Birch Nofoa Ofisa

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Birch is a high-performance flexible office chair with upgraded back comfort as its core. The designer uses the natural structural curves of the human body as the source of design inspiration, simulating the moving arcs of the human body's back and spine to present a linked double-back structure, which can easily handle the human body's forward, backward, side twisting and other movements, and can easily take care of a variety of usage scenarios.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width 660 mm x Depth 570-630 mm x Height 1170-1255 mm

Tags

Office Furniture, Office Chair, BIRCH, Double-back Support System

Production Technology

The integrated double-back flexible support system is the core of the Birch series. In view of the differences in individual waist physiological structures, Birch abandons the traditional structure of separated waist and back, and for the first time applies the innovative double-back linkage structure to create an integrated gliding support system, which effectively provides three-in-one support for the back, waist, and sacrum. The metal outer frame and the lightweight inner frame are equipped with dual mechanism functions of adaptive dynamic adjustment and back locking respectively. The lumbar support area can switch between dynamic and static states according to the user's sitting posture preferences, close to the body curve, relieve the pressure caused by sitting for a long time, and bring a relaxing experience close to "zero gravity".

Design Challenge

In terms of functional innovation, the Birch series simulates the active arc of the human back and spine to present a linked double-back structure, which can bear the body's forward leaning, backward leaning, side twisting and other movements, and can easily take care of a variety of usage scenarios. In terms of operational convenience, the function control keys are concentrated below the 3D armrest surface, which is more convenient and can be freely switched to different comfort states without bending over. In terms of appearance, the Birch series chair back support frame is made of one-piece aluminum alloy, which is light and strong. The side streamlines reflect the unique color, with a cool and high-end temperament. The full mesh material adds a sense of perspective beauty. The interweaving and collision of different elements convey the brand's unique aesthetic style in strength and elegance, fortitude and softness.

Research

For the beginning, Goodtone hoped to create an ergonomic chair that focused on improving the flexibility and comfort of the chair back. Therefore, we have been cooperating with the ITO Design for three years. In response to the pain points of lumbar support, we proposed a double-back flexible support system. Through the dual mechanisms of adaptive dynamic adjustment and back locking, Birch can offer customized comfortable lumbar support for users. In appearance, the Birch double-back structure consists of a metal chair back outer frame and a conventional inner frame. With a slim line profile, the chair body shape has a more modern and technological feel. High performance, higher-level comfort and aesthetics complement each other to form the new Birch.

Inspiration

Starting from the first design draft, our goal was to break the impression of the traditional mesh chair with a separate waist and back by innovating the structural function of the chair back. We hope to ensure that the user's back is fully supported without affecting the high-end one-piece appearance and texture they expect.

Project Duration

Birch was developed by Goodtone and ITO Design over a three-year period. The product appearance and functional structure design process was carried out in Germany, and the parts procurement and assembly process was completed in Goodtone‘s factory, Foshan, China. In March 2024, Birch made its first public appearance at CIFF, Guangzhou.

Operation Flow

Based on the BOCK core wire-controlled mechanism, Birch is not only equipped with seat height adjustment, seat cushion depth adjustment, three-level tilt angle locking, 3D armrests, but also quick tilt strength adjustment and chair back height adjustment. On the lower right side of the 3D armrest, the user can adjust the seat height by using the function key in coordination with the body's standing or sitting movements when in a normal sitting position. At the appropriate height, the user's feet should rest flat on the floor. When performing tasks or taking a short break, the user can lock the reclining angle of the chair back to maintain a fixed posture by using the function key on the lower left side of the 3D armrest. When users of different strengths exert different forces on the back of the chair, they can quickly control the resistance they feel when they lean back through the knob on the lower right side of the seat cushion. The lower left side of the seat cushion is equipped with a function key for adjusting the cushion forward and backward, allowing users of different heights to enjoy sufficient leg support.

Patents

Patented.
Patent No 8185576.
Patent Holder: Guangdong JE Furniture Co.,Ltd
Year: 2023
Jurisdiction: China

Image Credits

Image #1-5: Photographer He Jiasheng