Header: Jan Goderis
FOLD chair by Jan Goderis explores a new formal language by experimenting with plywood. The material’s structural and aesthetic potential is explored through bending to create a chair with just one piece of folded plywood, creating a distinct balance between functionality, comfort and aesthetics.
This innovative design earned Jan a win at the 2026 SIT Furniture Design Awards in the Chair category.
A continuous piece of plywood
True to its name, the FOLD chair features an innovative seat shell whose rear legs and backrest are made from one uninterrupted piece of plywood. Material characteristics of plywood allow the designers to bend the chair to perfection without compromising on its strength and stability. Slick and light, the design creates a fluid, expressive silhouette, reducing visual complexity for a clean, natural look. Instead of treating the backrest and legs as separate elements, the design of the FOLD chair turns them into a single structural gesture.
Rubber element for additional support
Comfort plays a central role in the design. The chair features an ergonomic shape in the back, supporting good posture, while the seating area is carefully designed to ensure comfortable sitting and a natural leg position. The seating area includes a subtle rubber element that adds support and boosts comfort by allowing slight movement.
Bent metal tubing front legs
Apart from the lightweight plywood element, the chair also features two front legs made entirely of bent metal tubing. The metal that’s driven through the bent plywood seating area provides additional support. The contrasting element separates the front legs from the backrest and the wooden shell.
The slick leg profile differs from the rest of the chair, providing a lightweight feel. The chair appears to float above the floor while the metal tubing in front remains safely attached to the piece. The balance between warm wooden shell and cold metal tubing introduces a contrasting visual expression.
Sustainability
FOLD chair is made of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- certified wood that comes from responsibly managed forests that protect ecosystems. Efficient production reduces waste and supports sustainability. The FOLD chair can be produced locally and assembled easily.
Personalization options
Available in numerous wood finishes, from warm natural shades that highlight the beauty of wood to dark black and bright white finishes, the FOLD chair adapts to many personal preferences. With its distinctive silhouette, considered ergonomics, and honest expression of materials, the chair is designed to fit naturally into both contemporary and classic interiors.
Jan Goderis Design Lab
Designer Jan Goderis founded the Design Lab in 2021, aiming to employ his decades of experience to widen the range of design assignments. Since then, the studio has undertaken a variety of projects ranging from objects to lighting, furniture and utensils. His work is driven by a strong interest in researching new techniques and materials, alongside ergonomic, ecological, social and economic considerations.
By combining fluid lines with clear structural logic, the FOLD chair by Jan Goderis shows how contemporary furniture design can achieve a strong visual identity without compromising practicality or usability.
