Stories
Berlin, Germany
A chair in contrast by Sigurd Larsen
Architect Sigurd Larsen has developed a bespoke version of the Vipp Swivel chair, where material shapes how the chair is experienced.
Based in Berlin, Sigurd works across architecture, interiors, and furniture. His practice follows a consistent line of inquiry: how materials are experienced, visually and physically, and how they change over time. The project forms part of an ongoing collaboration, where creatives are invited to reinterpret the Vipp Swivel chair through their own material language.
Architect Sigurd Larsen has developed a bespoke version of the Vipp Swivel chair, where material shapes how the chair is experienced.
Based in Berlin, Sigurd works across architecture, interiors, and furniture. His practice follows a consistent line of inquiry: how materials are experienced, visually and physically, and how they change over time. The project forms part of an ongoing collaboration, where creatives are invited to reinterpret the Vipp Swivel chair through their own material language.
“We were interested in how materials can shift perception. What appears soft is not always soft, and what feels familiar can behave differently.”
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
The material composition reflects an architectural approach, where texture is used to define atmosphere rather than decorate.
“In architecture, you work with how spaces are experienced through the body. This follows the same thinking - just at a different scale.”
The material composition reflects an architectural approach, where texture is used to define atmosphere rather than decorate.
“In architecture, you work with how spaces are experienced through the body. This follows the same thinking - just at a different scale.”
Across projects, Larsen treats materials as active elements rather than finishes. Surfaces are chosen for how they age, respond, and register use. The shift from building to object does not change the approach, only the scale.
Across projects, Larsen treats materials as active elements rather than finishes. Surfaces are chosen for how they age, respond, and register use. The shift from building to object does not change the approach, only the scale.
“Material is never neutral. It defines how we understand what we are interacting with.”
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
“Material is never neutral. It defines how we understand what we are interacting with.”
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
A sculptural counterpart
Alongside the upholstered chair, Sigurd Larsen has developed a sculptural version of the same typology. Carved in marble, the piece translates a familiar form into permanence. A soft, upholstered object rendered in stone.
“Transforming an upholstered chair into marble creates a tension between expectation and reality."
Inspired by the Kythnos Cliff House in Greece, designed by Sigurd Larsen for Vipp Residences, an architectural, co-owned vacation home project, the piece reflects the island’s material language of stone and light. Rooted in the tradition of Greek marble, it explores the contrast between weight and lightness, structure and surface.
The project was presented at an event in Berlin on May 6 hosted by Sigurd Larsen, attended by architects and designers from across the international design scene.
A sculptural counterpart
Alongside the upholstered chair, Sigurd Larsen has developed a sculptural version of the same typology. Carved in marble, the piece translates a familiar form into permanence. A soft, upholstered object rendered in stone.
“Transforming an upholstered chair into marble creates a tension between expectation and reality."
Inspired by the Kythnos Cliff House in Greece, designed by Sigurd Larsen for Vipp Residences, an architectural, co-owned vacation home project, the piece reflects the island’s material language of stone and light. Rooted in the tradition of Greek marble, it explores the contrast between weight and lightness, structure and surface.
The project was presented at an event in Berlin on May 6 hosted by Sigurd Larsen, attended by architects and designers from across the international design scene.
“Transforming an upholstered chair into marble creates a tension between expectation and reality.”
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
“Transforming an upholstered chair into marble creates a tension between expectation and reality.”
- SIGURD LARSEN, ARCHITECT
A spin for every space
Designed with a swivel base, soft seat, and slender aluminium frame, this chair in motion will prove a flexible seating experience for any space.
Learn more about the Swivel chair