Woodland 衣帽架座椅 by Mingbo Hou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 家居用品設計 Competition Category.

銅家居用品· 2026

Woodland 衣帽架座椅

by Mingbo Hou

Client: Mingbo Hou

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 家居用品 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #177614

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Woodland 衣帽架座椅

Woodland係一款專為細小居住空間同玄關而設計嘅衣帽架座椅。呢張椅將符合人體工學嘅座位同實用收納功能結合埋一齊。樹枝形狀嘅扶手可以做掛鉤，用嚟掛外套、手袋同配飾。彎曲嘅椅背好似樹枝噉包住坐嘅人。Woodland採用可持續硬木同再生鋼材製造，配以無毒啞光黑色塗層。木材以人手彎曲成弧形，接合位經過加固，確保承重時穩固。呢個設計將平時將衣物隨手放喺椅上嘅習慣，轉化成整齊嘅收納方式。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Woodland 衣帽架座椅是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Woodland 衣帽架座椅將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Woodland 衣帽架座椅出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Tree-Branch Coat Rack Chair is a multifunctional piece of furniture that combines ergonomic seating with practical storage. Its unique branch-shaped armrests function as hooks for clothes and accessories, making it ideal for small living areas and entryways. The design balances beauty and utility, providing users with a modern interior solution that is both functional and distinctive. It expresses a lifestyle that values simplicity, comfort, and individuality.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 1800 mm (height) x 900 mm (width) x 550 mm (depth) Weight: 6 kg Materials: Sustainable hardwood, recycled steel Load Capacity: 150 kg (seating), 20 kg (hanging) Finish: Non-toxic, matte sealant Color Options: Black
Tags: Branch-shaped chair, multifunctional furniture, sustainable design, biomimicry, ergonomic seating, eco-friendly materials, modern furniture, space-saving design, organic aesthetics, innovative furniture
Production Technology: The chair is made from sustainable hardwood and recycled steel, ensuring both durability and environmental responsibility. The production process involves hand-bending wood to create the curved, wrapping form, then mechanically cutting and manually refining it. The joints are reinforced with eco-friendly adhesives and fasteners to ensure structural stability. The surface is finished with a matte black, non-toxic coating for a stylish and modern appearance.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was balancing the organic branch-like structure with overall stability. Achieving this required repeated prototyping and testing to ensure it could support both sitting and hanging functions. Another challenge was sourcing sustainable materials without sacrificing durability. The final result is a design that successfully combines visual impact with reliable performance.
Research: The design process included qualitative research on biomimicry and ergonomics, focusing on the structural characteristics of tree branches. User testing was carried out to improve comfort and function, and material studies explored sustainable options. The findings inspired the organic form and multifunctional features of the chair, creating a design that combines beauty, practicality, and environmental awareness. The research also shows how nature-inspired solutions can help create personalized, emotionally engaging home furniture.
Inspiration: One day, after coming home, I casually threw my jacket over a chair. That simple habit inspired me-what if the chair itself looked like a tree, turning a careless gesture into a thoughtful act of storage? I designed a curved backrest that wraps around the sitter like branches. Each hung garment makes the “tree” seem to grow. Placed at the entrance, it lets users hang accessories freely and express a stylish, personal lifestyle.
Project Duration: The project started in Okinawa, Japan, in October 2024 and was completed in December 2024. It was exhibited at the Tokyo Furniture Fair in March 2025 and at the Milan Design Week in April 2025.
Operation Flow: This chair offers an intuitive experience. Users can sit comfortably on its ergonomically designed seat while hanging coats, bags, or accessories on the branched armrests. The well-balanced structure ensures stability even when fully loaded. Its dual function naturally integrates sitting and storage, turning everyday actions into pleasant, seamless interactions within living spaces.
Image Credits: Mingbo Hou