On Belay Loungestol by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award i Bronse in Møbeldesign Competition Category.
BronseMøbler· 2026
On Belay Loungestol
by Chong Zhi Yu
Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
A' Design Award i Bronse Winner in Møbler Category
- 7,215
- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #178950
The Design
About On Belay Loungestol
On Belay er en loungestol som gjenbruker utrangerte klatretau. Tau som ikke lenger er egnet for klatring beholder sin styrke og fleksibilitet, og de veves derfor inn i setet og ryggstøtten. Den vevde overflaten er myk og fleksibel, og den fordeler vekten jevnt for å gi støtte uten stive deler. Rammen er laget av kapur-tre med bladskjøter og gaffelskjøter forsterket med doble plugger i hjørnene. Tradisjonelle veveteknikker kombineres med klatreknuter for å feste tauene til rammen. Stolen måler 600 x 850 x 650 millimeter.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award i Bronse
On Belay Loungestol er vinner av A' Design Award i Bronse, en høyt prestisjefylt anerkjennelse som tildeles enestående design som utmerker seg ved kreativitet, oppfinnsomhet og skarpsindighet. Bronsevinnere er rikt dyktige og påfallende kreative gjenstander som bekrefter designernes store erfaring, fantasi og ressurssterkhet. On Belay Loungestol forventes å være en høyt ansett, beundret og verdsatt gjenstand som er bemerkelsesverdig profesjonell og nyskapende. Dette designet, som har vunnet A' Design Award i Bronse, rommer beste praksis innen kunst, vitenskap, design og teknologi og utmerker seg ved sin omtanke for detaljer. On Belay Loungestol tilfredsstiller behov på en strålende måte, berører ønsker, sjarmerer følelser og vekker nysgjerrighet.
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.
Sponsored
Explore Beyond Designers.org
Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.
More to Explore
Related Designs
Explore more award-winning designs from the same category, selected by merit.
