MR01 Initial Lounge armchair - / Walnut & rope by Gubi Beige/Natural wood

Originally, the young Danish designer and cabinetmaker, Mathias Rasmussen, designed this low armchair for his own home. He wanted a lounge armchair that he could use to relax and meditate. Both familiar and yet remarkably modern, the MR01 Initial armchair combines traditional craftsmanship and originality in a simple and very understandable form. Jacob Gubi, Creative Director of GUBI: "In many ways, it appears you have already seen this chair, but it is an evolving interpretation and a development of Danish furniture traditions. " The MR01 Initial armchair combines a solid wooden structure with a flexible and comfortable rope seat. The seat and backrest are hand-woven from 90 metres of rope, in accordance with a method developed especially by the designer himself to lock the rope in the frame. The addition of rope is characteristic of Rasmussen, who often combines organic materials that complement the wood, creating an aesthetic dialogue between the two. This open-work rope seat gives the armchair transparency and lightness, both literally and visually. The careful ergonomic design of the armchair allows for different seating positions: from crossed legs to legs extended forward, left or right. This furniture is the result of Rasmussen's profound understanding of the potential of wood. Just like the great Danish masters who came before him, Rasmussen thinks with his hands: in order to develop the MR01 Initial armchair, he drew and built a variety of sketches and prototypes. The open wooden frame with the triangular profile is built without a single screw, thanks to ancient cabinetmaking techniques. The seat sticks out at the back to form the legs and serve as a support to the backrest. Four of the five crossbars which make up the armchair are identical, which simplifies the construction and reduces waste. The slight and low tilt is designed to give the user the impression of floating, while still feeling connected to the ground, encouraging a contemplative calm feeling. This armchairis made to last: the rope used has a deformation-resistant core. It can also be replaced or rewoven, if that proves necessary overtime. The wood acquires a pleasant patina as it ages, which grants it a durability that the designer has strived to cultivate. Mathias Rasmussen: "The MR01 Initial armchair comes from a simple construction, optimised for production and designed to last as long as the materials themselves allow. It is an honest armchair in its construction, versatile and easy to understand. Because the rope gives the seat and the backrest a certain transparency, the armchair is so light that it almost looks like its floating. " This collaboration - the first between GUBI and Rasmussen - highlights GUBI's commitment to support budding creators and invest in craft skills that are both established and innovative, as well as its commitment to the start of what promises to be a long and fruitful partnership.