Design Brief

This project challenged me to design and fabricate a chair that is both beautiful and functional, using primarily CNC-machined 3/4” Baltic birch plywood. The final product needed to embody a clean, elegant aesthetic while offering ergonomic comfort suitable for daily use. The result is a carefully crafted chair that balances digital precision with a handmade finish, fulfilling the project’s goals of comfort, elegance, and functionality.

Inspirations

The Saku Chair, inspired by the delicate beauty of a cherry blossom tree, combines comfort and relaxation with precision-crafted design. Made using a CNC machine, it ensures ergonomic support while preserving a striking aesthetic appeal.

Conceptual Sketches

I began the design process with a series of rough sketches, exploring various forms with an emphasis on incorporating curves that could be efficiently produced using a CNC machine. My primary focus was to create a visually dynamic structure that also offers ergonomic support and encourages a relaxed sitting posture.

Materials

After retrieving the CNC-cut pieces, I meticulously refined each component using routers and sanders to ensure smooth edges and precise detailing. To conceal the exposed plywood edges, I applied edge banding before assembling the structure with wood glue for a clean, seamless finish.

Finish

I completed the chair with a cherry wood gel stain, followed by three coats of lacquer to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. To accentuate the floral cutout, I painted the cherry blossom design in a semi- gloss pink, adding a subtle yet distinctive highlight to the overall piece.

Cushion

The cushion was constructed from a 2-inch foam sheet, topped with a layer of flattened poly-fill and wrapped in batting to achieve the desired shape and softness. The cushion was then inserted into a handmade cover crafted from rich velvet fabric, adding both elegance and comfort to the final design.

Design Brief

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