Woodland Garderobestull by Mingbo Hou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Bronze in Heemartikelen Design Competition Category.

BronzeHeemartikelen· 2026

Woodland Garderobestull

by Mingbo Hou

Client: Mingbo Hou

A' Design Award an Bronze Winner in Heemartikelen Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #177614

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Woodland Garderobestull

Woodland ass e Garderobestull, deen fir kleng Wunnberäicher an Entréeën entworf gouf. De Stull kombinéiert ergonomescht Sëtzen mat prakteschem Stauraum. Aascht-fërmeg Aarmleeën déngen als Hierchen fir Mäntel, Täschen an Accessoiren. Déi gebéite Réckleeën ëmschléisst déi sëtzend Persoun wéi Beem-Äscht. Woodland ass aus nohaltegem Haarthholz a recycléiertem Stol gemaach, mat engem net-toxesche matt-schwaarze Finish. D'Holz gëtt vun Hand gebéit fir déi gebéite Form ze bilden, an d'Verbindunge si fir Stabilitéit ënner Belaaschtung verstäerkt. Den Design verwandelt déi verbreet Gewunnecht, Kleeder op e Stull ze leeën, an eng uerdentlech Opbewahrung.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Bronze

Woodland Garderobestull ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Bronze, enger héich prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un erausragend Designe vergi gëtt, déi sech duerch Kreativitéit, Erfindungsgab a Schlauheet ausgezeechnen. Bronze-Gewënner si voll Fäegkeet a opfälleg kreativ Wierker, déi déi grouss Erfahrung, d'Fantasie an d'Ressourceréichtum vun hire Designer bestätegen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Woodland Garderobestull e héich geschätzt, bewonnert a beléifte Géigestand ass, bemierkenswäert professionell an innovativ. Dëst mam Bronze ausgezeechent Design integréiert déi beschte Praktike vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie an zeechent sech duerch Opmierksamkeet fir Detailer aus. Woodland Garderobestull erfëllt Bedierfnesser exzellent, beréiert Wënsch, bezauberet Gefiller an erweckt Neigierecht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Tree-Branch Coat Rack Chair is a multifunctional piece of furniture that combines ergonomic seating with practical storage. Its unique branch-shaped armrests function as hooks for clothes and accessories, making it ideal for small living areas and entryways. The design balances beauty and utility, providing users with a modern interior solution that is both functional and distinctive. It expresses a lifestyle that values simplicity, comfort, and individuality.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 1800 mm (height) x 900 mm (width) x 550 mm (depth) Weight: 6 kg Materials: Sustainable hardwood, recycled steel Load Capacity: 150 kg (seating), 20 kg (hanging) Finish: Non-toxic, matte sealant Color Options: Black
Tags: Branch-shaped chair, multifunctional furniture, sustainable design, biomimicry, ergonomic seating, eco-friendly materials, modern furniture, space-saving design, organic aesthetics, innovative furniture
Production Technology: The chair is made from sustainable hardwood and recycled steel, ensuring both durability and environmental responsibility. The production process involves hand-bending wood to create the curved, wrapping form, then mechanically cutting and manually refining it. The joints are reinforced with eco-friendly adhesives and fasteners to ensure structural stability. The surface is finished with a matte black, non-toxic coating for a stylish and modern appearance.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was balancing the organic branch-like structure with overall stability. Achieving this required repeated prototyping and testing to ensure it could support both sitting and hanging functions. Another challenge was sourcing sustainable materials without sacrificing durability. The final result is a design that successfully combines visual impact with reliable performance.
Research: The design process included qualitative research on biomimicry and ergonomics, focusing on the structural characteristics of tree branches. User testing was carried out to improve comfort and function, and material studies explored sustainable options. The findings inspired the organic form and multifunctional features of the chair, creating a design that combines beauty, practicality, and environmental awareness. The research also shows how nature-inspired solutions can help create personalized, emotionally engaging home furniture.
Inspiration: One day, after coming home, I casually threw my jacket over a chair. That simple habit inspired me-what if the chair itself looked like a tree, turning a careless gesture into a thoughtful act of storage? I designed a curved backrest that wraps around the sitter like branches. Each hung garment makes the “tree” seem to grow. Placed at the entrance, it lets users hang accessories freely and express a stylish, personal lifestyle.
Project Duration: The project started in Okinawa, Japan, in October 2024 and was completed in December 2024. It was exhibited at the Tokyo Furniture Fair in March 2025 and at the Milan Design Week in April 2025.
Operation Flow: This chair offers an intuitive experience. Users can sit comfortably on its ergonomically designed seat while hanging coats, bags, or accessories on the branched armrests. The well-balanced structure ensures stability even when fully loaded. Its dual function naturally integrates sitting and storage, turning everyday actions into pleasant, seamless interactions within living spaces.
Image Credits: Mingbo Hou