On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweFanitshala Competition Category.
IbhronziIfanitshala· 2026
On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla
by Chong Zhi Yu
Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Ifanitshala Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #178950The Design
About On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla
I-On Belay sisitulo sokuphumla esisebenzisa kwakhona iintambo zokukhwela ezingasasetyenziswayo. Iintambo ezingasafanelekanga ukukhwela zigcina amandla nokuguquguquka kwazo, ngoko ke zilukwe kwisihlalo nakwindawo yokuxhasa umqolo. Umphezulu olukiweyo uthambile kwaye uyaguquguquka, kwaye usasaza ubunzima ngokulinganayo ukuze unike inkxaso ngaphandle kwamalungu aqinileyo. Isakhelo senziwe ngomthi weKapur onezidibaniso ze-lap ne-bridle eziqiniswe ziidoweli ezimbini kwiikona. Iindlela zemveli zokuluka zidityaniswe namaqhina okukhwela ukubophelela iintambo kwisakhelo. Esi situlo silinganiselwa kwi-600 nge-850 nge-650 yeemilimitha.
The Recognition
About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award
On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. On Belay Isitulo Sokuphumla iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.
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.
