On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho by Chong Zhi Yu

On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze in Igishushanyo cy'Imitako Competition Category.

BuronzeImitako· 2026

On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze Winner in Imitako Category

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Colors

The Design

About On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho

On Belay ni intebe yo kuruhukiraho ikoresha bundi bushya imigozi yo kurira imisozi yakuwe mu bikorwa. Imigozi itakiri myiza yo kurira imisozi igumana imbaraga n'ubushobozi bwo kunyeganyega, bityo ibohwa mu mwanya wo kwicaraho no ku mugongo w'intebe. Ubuso bubohye ni bworoshye kandi bunyeganyega, kandi bukwirakwiza uburemere mu buryo bungana kugira ngo butange gushyigikirwa nta bice bikomeye bidahinduka. Uruti rw'intebe rukozwe mu giti cya Kapur gifite ingingo za lap na bridle zikomejwe n'utubiri tw'ibiti ku mfuruka. Uburyo gakondo bwo kuboha buhujwe n'amapfundo yo kurira imisozi kugira ngo imigozi ihambirwe ku ruti. Intebe ipima milimetero 600 kuri 850 kuri 650.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze

On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze, ishimwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo by'indashyikirwa birangwa no guhanga, ubwenge n'ubushishozi. Abegukanye Buronze ni ibihangano bifite ubuhanga bwinshi kandi bihanga cyane, bishimangira uburambe, ubwenge n'ubushobozi bw'ababihanze. On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho biteganyijwe ko izaba ikintu cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifite ubunyamwuga n'udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Buronze gikoresha uburyo bwiza mu buhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga kandi kirarenze mu gutaha ku tuntu duto. On Belay Intebe yo Kuruhukiraho ishimisha ibyo dukeneye, ikora ku byifuzo byacu, itwara amarangamutima yacu kandi ikurura amatsiko yacu.

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.