Using solely a 29” x 47” sheet of Oriented Strand Board, I designed a task chair that could hold a live load of 250 lbs, have a seat at least 16” off the ground, fit flat in a package that was only an inch thick, as well as be easy to assemble by a consumer.

Throughout the design process, I aimed to create a chair that was simple, structurally efficient, and easy to assemble, relying primarily on joinery rather than additional hardware. The final design embraces a sense of lightness and maneuverability while maintaining a bold, geometric form.

Initially, my ideation leaned toward a sharper, more angular direction, incorporating wooden dowels to connect the sides. However, the dowels felt like a compromise the goal of constructing the chair primarily from OSB.

By refining the design, I was able to achieve stability and visual distinctiveness using only interlocking OSB components, staying true to the material-driven challenge. Additionally, the subtle curves in the legs, backrest, and seat create a sense of cohesion, as they mimic and echo each other throughout the form, softening the otherwise rigid geometry.