Meet “TAUT,” a tension-style lounge chair that stands as a living testament to the principles of the modern Right to Repair movement. This unique chair is meticulously crafted from found materials, and shaped by the simplest tools and techniques. Designed by the user, for the user, using materials discovered within arm’s reach, “TAUT” forges an intimate bond between the individual and the object, fostering a profound sense of ownership and commitment to the chair’s endurance over its lifespan.
TAUT was guided by a fusion of influences, drawing from the iconic tensegrity and Butterfly chair designs. The insights gleaned from Victor Papenek’s “Nomadic Furniture” and the wisdom within “Skills of the Australian Bushman” by Ron Edwards were pivotal to the design.
With a handful of basic tools – a chisel, hammer, and sewing machine – I embarked on the creation process. Leveraging materials discovered in the surroundings of my home, including fallen branches from trees, the nylon core of an aging abseiling rope, and a retired bike cable, I created a narrative of materials and structure. The culmination was “TAUT”, a chair that stands as a testament to both resourcefulness and character, crafted with a profound connection to its origins.
TAUT encapsulates a journey of resourceful creation and thoughtful design. The fusion of common construction lashings brings together the branches into a harmonious whole, while a blend of olive oil, lavender oil, and vinegar imbues the wood with a unique patina. Notably, the chair’s only purchased component is the cover material, thoughtfully selected from a second-hand store.
The chair’s dynamic nature, swaying with shifts in weight, adds a touch of playfulness to its utility. Each blemish and imperfection carries a story - a testament to the hand-crafted process. This connection with its construction is a nod to the ethos of repairability and adaptability. TAUT’s creation was well considered, allowing for easy disassembly and repair—an embodiment of the ideals driving the Right to Repair movement.
