benjamin hubert: coracle + cargo chair for de la espada

‘ benjamin hubert: coracle + cargo chair 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.

top view

‘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.

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

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.