# Reinterpreted Classic Shell Chairs Benjamin Hubert and MDF Italia Create the Press Chair By Amy Duong | Published 2024-09-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/press-chair References: [design-milk](https://design-milk.com/layer-mdf-italia-unveil-their-take-on-the-iconic-shell-chair/) & [redirect.viglink](https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_172598707736910&key=6ab1d62aaf9dbafae96546ba3ca1b2ac&libId=m0wo3srp0100x1tt000ULiuwicau9&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fdesign-milk.com%2Flayer-mdf-italia-unveil-their-take-on-the-iconic-shell-chair%2F&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mdfitalia.com%2Fen%2Ffurniture%2Fchairs%2Fpress&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fdesign-milk.com%2F&title=LAYER%20%2B%20MDF%20Italia%20Unveil%20Their%20Take%20on%20the%20Iconic%20Shell%20Chair&txt=%3Cstrong%3EPress%3C%2Fstrong%3E)  [LAYER's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calma-lounge) founder Benjamin Hubert works together with Italian furniture brand MDF Italia on their reinterpretation of the [classic shell chair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tugendhat-chair) in the form of the Press chair. The name comes from the production process in which the team uses a two-part aluminum mold to press onto the shape without cracking the shell. What ends up is a dynamic design with a curved accent as a spotlight on the [3D wood veneer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sedia-tonda). Hubert explains the vision and design process, stating "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.” Image Credit: Benjamin Hubert, LAYER, MDF Italia ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 27% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-veneer Furniture:** 3D-veneer technology allows for the creation of highly intricate and durable furniture designs that were previously impossible with traditional materials. - **Sustainable Production Methods:** Utilizing aluminum molds for pressing materials without cracking enhances the sustainability of the manufacturing process and minimizes waste. - **Timeless Modern Design:** A focus on creating furniture with a timeless quality ensures that designs remain relevant and desirable over extended periods. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Innovative methods such as using 3D-veneer and aluminum molds are advancing the furniture manufacturing industry by increasing durability and design complexity. - **Sustainable Design:** The integration of sustainable production techniques in furniture design is revolutionizing the sustainable design industry by reducing environmental impact. - **Interior Design:** Timeless modern furniture pieces like the Press Chair are influencing the interior design industry, encouraging the inclusion of versatile and enduring elements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pillowy Wood Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/press-armchair.md) - [Cleverly Molded Plywood Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/layup-chair.md) - [Seashell-Inspired Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traditional-and-digital-techniques.md) - [Updated Midcentury Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiberglass-shell-chairs.md) - [Cushioned Relaxing Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calma-lounge.md) - [Contemporary Steel-Base Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plan-chair.md) - [Kinetic Shell Contemporary Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeph-side-chair.md) - [Comforting Designer Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calma-lounge-by-layer.md) - [Kinetic Shell Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeph.md)