TIFF award 2012: A bed by huang chao

‘A-bed’ by chao huang

the ‘A-bed’ is a folding bed with a built-in curtain for outdoor use. typically on the beach side, sun loungers are shaded by large umbrellas, however, both are bulky and awkward to carry. created by chinese-born finland-based huang chao, the ‘A-bed’ combines these two products into a single outdoor furniture piece which can be folded for easy portability and storage. the design is a simple wooden structure with built-in shadow curtains to shade you from the sun’s strong rays when desired – ideal for the beach, garden, poolside or anywhere outdoors.

the ‘A-bed’ is the winning design in the ‘pool and patio’ category of the TIFF award 2012, whose theme ‘inside outside’ celebrates designs in which aesthetics and the environment share an equal role. 3025 designers from 87 different countries participated in the international design competition, which was organized by designboom in collaboration with the thailand department of export promotion (DEP), ministry of commerce, royal thai government, and TIFF – thailand international furniture fair.

the competition catalogue illustrating the 100 shortlisted entries is available for press, VIP and professional visitors at the TIFF – thailand international furniture fair in bangkok. you can also browse the online version of the catalogue here. see the original TIFF award 2012 call for entry.

also earning top honors at the TIFF 2012 award ceremony in bangkok were ‘koh seating system’ by israeli designer eyal soodai in the category of ‘hotel and hospitality and ‘bamboo windsor chair’ by bo reudler and olav bruin in the category of ‘home interiors. the ‘raindrop xylophone’ by south korean-born, france-based designer heesung baek won an honorable mention.

built in shadow curtains allow you to adjust the amount of sun you want to be exposed to