Reviewed by Beatriz Gonzalez, director, head of workplace interiors, Scott Brownrigg
THE MAT ARMCHAIR exemplifies a drive for innovation and a commitment to circular design principles. By moving away from traditional plastic in shell chairs towards natural materials, Danish design studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen has created something truly unique without compromising on aesthetics.
The chair’s slimline frame and detailed hemp base give it a light yet sturdy feel, while the armchair version offers ample space, comfortably enveloping the body. The tactile nature of hemp, with its textured surface, encourages a sensory connection between the user and the product, contrasting beautifully with the chair’s smooth, curvaceous form. This could make it a particularly appealing product to hypo-sensitive individuals who seek sensory stimulation.
The Mat Chair has a slimline frame and hemp base
The Mat Armchair is well-suited to diverse spaces, from hospitality and residential settings to commercial environments, with the upholstered version providing a more luxurious experience for spaces that demand an elevated level of comfort. Although the non-upholstered version doesn’t quite match the comfort level of its upholstered counterpart, the durable hemp shell is ideal for high-traffic areas such as cafés and canteens, or environments where brief seating interactions and collaboration are the norm.
Upholstered armchair version with black, steel base and Kvadrat Hallingdal 65 227 finish
Overall, the slimline design is appealing but may not leave a lasting impression. The true strength of this product lies in its sustainability credentials, which make it a standout choice. The versatile design comes in various shell shapes and typologies, including armchairs, dining chairs and stools, catering to a wide range of applications. We envision this chair being specified in workplace projects, particularly in informal collaboration settings where both style and sustainability are valued.
Scott Brownrigg is a global design leader ranked in the top 20 largest in the UK and within the global top 100 architectural practices. It has a vision to transform the industry and enrich lives through the built environment to create a better world.
It undertakes projects across all major sectors from business space, education, residential and mixed use through to advanced technologies, hospitality, civic and cultural, transport and defence.
It has studios across the UK in London, Edinburgh, Guildford and Cardiff and international studios in New York, Singapore, Riyadh and Amsterdam.
The company says that ‘it lives for opportunities to push ourselves, creatively, in business and as a team’.
