojoaju umi jupiha ñapytĩngue ndive ojoajука hag̃ua umi tukumbo apyka retekuére. Pe apyka tuichakue ha'e 600 por 850 por 650 milímetro.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Brónse

On Belay Apyka Puiterã ohupyty A' Design Award Brónse, peteĩ ñehechakuaa heta prestigioso oñeme'ẽva diseño sobresaliente-pe ojekuaáva creatividad, ingenio ha astucia rupi. Umi ganador Brónse ha'e artefacto hábil ha creativo ohechaukáva experiencia, imaginación ha recurso umi diseñador-pe. Oñeha'ãrõ On Belay Apyka Puiterã ha'eha peteĩ objeto ojehayhúva, admirado ha estimado, profesional ha innovador. Ko diseño ohupytýva A' Design Award Brónse ombojoaju mejor práctica arte, ciencia, diseño ha tecnología rehegua ha iporãiterei detalle rehe. On Belay Apyka Puiterã ombohory necesidad, ohupyty ipotapy, ombovy'a sentimiento ha ohenói curiosidad.

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.