Step inside a bio-based future of design with self-shaping furniture

A first of its kind concept, Germany-based Hylo Tech’s “H1” lounge chair is a part of HygroShape – a fascinating collection of one-off pieces demonstrating truly self-shaping warm wooden furniture. Intrigued?

Inspired by the Greek term ‘hyle’, utilized for both matter and the ancient building material of wood – Hylo Tech brilliantly develops innovative ecological solutions re-moulding the bio-based future of design.

Seamlessly implementing programming to harness the unique potentials of sustainable materials as well as practices, this extraordinary project sheds light on and represents a shift in manufacturing processes.

Skillfully designed at the University of Stuttgart – “each and every object highlights a specific material programming syntax crafted to study the computational fabrication concept from harvesting to use” says Hylo Tech.

Utilizing intrinsic properties of wood – these minimalistic products with a Scandinavian aesthetic are fabricated in flatpack configurations, shaping themselves when unpacked. 

Its self-shaping emerges from the hygroscopic shrinkage that naturally occurs in organic wooden materials – “this takes place without human interaction, tools or assembly instructions, unfurling smoothly, as quickly as overnight” Hylo Tech adds. 

Once shaped, its parts further lock mechanically creating stability – while retaining an active ergonomic function through small effortlessly harmonious movements. 

Crafted specifically for a dynamic posture and compliance in back support – H1 is their upright piece of furniture with its form generated through the unfurling of two linked surfaces. 

“This amplifies the movement – allowing it to stand up from a completely flat configuration” Hylo Tech adds.