On Belay 休閒椅 by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 傢俱設計 Competition Category.

銅傢俱· 2026

On Belay 休閒椅

by Chong Zhi Yu

Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 傢俱 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About On Belay 休閒椅

On Belay 係一張重用退役攀山繩嘅休閒椅。已經唔再適合攀爬嘅繩索仍然保持住強度同柔韌性,所以被編織成座位同靠背。編織表面柔軟而有彈性,可以將重量均勻分散,毋須硬性部件都能夠提供承托。椅架採用冰片香木(Kapur)製造,並以搭接同繫接嘅榫接方式配合角位雙木釘加固。設計結合傳統編織工藝同攀山繩結,將繩索綁緊喺椅架上。呢張椅嘅尺寸為600乘850乘650毫米。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

On Belay 休閒椅是 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On Belay 休閒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。On Belay 休閒椅出色地滿足需求，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: 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.