Most seating furniture isn’t made to last.
Chairs and benches are often difficult to take apart, awkward to move, and easy to damage.
After just one relocation, many end up broken or discarded.
A new furniture concept developed through the LinumTube cooperation project aims to change that idea completely.
Led by Fraunhofer WKI, the project set out to design seating furniture that is strong, flexible, and truly sustainable.
The result is a series of benches, chairs, and stools designed for long-term use, easy movement, and reuse.
Instead of relying on glue or permanent fasteners, the furniture is built around a clever combination of a steel frame and a textile cover made from flax fibers.
The key idea behind the design is simplicity. The furniture can be assembled, taken apart, and rearranged quickly, making it ideal for people who move often or want flexible living spaces. Each material plays its own role.
The steel substructure provides stability, while the flax fiber fabric forms the seating surface. Because nothing is glued or bolted together, the parts can be separated without damage.
This means the steel and textile components can be reused, reconfigured, or recycled at the end of their life.
Developing the multi-layer flax fiber fabric was a major focus of the work at Fraunhofer WKI. The fabric is thick, strong, and woven with integrated channels that slide neatly over the steel tubes.
A state-of-the-art weaving machine produces the cover in a single piece, so it doesn’t need to be cut or sewn into shape afterward. Once the edges are finished, the fabric is ready to use immediately.
Different fabric styles allow for a wide range of looks and comfort levels. Some versions use natural tones, while others feature bold colors.
Certain designs include fringes or a lamellar structure that gently gathers the fabric, adding both cushioning and visual interest. These structural details were carefully designed so they wouldn’t interfere with assembly or disassembly.
The design also leaves room for creativity. Additional woven channels can hold removable LED light strips, creating soft, indirect lighting and a warm atmosphere.
The steel frames are available in different shapes, including round or square tubes, and can be paired with various leg designs.
This flexible, modular approach allows the same components to be used in many configurations. Dimensions can be adjusted, parts can be swapped, and furniture pieces can evolve over time.
Early prototypes have already been shown at international furniture fairs, where they attracted attention for combining modern design, smart engineering, and genuine sustainability.
In a world where furniture is often disposable, this flax fiber seating offers a refreshing alternative: furniture designed to move, adapt, and last.
