At NeoCon Chicago this June, British designer Paul Crofts unveiled the Knit One Chair for UK-based brand Isomi — a project that pushes the boundaries of sustainable furniture design by replacing traditional foam with nothing more than air.
The chair is built using advanced 3D knitting techniques, which allow the textile itself to provide volume, structure and softness without the need for plastic fillings.
“This time, I wanted to go even further and not just replace materials but remove them altogether where possible. It’s about achieving comfort, structure and volume with the absolute minimum,” says Paul Crofts.
By combining knitted fibres with a modular framework, the Knit One Chair creates a continuous, supportive shell that retains the plumpness of upholstered furniture. 3D knitting also enables localised adjustments in elasticity and density, delivering targeted comfort where the body needs it most.
Although often overlooked, furniture fillings carry a significant environmental burden. Their production and transport require heavy resource consumption, and once discarded, foams contribute to landfill waste, releasing harmful chemicals and methane. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, around 12.1 million tonnes of furniture and furnishings are thrown away each year.
With its elimination of foam, the Knit One Chair demonstrates how design innovation can radically rethink the lifecycle of everyday objects. As awareness of sustainability grows and second-hand furniture markets expand, 3D-knitted, zero-filling designs could mark a pivotal step toward a more responsible furniture industry.
Source: 77° Global Furnishings Media
