The CUT and ZEN chairs present two seating designs by Jaro Kose that examine material innovation and sculptural form through distinct approaches. CUT pairs a rounded oak frame with a broad backrest and stackable construction suited to residential and commercial settings, while upholstered and high-chair versions extend the collection. One variation replaces the standard seat and backrest with recycled plastic components featuring a terrazzo-like speckled finish that highlights the material's previous life rather than concealing it. The recycled surfaces contrast with the timber frame, making sustainability a visible design element.
ZEN takes inspiration from the composition of Japanese Zen gardens, translating stones and raked gravel into a fully upholstered lounge chair. A generously rounded seat references smooth rocks, while concentric padded forms create a layered backrest recalling the patterns drawn around stones in traditional gardens. The soft construction emphasizes curved volumes and continuous upholstery, producing a contemporary seating piece that combines sculptural geometry with a minimalist material palette.
Concept Seating Collections
CUT and ZEN Chairs Explore Eco Materials & Japanese-Inspired Forms
Trend Themes
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Visible Recycled Materials — Furniture that showcases recycled inputs through terrazzo-like finishes turns sustainability into an aesthetic feature for premium residential and commercial interiors.
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Sculptural Minimalist Seating — Rounded volumes, layered forms, and restrained palettes create opportunities for chairs that function as both ergonomic furniture and statement design objects.
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Nature-inspired Furniture Forms — Design references from Zen gardens, stones, and raked patterns suggest new directions for calming interiors shaped around biophilic and cultural storytelling.
Industry Implications
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Furniture Design — Material experimentation with timber, upholstery, and recycled plastic expands the category beyond function into expressive, sustainable product collections.
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Commercial Interiors — Stackable formats and visually distinctive eco materials support adaptable seating solutions for hospitality, workplace, and public environments.
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Sustainable Materials — Recycled plastics with intentionally visible histories point to growing demand for circular materials that add texture, narrative, and differentiation.