jin kuramoto's 'maki' chair for OFFECCT features a curved hollow backrest

jin kuramoto has designed the maki chair for swedish furniture company OFFECCT, with a strong and iconic shape that can be combined in different formations. presented during the stockholm furniture fair 2020, the chair features an unconventional structure with an open hollow space in the back that takes its cues from the famous japanese maki rolls. ‘after working with OFFECCT for a few years now, I realize that they have a very good technique for upholstery,’ explains the japanese designer to designboom. ‘the production of this chair was a rather big challenge, especially because of the inside of the tube-like back, since it is quite hard to fix the fabric there.’

all images courtesy of OFFECCT unless stated otherwise

behind-the-scenes images by jonas anhede winge

jin kuramoto has developed the maki easy chair to either stand alone, creating a strong focal point in any room, or as a social team player, where multiple chairs can be combined, in a row or with the seats facing different directions. a self-evident expression of his and OFFECCT’s design identity, the chair has a simple, innovative form that offers plenty of possibilities.

‘normally I start to develop ideas without pencils, using materials by hand,’ kuramoto tells designboom while explaining how he developed the design of maki. ‘so, I tried with a sheet of foam and I accidentally made this form – I wanted to make something iconic but with a simple shape. at the same time, since nowadays contract furniture should provide a modular system, I wanted to incorporate this element as well.’

the form of the chair offers active, flexible seating, while the innovative backrest can also be used as support while standing. referencing japanese maki rolls, its unconventional shape with an open hollow space in the back posed a production challenge requiring OFFECCT’s craftsmanship. ‘the curve occurred from the material properties, it’s a very natural curve that I get from bending the foam, even from the first time,’ adds kuramoto. ‘normally, if I make drawings by hand, this shape does not occur as naturally.’

image © designboom