On-Trend Wooden Shell Chair

04.10.2021
The successful stacking chair from the 1950s (on the left) receives a contemporary facelift in the shape of the new Aula model (on the right). Images: Wilkhahn

As early as the 1950s, architect and urban planner Roland Rainer had already designed a wooden chair range for Wilkhahn. With its characteristic A-shaped base frame, it became the archetype of successful stacking chairs. Some 60 years later, designer Wolfgang C. R. Mezger transformed this prototype of a stacking chair by creating the modern all-plastic Aula chair.

The all-rounder is impressive for its enormous versatility and wooden shell, which echoes the trend for natural materials. Photo: Robert Foster

The perfect seat shell

Wilkhahn collaborated with designer Wolfgang C. R. Mezger to enhance its Aula stacking chair range. They produced a three-dimensional plastic shell that provides comfort and support for any body shapes and sizes. With six shell colors and four upholstered versions, the attractive eye-catcher with its color-matched plastic frame has become a multi-award-winning all-rounder for new workspaces. To reap the benefits of the perfect seat shell for specific demands in multipurpose spaces too, Wilkhahn and Mezger have now created two new models. Both are stacking chairs. One comes with a tubular steel frame and the other with a sled base, which is particularly easy and compact to handle.

In addition to the organically modeled all-plastic frame, there are also models with tubular steel frames and sled bases to suit requirements. Images: Wilkhahn

While designing the wooden shell, it was a challenge to find a shape with similarly superior comfort and support as a plastic shell. A one-to-one wooden copy would have been too rigid. Which is why the three-dimensional seat tapers when it joins the backrest. The backrest then takes on a three-dimensional form again at the top to make it comfortable for people’s backs.As a result, the wooden shell is comfortable, with an exceptionally modern look and distinctive shape.

The models with a wooden shell and tubular steel frame meet fire safety regulations, offer comfort, a natural appeal and an outstandingly contemporary appearance. Image: Wilkhahn

Diverse design options

The wooden shells are available in beech or a natural oak veneer, as well as a black, stained oak veneer, and can be combined with the plastic and tubular steel frames in all six colors. As a standard, they have a flame-retardant varnish to meet fire safety regulations in multipurpose or transit spaces. And watch this space because early next year the wooden version will also be offered with a sled base.

Thanks to a wide range of shapes, colors and material, the Aula multipurpose chair checks all the boxes. Images: Wilkhahn

Further information

Click here to find the current Aula models, dimensions, material dimensions and reference photos.

 

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