Ian Stell, an American designer, has designed a unique, expandable bench in a form of connected chairs, Austrian Loop. It is constructed out of 800 pieces of maple wood with 200 brass pivots that make it possible to expand in and out. This project is based on the conversation chairs that emerged in France in the 18th to 19th centuries where 2 seats facing in opposite directions, creating a comfortable and intimate conversation without the need to touch.

Austrian Loop can be extended up to 7 feet, giving multiple occupants a platform to sit together very close or at distance. We really love the unique structure where sections of wood placed at certain length and shorter pieces are placed at right angles to form arms, legs, and a slanted back. This seating configuration aims to encourage social interaction. Available in only 800 pieces, each unit was assembled in Red Hook Studio, New York.

Designer : Ian Stell