On Belay Kujerar Hutawa by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Kyautar A' Design Award ta Tagulla in Ƙirar Kayan Ɗaki Competition Category.

TagullaKayan Ɗaki· 2026

On Belay Kujerar Hutawa

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

Kyautar A' Design Award ta Tagulla Winner in Kayan Ɗaki 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 Kujerar Hutawa

On Belay kujerar hutawa ce da take sake amfani da igiyoyin hawan dutse da aka daina amfani da su. Igiyoyin da ba su dace da hawan dutse ba suna riƙe ƙarfinsu da sassauƙansu, saboda haka an saƙa su a wurin zama da wurin jingina baya. Farfajiyar da aka saƙa tana da laushi da sassauƙa, kuma tana rarraba nauyi daidai gwargwado don ba da tallafi ba tare da sassa masu tauri ba. An yi firam ɗin da itacen Kapur tare da haɗe-haɗen lap da bridle waɗanda aka ƙarfafa da dowel biyu-biyu a kusurwoyi. An haɗa hanyoyin saƙa na gargajiya da ƙulle-ƙullen hawan dutse don ɗaure igiyoyin a jikin firam ɗin. Kujerar tana da girman milimita 600 da 850 da 650.

The Recognition

About the Kyautar A' Design Award ta Tagulla

Zanen On Belay Kujerar Hutawa ya lashe Kyautar A' Design Award ta Tagulla, wata karramawa mai tsananin daraja da ake bai wa zane-zane na musamman waɗanda ke da ƙirƙira, basira da hikima. Waɗanda suka lashe kyautar Tagulla kayayyakin fasaha ne masu ƙwarewa da ƙirƙira mai ban mamaki waɗanda ke tabbatar da babban gogewa, tunani da dabarun masu zanensu. Ana sa ran zanen On Belay Kujerar Hutawa ya zama abu da ake girmamawa sosai, ake sha'awa da ƙauna, mai ƙwarewa da ƙirƙire-ƙirƙire. Wannan zane da ya lashe Kyautar A' Design Award ta Tagulla yana haɗa mafi kyawun ayyuka a fasaha, kimiyya, zane da fasahar zamani, kuma yana da kyau saboda kulawarsa ga cikakkun bayanai. Zanen On Belay Kujerar Hutawa yana biyan buƙatu da kyau, yana taɓa sha'awa, yana jan hankalin zukata kuma yana jawo sha'awar sani.

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.