Zhi

ZHI came from the desire to create a 1 piece plywood stool using regular veneer, laminated and pressed into a self supporting 3 dimensional shape without the need to use the more expensive 3 dimensional veneer.

We started by folding card, then laminating paper over a foam mould within a bag press, enabling us to get the seat angle and footprint right by tweaking the form until the paper stopped tearing in the press.

At that point we knew veneer could be pressed without tearing, the result is surprisingly strong and is rigid enough to provide the right balance of support and seat flex for additional comfort.

Unintended benefits are the ability to make a higher stool by extending the press tool, as well as the ability to closely nestle the stools into each other for packing and transport.