SHRINX lounge chair

The future of soft seating.

A classic lounge chair typically gets its soft shape and comfort from large amounts of polyurethane (PU) foam. However, PU foam is a petrochemical material with a limited lifespan that cannot be truly recycled. SHRINX explores a different way to create the same softness and comfort without traditional foam upholstery. A specially developed textile is loosely fitted around a steel frame and shrinks into place when heated. The tensioned textile creates the chair's shape, flexibility, and comfort. The result is a spacious, comfortable lounge chair that is lighter and more visually open than the classic club chair. PU foam is produced by mixing two liquids (a polyol blend and an isocyanate) that react to form a soft, sponge-like material. However, this process releases gases that are harmful to both people and the environment. While PU foam is widely used in upholstered furniture, SHRINX presents a more sustainable alternative by demonstrating how textile technology can eliminate the need for foam altogether. The chair's lightweight construction also makes it easier to move and transport, while its open expression is well-suited to public spaces where both privacy and a connection to the surrounding environment are important. The project takes a textile technology previously used mainly on smaller surfaces, such as office chairs, and applies it to a full-size lounge chair. In doing so, SHRINX explores new possibilities for the future of upholstered furniture.