Gangsa Perabot · 2026

On Belay Kerusi Santai

by Chong Zhi Yu

A' Design Award Gangsa 2026 in Perabot
CLIENT: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
Estimated Number of Design Views: 7,215
Verification code 67EBFD1B40 · Verify this award

View at A' Design Award Press Release

Colors

About On Belay Kerusi Santai

On Belay ialah sebuah kerusi santai yang menggunakan semula tali panjat yang telah bersara. Tali yang tidak lagi sesuai untuk aktiviti memanjat masih mengekalkan kekuatan dan kelenturannya, maka ia dianyam menjadi tempat duduk dan sandaran. Permukaan anyaman ini lembut dan fleksibel, serta menyebarkan berat badan secara sekata untuk memberikan sokongan tanpa bahagian yang tegar. Rangkanya diperbuat daripada kayu Kapur dengan sambungan tindih dan sambungan bridle yang diperkukuh dengan dowel berkembar di setiap penjuru. Kaedah anyaman tradisional digabungkan dengan simpulan panjat untuk mengikat tali pada rangka. Kerusi ini berukuran 600 kali 850 kali 650 milimeter.

About the A' Design Award Gangsa

On Belay Kerusi Santai ialah pemenang A' Design Award Gangsa, pengiktirafan yang amat berprestij yang dianugerahkan kepada reka bentuk cemerlang yang dicirikan oleh kreativiti, kecerdikan dan ketajaman fikiran. Pemenang Gangsa ialah artifak yang amat mahir dan sangat kreatif yang membuktikan pengalaman luas, imaginasi dan akal budi pereka bentuknya. On Belay Kerusi Santai diharapkan menjadi objek yang sangat dihargai, dikagumi dan disayangi, sangat profesional dan inovatif. Reka bentuk pemenang A' Design Award Gangsa ini merangkumi amalan terbaik dalam seni, sains, reka bentuk dan teknologi, dan cemerlang dalam perhatiannya terhadap butiran. On Belay Kerusi Santai memenuhi keperluan dengan indah, menyentuh keinginan, memikat perasaan dan menarik rasa ingin tahu.

Press Kit

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.