Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli by Isabelle De Mari

Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli by Isabelle De Mari is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Caltlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlCaltlapechtli· 2026

Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli

by Isabelle De Mari

Client: Olho Moveis Autorais

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Caltlapechtli Category

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Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli

Tokyo ce icpalli ic neceuiliztli in omochiuh ica chicahuac cuahuitl sucupira in hualehua Brasil itech. In icuauhyo huel neci mochi, quinextia in quenin monepanoa ihuan in cuauhtlatectli tlachihchiuhtli. In imamahuan ihuan in itzinpepechhuan omomalacacho ipan malacatl ica maitl tlayacanaliztli, ica coyoctic tlachihchiuhtli ipan intzonquizca. Ce cuetlaxtli in amo tlapatlalli omocalaqui ihtic cecen matlapechtli ihuan omotzonquixti ica tlatzomaliztli. In tlapechtli ihuan in icuitlapan cuachpepechtli quicentlalia poliuretano pozahuac tlamantli ihuan totolihhuitl tentli, tlaquentilli ica camiltic lino tilmahtli. In ixco omochichiqui ica maitl ihuan omotzonquixti ica ce barniz in amo pepetlaca. Inin tlachihchihualiztli quitequitiltia in Japon cuauhtlachihchihualiztli tlanahuatilli ipan ce Brasil tlamantli.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Tokyo Icpalli ic Neceuiliztli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Tokyo asserts craftsmanship as structure and expression. Defined by its fully exposed wooden frame in solid Brazilian sucupira, the lounge chair reveals precision woodworking through manually operated lathe-turned arms with subtle concave detailing at the ends. An inlaid leather armrest refines the tactile experience, balancing substantial material presence with aesthetic lightness and disciplined form.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 700 mm W x 800 mm D x 700 mm H.
Weight: approximately 30 kg.
Structure: solid sucupira wood.
Armrests with recessed natural leather inlay and stitching.
Seat and back cushions with layered foam and feather filling, upholstered in brown linen.
Finish: matte acrylic varnish.
Non disassemblable construction.
Tags: Lounge chair, Solid wood furniture, Japanese craftsmanship, Brazilian sucupira, Exposed structure, Artisanal woodworking, Contemporary seating, Minimalist design, Leather inlay
Production Technology: Tokyo is manufactured in certified solid Brazilian sucupira hardwood. Structural components are precision machined, with arms and back supports shaped on a mechanically driven lathe under manual control. Armrests incorporate recessed detailing for flush leather inlay. Elements are hand sanded to refine concave terminations. The base is assembled from solid planks with radiused edges. Upholstery combines multi density polyurethane foam and feather filling. Finished with water based matte varnish.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was achieving formal discipline while working with substantial volumes of solid wood. Balancing structural mass with refined proportion required precise control during lathe shaping and manual finishing. Internally, the project sought to reinterpret Japanese woodworking principles within a Brazilian material context. Externally, contemporary production constraints demanded efficiency without compromising craft integrity, requiring careful coordination between technique, material and artisanal execution.
Research: Research focused on refining solid sucupira structure through controlled manual processes. The objective was to test how lathe shaped components and proportional studies could enhance structural precision. Methodology included full scale prototyping and ergonomic evaluation. Data was collected through physical mockups and material testing. Experiments centered on hand guided finishing. Results confirmed durability and refined surface quality, reinforcing craft driven production in contemporary furniture.
Inspiration: Tokyo was inspired by the principles of Japanese woodworking, where precision, restraint and respect for material define construction. The project explores how substantial volumes of solid wood can achieve visual lightness through disciplined detailing and controlled form. By prioritizing hand guided processes, even when using mechanical tools, the design embraces an a mano approach, valuing the artisan gesture over automated production.
Project Duration: The project started in July 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was completed in October 2025. It was officially launched in November 2025 as part of the Tokyo Collection, a broader furniture series inspired by Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Operation Flow: Tokyo is experienced as a balance between structure and comfort. The solid wood frame provides visual stability, while the layered cushions offer a soft and supportive seat. The recessed leather armrest enhances tactile contact, creating a refined resting point for the hands. Its proportions encourage a relaxed posture without excess, allowing the user to feel supported by craftsmanship rather than hidden structure.
Team Members: Designer: Isabelle De Mari
Designer: Filipe Melo