textile softseating by molo

softseating is a series of seating elements in various materials and natural colours, all utilizing a honeycomb structure to fan open into stools, benches, and loungers. Each element of softseating has magnetic end panels, allowing an element to connect to itself, forming a cylindrical stool or low table, or to connect to other elements of the same size in series, creating long winding benches and endless possibilities for seating topographies. The beauty of these pieces is that they are sculptural abstract forms, each made from a single material, that can be used creatively and interchangeably as seating or low tables.

various sizes, available in translucent white

Like the kraft paper version, each of the flexible honeycomb units of textile softseating is modular with magnetic end panels, allowing them to fan open into stools, or for any two or more of the same size pieces to be connected together to create long winding benches and unique seating topographies. The flexible nature and large diameter of the fanning loungers and 915mm (3’) diameter stools, allows them to be leaned on top of one another, or against walls to create uniquely contoured organic shapes with backrests. The beauty of these pieces is that they are sculptural abstract forms, each made from a single material, that can be used creatively and interchangeably as seating or low tables. The combinations of joining, stacking and leaning the fanning stools, benches and loungers allows endless possibilities for creating seating environments and interior landscapes.

With use over time, the edges of the textile material will gently soften, creating a unique organic pattern within the crisp honeycomb geometry of the structure. There is something very pleasing and familiar about this combination of regular geometry and the idiosyncrasy of aging and movement, qualities found in nature, particularly plants and flowers. As the surface of the textile softens, the stools and loungers maintain their structural integrity. Despite being made from simple sheets of lightweight material, both the kraft paper and textile versions of softseating have great strength, and support a surprising amount of weight. It is the honeycomb geometry that lends the seating such impressive strength and enables an economy of material resource. softseating has been designed with long term use in mind, and the idea that ageing can be beautiful. As it is still important to consider the end of a product’s life, each element of softseating is made from a single, readily recyclable material.

textile softseating is made from the same lightweight non-woven material as textile softwall and softblocks, allowing for all of these pieces to be used in a highly complimentary way, as well as with all other soft products. The material is robust, tear and water resistant, and can be used in a reasonably clean outdoor environment.

Although textile softseating has not been fire rated as an assembly, the non-woven textile material used to make the pieces has a “Class A” fire rating under ASTM E84-89a.