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On Belay Atpūtas krēsls by Chong Zhi Yu

On Belay Atpūtas krēsls by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronzas balva A' Design Award in Mēbeļu dizains Competition Category.


BronzasMēbeles· 2026

On Belay Atpūtas krēsls

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

Bronzas balva A' Design Award Winner in Mēbeles Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About On Belay Atpūtas krēsls

On Belay ir atpūtas krēsls, kurā atkārtoti izmantotas norakstītas alpīnisma virves. Virves, kas vairs nav piemērotas kāpšanai, saglabā savu izturību un elastību, tāpēc tās tiek iepītas sēdeklī un atzveltnē. Pītā virsma ir mīksta un elastīga, un tā vienmērīgi sadala svaru, nodrošinot atbalstu bez stingrām daļām. Rāmis ir izgatavots no Kapur koka ar pārlaiduma un iemavas savienojumiem, kas stūros pastiprināti ar dubultām tapām. Tradicionālās pīšanas metodes ir apvienotas ar alpīnisma mezgliem, lai piestiprinātu virves pie rāmja. Krēsla izmēri ir 600 x 850 x 650 milimetri.

The Recognition

About the Bronzas balva A' Design Award

On Belay Atpūtas krēsls ir Bronzas balvas A' Design Award ieguvējs, ļoti prestiža atzinība, ko piešķir izciliem dizainiem, kas izceļas ar radošumu, atjautību un viedumu. Bronzas ieguvēji ir pietiekami prasmīgi un pārsteidzoši radoši darbi, kas apliecina to dizaineru plašo pieredzi, iztēli un izdarību. Sagaidāms, ka On Belay Atpūtas krēsls būs augsti vērtēts, apbrīnots un cienīts priekšmets, ievērojami profesionāls un inovatīvs. Šis ar Bronzas balvu apbalvotais dizains iekļauj labāko praksi mākslā, zinātnē, dizainā un tehnoloģijās un izceļas ar uzmanību detaļām. On Belay Atpūtas krēsls lieliski apmierina vajadzības, skar vēlmes, valdzina jūtas un piesaista zinātkāri.

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.

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