Henrik Tjærby — 4x4
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
A holistic approach to sustainability defines the 4 x 4 seating collection by Danish designer Henrik Tjærby. From design language to material use, production techniques, functionality, durability and component breakdown, Tjærby approached 4 x 4 with the intent of designing an adaptable framework that can change depending on the environment and materials at hand. By presenting the chair in Spanish eucalyptus – a wood species local to Tjærby’s studio in the north-west of Spain, 4 x 4 demonstrates the importance of showcasing an underutilised wood traditionally used for paper pulp. Through minimal geometry and a simple three piece component system of production, material waste has been kept to a minimum, whilst allowing the design language to re-configure and adapt to various functional and ergonomic considerations.
Material and dimensions:
4 x 4 Dining Chair.
Spanish eucalyptus, paper-cord.
47 x 49 x 73 cm
4 x 4 Kids Chair.
Spanish eucalyptus, paper-cord.
36 x 38 x 66 cm
Year:
2022
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Anders Sune Berg
VIDEOGRAPHY BY:
Benjamin Lund
LONG DESCRIPTION:
The 4 x 4 dining chair and 4 x 4 kids chair form part of a larger family of seating furniture designed around the same components, with each unit constructed from three sections of solid wood cut to length and joined using ovulated dowels. Maintaining the same sized components creates a shifting yet consistent design language as various functions change the proportions of the design – an elongated seating bench or a chunky kids chair for instance. The reason for the consistency within these components is due to Tjærby’s deeply considered use of material, with square and rectangular components maximising the yield of each felled tree. At the same time these simple components create an archetypal form that sits comfortably against one another, with combinations forming bench units or seating rows. The oversized frame of the 4 x 4 collection creates a strong and durable seating platform, allowing the seating base to change materials and techniques whilst maintaining strength, just as the frame can be finished in various wood species or alternatives such as extruded aluminium.
DESIGNER BIO:
Henrik Tjærby.
Industrial and furniture designer, born 1977.
With a studio and workshop located in La Coruna on Spain’s north-western tip, Danish designer Henrik Tjærby works across commissions and production pieces through an inquisitive sense of play. His paired back design language shines a light into the processes of each project, with a special importance placed on how materials are formed and combined through joints and connections. Utilising a mixture of cutting edge technology and traditional techniques he tests the limits of materials and processes, with a particular focus on championing underutilised timber species. Transparency and open dialogue with clients and companies alike allows his studio to drive sustainable outcomes through a combination of good craftsmanship and detailed industrial design. Tjærby’s latest project – designing and building a new studio focused around renewable energy and utilising reclaimed materials – further highlights the holistic values he instills within his approach to design and production.
EDUCATION:
2002: MA, Product & Furniture Design, Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark.
GRANTS AND HONOURS:
2021: 1st prize, Felderchallenge – International Fine Cabinetmakers Competition, International.
EXHIBITIONS:
2016: Makers and Bakers, AirBnB & Ambra Medda, Spazio Rosanna Orlandi, Milan, Italy.
2015: Hallingdal Espadrilla ́s, 50 year Anniversary of Hallindgdal Fabric, Kvadrat, Denmark.
COMISSIONS:
2023: Triennale Table, 100 Year Anniversary Exhibition, Triennale Museum, Milan, Italy.
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