Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo by Mingbo Hou

Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo by Mingbo Hou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Varahina in Famolavolana Haingon-trano Competition Category.

VarahinaFitaovana An-tokantrano· 2026

Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo

by Mingbo Hou

Client: Mingbo Hou

A' Design Award Varahina Winner in Fitaovana An-tokantrano 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 Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo

Woodland dia seza fihantonan'akanjo natao ho an'ny trano kely sy ny fidirana. Manambatra ny fipetrahana mifanaraka amin'ny vatan'olombelona sy ny fitehirizana azo ampiasaina ny seza. Ny fitehenan-tanana miendrika rantsan-kazo dia miasa toy ny farango fihantonana ho an'ny akanjo, kitapo ary kojakoja. Ny fitehenan-damosina miolikolika dia manodidina ny mpipetraka toy ny rantsan-kazo. Vita amin'ny hazo mafy maharitra sy vy nohavaozina i Woodland, miaraka amin'ny lokony mainty matte tsy misy poizina. Aolana amin'ny tanana ny hazo mba hamoronana ny endrika miolikolika, ary nohamafisina ny fitohizana mba hitandroana ny fitoniana rehefa misy vesatra. Ity famolavolana ity dia manova ny fahazarana mahazatra amin'ny fametrahana akanjo eo ambony seza ho fitehirizana milamina.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Varahina

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ny famolavolana Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana miavaka izay mampiavaka ny fahaiza-mamorona, ny fahazotoana ary ny fahamaotinan-tsaina. Ny mpandresy Varahina dia zavatra vita tanana mahay dia mahay ary mamorona mivantana izay manamafy ny traikefa be dia be, ny sarintsaina ary ny fahaizan-kafoy an'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho zavatra ankasitrahana be, ankafizina ary tiana, mahay amin'ny asa sady vaovao ny famolavolana Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ity dia mitahiry ny fomba fanao tsara indrindra amin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia, ary tsara indrindra amin'ny fitandremana ny antsipirihany. Ny famolavolana Woodland Seza Fihantonan'akanjo dia mahafa-po ny filana tsara, mikasika ny faniriana, mahasarika ny fihetseham-po ary misarika ny fahalianana.

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