On Belay Samana Tiyana by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu in Tiyarina Kamay Competition Category.

BurunsiTiyarina· 2026

On Belay Samana Tiyana

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu Winner in Tiyarina Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #178950

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About On Belay Samana Tiyana

On Belay nisqaqa huk samana tiyanam, mana llamk'achisqa siq'ay waskakunata musuqmanta llamk'achispa ruwasqa. Chay waskakuna, siq'aypaq manaña allin kaptinpas, kallpankuta hinallataq llamp'u kayninkuta waqaychankuraqmi, chaymi tiyanapi hinallataq wasa samachiqpi awasqa kanku. Awasqa uyaqa llamp'um hinallataq k'apaqmi, llasaqta kikinmanta ch'iqichispam samachiyta qun, mana chuki hinakuna partenwan. Tullunqa Kapur k'ullumanta ruwasqam, k'uchukunapi iskay t'uqsinawan kallpachasqa lap hinallataq bridle tinkiykunawan. Ñawpa away yachaykunam siq'ay watanakunwan huñusqa kanku waskakunata tulluman watanapaq. Kay tiyanaqa 600, 850, 650 milimetrukunam tupunku.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu

On Belay Samana Tiyana A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu mishak kan, jatun yupaychay, kayta mana shuk shina, mushuk yuyaypi, yuyaypi shinallatak chaskik kaypi riksishka diseñukunaman kun. Burunsi mishak kashkakunaka ruray ushayta charik shinallatak mancharina mushuk rurashkakunami, paykunata rurakkunapak achka yachayta, yuyayta shinallatak ruray ushayta rikuchinku. On Belay Samana Tiyana sinchi yupaychashka, kuyashka shinallatak riksishka shuk ruray kanata munanku, ruray yuyaywan shinallatak mushuk yuyaywan. Kay Burunsi Premiu japishka diseñuka arti, siensia, diseñu shinallatak tekinolojíapi ashtawan alli ruraykunata tantachin shinallatak ima ukumanta rikuypi sumak kan. On Belay Samana Tiyana mañaykunata alli paktachin, munaykunata llankan, shunkuta kuyachin shinallatak yachayta munayta kallarichin.

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.