benjamin hubert: coracle + cargo for de la espada

'coracle' lounge chair by benjamin hubert for de la espada
images courtesy of benjamin hubert

british industrial designer, benjamin hubert, created coracle and cargo for london based furniture
manufacturer de la espada, two chairs in a larger collection. the project called for the use of
artisan craftsman, meaning each piece has the unique quality only handmade objects can deliver.
the timber joinery detailing and hand-stitching are details which further generate the industrial aesthetic.

'coracle' refers to small boats, traditionally used in wales since the bronze age. the woven construction
seen on the chair is the same pattern as that found on the vessel. the tri weave is enhanced with the same
perforated leather wrapped around the steel frame. the same wrapping is usually found on bike handles,
making the chair more tactile and comfortable. 



top view



side views



detail of leather weaving



detail of leather wrapping around steel frame 



coracle process



coracle process



coracle process



coracle process



'cargo' dining/occasional chair by benjamin hubert for de la espada 


an other furniture piece in the series is the cargo, a dining/occasional chair made of four
automotive leather panels which attach to an ash frame using mechanical fixings. the tailoring
of the panels mirror the original intentions for the material, as the hand-stitching gives it a less
mechanical character. this detail of seeing the tools and marks of the creator is also visible on
hubert's 'quarry lamp', a light fixture which is also part of the same collection. to see the
designboom article, click here. 



view with and without panels



different frame and leather panel color options



detail of arm joinery 



detail of mechanical fixings 



detail of mortise and tenon joinery 



shape of four panels removed from frame



cargo process



cargo process



cargo process



cargo process



entire collection