Sukiya Serenity

Chair for Yui Kitahara Design Base

The star of the show is the molding under the seat. The design is inspired by the facade of sukiya style architecture. It is characterized by a linear composition of square timbers. The wooden parts under the seat create an intentional space, and the light shining through the gaps accentuates the texture and color of the wood. This structure brings calmness and lightness to the space, and the chair itself is designed to accentuate the space.

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Sukiya Serenity by Yui Kitahara

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Chair by Yui Kitahara

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Yui Kitahara Sukiya Serenity

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Yui Kitahara Chair

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Unique Properties

The main element is the molding under the seat. Based on the design of facades often seen in Sukiya architecture, this is a linear composition using square timbers. The finely calculated wooden parts intentionally create space, and the light shining through the gaps brings out the natural texture and attractive color of the wood. This creates a sense of calmness and brightness in the space, and the chair itself is intended to serve as an accent.

Tags

chair, armchair, japanesestyle, Japandi, wood, furniture

Production Technology

The chair is an economical wood-turning model, designed with mass production in mind, without the need for complex machining. This is to reflect the Japanese culture of eliminating waste. All parts are precisely machined by NC. The rear leg parts, backboard parts, and the entire structure are straight, so very little scrap wood is produced. The parts of the backboard are machined by hand by craftsmen, creating gentle curves.

Design Challenge

The legs are 27 mm thick; if they are too thick, they look cheap, and if they are too thin, they look unreliable. Several prototypes were made, each adjusted by 1mm. The backrest is composed of curves and straight lines. Since the entire chair is composed of straight lines, if the backrest were only curved, it would give an alien impression. This is to ensure that the overall atmosphere of the chair is neither too hard nor too loose.

Project Duration

This project began in October 2023 and ended in June 2024. At the same time, it won a silver prize at the Asahikawa International Furniture Competition, and was exhibited in Hokkaido until September 2024.

Operation Flow

This chair was designed to provide a moment of relaxation and release from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It incorporates the Japanese wabi-sabi style, giving a sense of serenity to the space. The construction method, which has been handed down from ancient times, is built according to certain standards, so there is no waste. We take the design that is created because of this construction method as the DNA of woodworking and reinterpret it as a different value in the form of furniture.

Research

Japan is a resource-rich country with forests covering 70% of its land, and from the perspective of the SDGs, we wanted to create a chair with a structure that minimizes waste during production and reflects traditional forms that can only be found in Japan. Underlying the theme is a desire to make the public aware of the finite nature of wood resources and to further revitalize the furniture design industry.

Inspiration

In designing a wooden chair, I wanted to achieve a form that was unique to wood, rather than just taking advantage of the characteristics of wood. As I watched the setting sun shine through the linear design of a traditional Japanese sukiya-style house, and as I continued my research, I realized that it is light and shadow that bring out the most appeal of natural materials and Japanese aesthetics. Therefore, I decided to create a form that makes the most of shadows.

Image Credits

Main image #1: International Furniture Design Fair Asahikawa Organizing Committee, Sukiya Serenity, 2024 Optional image #1: Yui Kitahara, Sukiya Serenity, 2024 Optional image #2: Yui Kitahara, Sukiya Serenity, 2024 Optional image #3: Yui Kitahara, Sukiya Serenity, 2024 Optional image #4: Yui Kitahara, Sukiya Serenity, 2024

Project Overview

Sukiya Serenity Chair has been a Silver winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Yui Kitahara was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Sukiya Serenity Chair.

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