Cabin Lounges

We wanted to develop something that moved away from commoditised forms and a lack of personality. We wanted to push ourselves to do something that was bolder in terms of design, especially for DesignByThem's first upholstered range. It had to be unmistakably identified as uniquely a product under DesignByThem. The concept started as a single, over-sized bent tube to create the base and backrest. After exploring this, we felt it lacked the modularity we needed. It was at this point that we started to think of the seat as being “built” and began referencing log cabins as a foundation.

By using simple geometric blocks, we were able to create different configurations, sizes and types of lounges which meant better adaptability for the design. A system of construction that allowed for stacking components enabled us to easily adapt the design for different lengths, depths and heights as demand required and with stocked components. A long time was spent refining the proportions and developing the internal structure. After many mock ups, we found a proportion for the modules that conveyed the refined, distinctive, welcoming personality that we wanted for the Cabin range.

The Cabin range was designed to be aesthetically distinctive, challenge the status quo of workplace seating and make significant advances in manufacturing techniques. The range has been incredibly well received in Australia and Internationally with orders and interest from many overseas markets. Beyond aesthetics, we listened to what our stakeholders wanted and delivered this through the use of a modular frame system to allow for quicker construction, shorter lead times, easy customisation, easier and targeted repair, upgradability, acoustic dampening and the ability for the user to adjust the ergonomics either at the time of purchase or throughout its use.

Due to it's modularity, the Cabin Range can be arranged in at least 28 different configurations. Since its release, the Cabin range has featured in a number of Australian and international publications, including Yellowtrace, Belle, Indesign, Core77, Design Milk and - most recently - Monocle's International Top 50 Designs (May issue).