Embru’s Modular Patio Chair Prioritizes Repairability Over Replacement
Moritz Schmid’s new lounge chair design allows users to replace damaged seating components individually.
1Modular Design Philosophy
Swiss furniture maker Embru is introducing a lounge chair designed by Moritz Schmid that emphasizes modularity. Unlike traditional furniture where damage to one part often necessitates discarding the entire object, this chair features individual components. This construction allows users to replace or repair specific sections, extending the product's overall functional lifespan.
2Engineering the Connection
The chair utilizes a specially developed mounting system that secures different seating surfaces to a central frame. A visible circular metal fitting connects the backrest to the structure, intentionally highlighting the assembly process. This design choice makes the repairability aspect transparent, allowing users to clearly see how the chair is constructed.
3Material and Aesthetic Options
Embru plans to offer both outdoor and indoor versions of the chair. The outdoor model features a wire-grid design, while the indoor variant includes wood-veneer panels like oak, ash, and walnut. Available finishes for the metal frame include wine red, gray-blue, black, and silver hot-dip galvanizing for increased durability.
4Visual and Spatial Impact
The choice of material significantly alters the chair's visual presence within a room. The grid version maintains transparency, allowing the background to remain visible through the seat. Conversely, the wood-veneer panels create solid planes, transforming the chair into a more substantial piece of furniture suitable for various interior design settings.
5Historical Design Context
This project continues the collaboration between Moritz Schmid and Embru, following their previous work on the Park Chair. That earlier design utilized a tubular steel frame and was specifically developed around the manufacturing capabilities at Embru’s Rüti factory. This history suggests a deep integration between the designer's vision and factory production.
6Unresolved Comfort Questions
While the modular frame and replaceable parts are compelling, the actual comfort of the lounge chair remains unproven. The current preview establishes the visual shape but does not clarify how the grid seating surface feels during extended use. Potential buyers must wait for physical testing to determine if it functions well.
7Market Availability Details
Embru expects the Patio Chair to become available for purchase at the end of 2026. Currently, the company has not confirmed pricing or potential availability in the United States market. Furthermore, the specific logistics regarding how customers will order and price individual replacement parts remain to be officially clarified by Embru.
8Long-term Ownership Value
The true value of this design will likely emerge years after purchase, depending on the availability of replacement parts. If Embru provides a straightforward system for obtaining components, the chair could become a sustainable alternative to disposable furniture. Its success relies on balancing aesthetic appeal with practical, long-term maintenance support for owners.