Umber Lounge
The Umber Lounge was designed to explore the material properties of leather when used in tension. The use of leather in this method allows for a soft yet suportive seating surface while eliminating the need for cushioning materials like foam.
Key Issues
Structure: The goal of this project was to show the structural capacity of tentioned leather. The issue then became how do you support the wait of a person using primarily leather?​
Material: due to the fact that the materiall would be under high tention for an extended period of time it was important to choose something that would allow enough leeway to get a tight fit while also being durable enough to hold up over time.
Ergonomics: Leather has been used previously in the form of sling seats. Sling seats have little to no ergonomic benefit. In developing this design I wanted to find a way to tension the leather in an ergonomic fashion.
Structure
The structure for this chair consists of two metal frames. The inner frame is suspended by the fabric. The curves in this frame serve to provide even tentioning so that the pressure is spread through the entire surface. The use of the inner frame allows for the tensioning of the seat while preventing it from colapsing in on the user.
Materials​
The primary concern when choosing a material was durability. Woven fabrics suged fairly quicky over time. While knit fabrics were too streatchy to begin with. Vinly proved to be fairly tough however once punctured it tears fairly easily. Lether was both durable as well as having the added benefit of being able to steam the leather after it is atached to increase the tension.
Woven
Knit​
Vinyl
Leather
Ergonomics
​
The tensioning of the leather pulls in the back to create a lumbar suport. The seat is sewn at a slight angle for increased comfort. and the cross beams of the metal frame are placed away from the user to avoid creating presure points. In addition being made of leather allows for some give creating a cushioned feeling in the seat.
Finalized Design
