Veronica Olariu's Hemp Chair Uses Pineapple-Leaf Composite and Tension for Lightweight Design
Veronica Olariu has developed the Hemp Chair in Thailand, a prototype that focuses on balance and sustainability. This unique piece combines hemp fabric with a composite derived from pineapple leaf fibers, using tension and counterbalance instead of bulk for stability. The chair features slender wooden supports linked by hemp rope, allowing for both sitting and reclining. Crafted using resin transfer molding (RTM) to reduce waste, the current model uses epoxy resin, but future plans include switching to bio-based materials. Partnering with Dr. Jariyavadee Sirichantra, the project makes use of agricultural pineapple leaves. The design encourages good posture and weight distribution. Olariu’s research into renewable materials will be featured at the Isola Design Festival during Milan Design Week 2026.
Key facts
- The Hemp Chair is a prototype developed in Thailand by designer Veronica Olariu.
- It uses hemp fabric and pineapple-leaf fiber composite for lightweight construction.
- Stability is achieved through counterbalance and tension, not mass, with a hemp rope and wooden supports.
- The chair supports upright and reclined postures, with curved shells guiding body alignment.
- Shells are made via resin transfer molding (RTM), reducing waste and emissions.
- Material engineer Dr. Jariyavadee Sirichantra collaborated on the pineapple-leaf composite.
- The current prototype uses epoxy resin, with plans to switch to fully bio-based resins.
- It will be presented at Milan Design Week 2026 in the No Space for Waste exhibition at Isola Design Festival.
Entities
Artists
- Veronica Olariu
- Dr. Jariyavadee Sirichantra
- Christina Vergopoulou
Institutions
- Isola Design Festival
- designboom
Locations
- Thailand
- Milan
- Italy