A New Lease of Life: The Modus Task Chair

After 20 years of active service in the Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany) state parliament, 120 Modus swivel chairs have returned - ready for a new life. In a time dominated by throwaway culture and fast-paced consumption, we’re showing what’s possible with refurbishment: When products are made to last and easy to disassemble, they can have not just one, but several lives.

As early as 1992, Wilkhahn introduced a design concept based on timeless aesthetics, pioneering functionality, and long-lasting quality. Repair-friendly construction, minimal material diversity, material purity, and adhesive-free assembly have since become core elements of our company philosophy. This commitment was recognized in 1996 with the German Environmental Award.

The Modus office chair range, introduced in 1994 and designed by Klaus Franck and Werner Sauer, embodies these principles almost perfectly: Thanks to its intelligent construction, the chair can be disassembled into its main components using just eight screws — entirely without adhesives. This makes the seat and backrest easily accessible and allows them to be efficiently renewed even after years of intensive use. The movement mechanism is considered virtually indestructible, while the slim, sculpted armrests and the die-cast aluminum base are built to last for decades.

A particularly impressive example of Modus' longevity is the Kieler Landeshaus. Our Modus swivel chair has been in use here since 2004. It has experienced 20 years of changing coalitions, heated debates and a wide variety of sitting habits - and yet has withstood all challenges without complaint.

When the chairs came back to us after 20 years of intensive use, it was not a farewell for us, but a new starting point. Because despite all the patina and political history - the substance was right. 

To make these Modus swivel chairs fit for a second life, we ensure that every component is restored to its original quality standard step by step during the refurbishment process:

1. Dismantling and sorting:
   • Complete disassembly of the chair into its individual parts (base, swing plates, mechanical parts, backrest with armrests and seat shells).
   • Removal and separation of old upholstery foam and cover (seat and back upholstery fabrics are completely separated).
2. Preparation of the components:
   • Thorough cleaning and sorting of metal and plastic components.
   • Inspection and functional testing of all moving parts.
3. Re-upholstering:
   • Precise cutting and sewing of the new seat cover from nine parts, without any staplers or glue.
   • Production of the new back cover including integrated crescent shaped grip and piping to affix it in place.
   • Application of a pure sheep's wool fleece under the seat cover for natural breathability.
4. Final assembly and finishing touches:
   • Assembling the existing base, swivel arms, newly upholstered backrest frame (including armrests) and newly upholstered seat shell. Only the gas pressure spring needs to be replaced.
   • Attach a plaque with proof of origin of the limited special edition ("Parliament model").

The result: a completely redesigned Modus chair that looks and works like new - with a carbon footprint to be proud of.

The Modus demonstrates particularly clearly what good design can achieve: The complete overhaul reduces the CO₂ footprint for the second phase of use by an impressive 69% - to just 19.54 kg CO₂ equivalents. The natural sheep's wool fleece alone accounts for 55% of this, which we use to ensure a comfortable seating climate.

The new textile covers also make a strong statement: The Oceanic fabric consists of 100% recycled plastic waste, for example from old fishing nets or PET bottles, collected as part of the SEQUAL initiative to clean up the world's oceans.

The 20 years of parliamentary history that our Modus chair has accompanied in Kiel make it a very special object. It was clear to us that this piece of democratic history deserves a second stage. That is why we are offering the reworked pieces as a limited special edition - each with a plaque of origin so that the history remains present.

And best of all: the seat color and cover material can be customized on request. This turns a long-lasting classic into a unique, personalized piece that matches your surroundings and your values.

Anyone who secures one of the limited editions now is not just investing in an office chair, but in a statement of sustainability and quality that will last for generations.

Did you know? As part of our service and customer support, we offer our customers the refurbishment of their Modus chairs on site. After all, continued use is the most effective contribution to sustainability!