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The Initial MR01 armchair by designer and joiner Mathias Steen Rasmussen combines sleek, modern design with traditional woodworking techniques. Made entirely from natural materials, with its rope seat and backrest that let air and light through, and its wooden frame sloping to the floor, the Initial MR01 armchair offers remarkable flexibility.
Jacob Gubi, owner and creative director of Gubi: "This collaboration is the latest example of GUBI's commitment to investing in craftsmanship and paving the way for new designers. Mathias' prototypes immediately caught my eye. I was extremely impressed by the high level of execution and aesthetics from such a young and inexperienced designer. He has a rare knowledge of wood and natural materials, and it was a privilege to work with him to put his first piece into production."
The solid wood frame is assembled without screws using finger-joints and mortise and tenon joints. The seat and backrest are hand-woven from 90 meters of rope, using a method developed by the designer to lock the rope into the frame. The rope has a semi-elastic anti-deformation core. The wood acquires a pleasant patina with age.
While the indoor version is in oak or walnut, the MR01 outdoor version is in FSC®-certified iroko. The rope is made of high-performance custom polyester. Waterproof, it's perfect for poolside use.
initial Indoor MR01 – Oiled Oak
initial Indoor MR01 – Oiled Walnut
initial Outdoor MR01 – Oiled Iroko
Structure oiled solid wood: oak or walnut for the indoor version, Iroko for the outdoor version
Back and Seat braided rope in natural linen (indoor version) or polyester (outdoor version) with anti-strain core
Dimensions L65 x P88 x H69 cm – Seat height 33 cm – Seat depth 55 cm
Weight 10 kg
The initial MR01 armchair is made in Italy from FSC-certified solid wood. FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council - an international non-profit association created in 1993) is an independent label guaranteeing that forests are managed in a responsible and sustainable way. What's more, four of the five crossbars used in the construction of the initial MR01 chair are identical, simplifying construction and reducing waste.
Mathias Steen Rasmussen
Mathias Steen Rasmussen is part of the new generation of Danish designers who intend to put technique and craftsmanship back at the heart of the artistic creation process.
He began his studies at the Jutland Art Academy in 2012 in search of a way to express himself aesthetically and quickly realized his passion for working with wood and creating functional objects. He then turned to furniture design, and pursued a cabinetmaking training which he completed as an apprenticeship in 2019 with the highest distinctions.
His working philosophy is "honesty in construction". With the idea that the manufacturing process of an object must remain visible in its final design, Mathias Rasmussen seeks to highlight the naked grain of the wood and the joints between the different parts.