by Anna Lazzaron
The Knit One chair designed by Paul Crofts challenges traditional upholstery by creating a chair that uses only air for cushioning, showcasing how material reduction can revolutionise this industry.
Unveiled at Chicago’s NeoCon trade show, the Knit One chair represents a groundbreaking approach to seating that challenges conventional upholstery methods through the use of 3D knitting. Paul Crofts’ design for Isomi has achieved what was seemingly impossible: creating a chair that offers comfort while using dramatically fewer materials than traditional furniture. The secret lies not in what’s added, but in what is strategically removed.
Knit One is a modular seating system that redefines upholstery from the inside out. Foam is replaced by air, as the chair is only made of two components: a metal frame and a 3D-knitted fabric cover.
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What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
What if we removed materials instead of adding them? Isomi’s latest design is mostly made of air
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The chair’s design philosophy centres on reduction rather than substitution; as other brands find bio-based alternatives for foams and paddings, Isomi has taken it away altogether. “This time, I wanted to go even further and not just replace materials but remove them altogether where possible. It’s about achieving comfort, structure and volume with the absolute minimum,” says Paul Crofts.
Knit One chair by Paul Crofts for Isomi
The product showcases the potential of 3D-knitting, an advanced manufacturing technique that allows for the creation of seamless, three-dimensional fabric structures that eliminate the need for traditional manual processes. The result is a zero-waste production method that significantly reduces material consumption, as well as only using recycled raw materials, which are in turn fully recyclable after this process. 3D-knitting enables precise control over fabric density and structure, allowing different areas of the product to have varying levels of support and flexibility.
Knit One chair by Paul Crofts for Isomi
The fabric used feels opaque, textured and tactile, shifting away from modern meshes to something that reminds us of traditional upholstery. The ribbed design pays homage to classic craftsmanship, referencing the stitched detailing found in classic padded chairs. The modular nature of the Knit One system allows for flexible configurations, making it suitable for various environments. This adaptability in usage extends the chair’s lifespan, enhancing its environmental credentials. Overall, the chair’s modular design creates a continuous, solid volume that mimics the softness and fullness of regular upholstery, despite being composed solely of air and knit.
Knit One chair by Paul Crofts for Isomi
Paul Crofts has established himself as a leading voice in sustainable furniture design through his ongoing collaborations with Isomi. His studio’s approach consistently focuses on material innovation, modularity, and environmental responsibility without sacrificing design and appeal. The Knit One chair represents the most recent result of years of research and development in alternative manufacturing processes. Isomi and Paul Crofts’ design philosophy emphasises the importance of questioning conventional methods and exploring new possibilities, with a strong willingness towards experimentation.
Knit One chair by Paul Crofts for Isomi
The Knit One chair’s debut signals a significant shift in the furniture industry’s approach to sustainability. By demonstrating that air can effectively substitute foam padding, Crofts opens new possibilities that switch material replacement into material reduction. Furniture can then become lightweight, transportable while still maintaining comfort and durability standards. Embodying a vision for the future where sustainability and innovation can converge, the Knit One is more than just a seating solution. As consumers become increasingly conscious about their environmental impact, designs like this offer compelling alternatives on values that go beyond aesthetics. The Knit One chair stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking to create a more sustainable future for the design and furniture industry.
