The Press Chair by Layer x MDF Italia

An elegant and graceful chair designed with ergonomic shapes created from pressed 3D wood veneer.

Following collaborations with brands like Moroso, Deutsche Telekom, and Saga, London-based experience design agency Layer has partnered for the first time with Italian furniture brand MDF Italia to create a timeless chair. Named Press after the innovative manufacturing method that uses 3D wood veneer, the chair blends graceful, ergonomic forms with the beauty of the natural material to offer an incredibly versatile seating solution for residential, office, and commercial settings.

“When working with any material at Layer we like to push its potential – and an innovative material such as 3D-Veneer creates so many opportunities to experiment. While it was essential that the form of the chair express the material qualities of 3D-Veneer, it was just as important that it have a timeless quality to ensure longevity,” says Benjamin Hubert, Founder, Layer.

Lightweight and elegant, the Press Chair explores the beauty of wood through an innovative manufacturing technique. Two years in the making, the design showcases the potential of pressed 3D veneer. The studio used 3D CAD to visualize the curvature of the seat shell and optimize its ergonomic shape for ultimate comfort. The production process involved the use of a two-part aluminum mold, which allowed the pressing of the wood veneer into the desired forms without cracks. Additionally, the compound curvature of the chair strengthens the structure of the material. The ergonomic design enhances comfort, along with the waterfall edge that relieves pressure on the hamstrings.

Created with both comfort and versatility in mind, the Press Chair has a timeless aesthetic that complements a variety of settings. The quality of the build ensures that this cozy chair suits residential spaces as well as offices and commercial settings. Furthermore, Press comes in several versions, to look at home in any decor. Available in light oak or darker walnut, the chair also comes with different leg types and optional features. Apart from laminated wood legs, options include stacking steel tube legs with an optional aluminum armrest; a central stem base made of steel; and an upholstered seat pad. Additionally, the Press Chair comes in a fully upholstered version.

MDF Italia has launched the Press Chair during the 2024 edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy. Images courtesy of Layer.