Eames Aluminum Group & Soft Pad by Herman Miller

Aluminum Group chairs were originally developed in 1958 as a special project by Ray Eames for a private residence being designed by Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard.

At the time, the furniture was called the "leisure group," or "indoor-outdoor group" since it was meant to address the lack of quality outdoor furniture on the market.

The seat-back suspension was a major technical achievement and represented a departure from the concept of the chair as a solid shell.

Wonderfully comfortable, the chairs became the basis for several other Eames designs, including the Soft Pad chairs.


Inventive Comfort
Unique suspension: A continuous piece of seat-back upholstery is stretched tautly between aluminum side ribs, creating a firm and flexible sitting pocket that subtly conforms to the body's shape.
Sitting comfort: Aluminum Group chairs have layered vinyl cushioning inside fabric or leather upholstery; Soft Pad models add 2-inch-thick foam cushions for comfort and a different look.
Cygnus mesh material. This self-contouring, flexing material is available on Aluminum Group chairs to provide aeration, even weight distribution, and long-term comfort; Cygnus was specifically designed for Eames Aluminum Group as an elegant option.

Distinctive Aesthetic
Unmistakable look: Aluminum Group, upholstered in traditional fabric or leather, is ribbed at 1 7/8-inch intervals for a clean, refined appearance; the Cygnus mesh option has a lighter-scaled, translucent quality; Soft Pad cushions add a plush, luxurious touch.
Material choices: Available in a variety of fabrics and leathers.

Durability
Strong aluminum: With one-piece, curved aluminum side ribs and an aluminum base, the chair is strong, yet lightweight and easy to move.