hemp and pineapple-leaf composites form a light-weight
chair Hemp Chair, established in Thailand by Veronica Olariu, is a seating prototype that explores structural balance through plant-based products and light-weight building and construction. The job combines hemp material with a pineapple-leaf fiber composite to produce a system where stability is attained through counterbalance and tension rather than mass. The chair supports two modes of usage, upright and reclined, while its curved shells direct the positioning of the body.
The chair is constructed from eco-friendly fibers and farming spin-offs. The seat shells are formed from a bio-composite including layered hemp fabric and a core made from pineapple-leaf felt. This product was developed in collaboration with material engineer Dr. Jariyavadee Sirichantra, using pineapple leaves, a by-product of Thailand’s agricultural market, as a structural part.
The shells are produced using resin transfer molding (RTM), a closed-mold process that allows regulated fiber saturation and constant structural performance. This approach also reduces material waste and limits emissions during fabrication. The current prototype utilizes epoxy resin, with continuous advancement focused on transitioning to totally bio-based resin systems.
all images courtesy of Veronica Olariu Balance changes mass in hemp chair, formed by rope stress The chair’s structure is based on a system of counterbalance and tension. A hemp rope spans in between slender wood supports, holding the composite shells in equilibrium. This approach permits the structure to stay lightweight while preserving stability, with all structural relationships visibly expressed. The design emphasizes legibility, permitting the interaction between stress and balance to stay apparent rather than concealed within the things.
The seating is specified by two curved shells that support various postures. Rather than functioning as a soft lounge chair, the style engages the body through its geometry, motivating an active sitting position. The type extends the spinal column and disperses weight through the tensioned system.
The project continues the designer’s exploration of structural balance using eco-friendly materials and composite fabrication techniques. The mix of hemp composite components and slim wood rods makes use of principles associated with weaving, where stress and alignment specify structure. Hemp Chair is set to exist during Milan Design Week 2026 as part of the No Area for Waste exhibition at the Isola Design Celebration.
the chair’s profile exposes the noticeable counterbalanced system holding the composite shells in balance hemp-composite shells, a pineapple-leaf fiber core, and slim wood assistances are stabilized with a tensioned rope a structural system constructed on the relationship in between the composite shells, wood elements, and tensioned rope