Header: Hay
Backflip chair designed by Gudmundur Ludvik for Hay may appear as a conventional wooden dining chair, but there’s more than meets the eye. Clean lines and honest material use take on a different form as soon as the backrest rotates. The chair folds in one motion using a mechanism that locks the chair in either folded or unfolded position.
Simplicity meets originality
Icelandic designer Gudmundur Ludvik has long explored the tension between the functionality and the aesthetic of the folding chair. Recognising that many flip chairs sacrifice design and comfort in favour of easy storage and transport, the designer wanted to create a chair that provides a comfortable seating experience before everything else.
“It was essential to me that it should not feel like secondary seating or something of lesser value.”
Designer Gudmundur Ludvik
A folding chair with character
Blackflip is a versatile chair for everyday use that successfully balances technical performance with contemporary design. It can be easily stored and moved from one place to another. The chair fits numerous spaces and events, moving seamlessly from a dining room to a conference hall without ever feeling like a temporary furnishing. The elegant design, which comes in many finishes and colour options, gives the chair a permanent character even when used only temporarily.
The folding mechanism at an unexpected place
The beauty of the Backflip chair comes from the resolution of a technical problem. Rather than starting with a predefined design concept, the design emerges from the functional elements. By rotating the backrest of the chair, the mechanism hidden inside the wooden piece activates, and the chair folds in one motion. The sturdy design makes the chair perfect for everyday use in your home or in large conference halls.
The chair is shaped by its materiality and construction technique, placing a strong emphasis on function and ergonomics. Crafted in solid wood with a plywood backrest, the chair’s ability to fold and unfold in a moment brings flexibility and ease of use. The flexibility is further enhanced by a wide range of colour finishes, making the chair fit into any design. Semi-transparent water-based lacquered finishes include natural beech and bronze for a natural, organic look, elegant black and white options or vibrant cedar green and cloud blue.
Matching wall bracket
The Backflip accessories include a wall bracket made of solid beech. Executed in black or natural wood finish, the wall bracket can be used to mount the chair on any wall. One bracket can securely hold one or two folded chairs, saving space while simultaneously ensuring the chair stays close at hand when needed.
By designing a chair that marries seating comfort, Scandinavian minimalist design and the flexibility of a simple folding chair, Gudmundur Ludvik created a seating solution that can be used for everyday seating and large gatherings alike.
