June 10, 2019
Teknion Corporation announced today the preview of its new Laru Wood Guest Chair at showroom #1048 during NeoCon, June 10-12, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Laru is the local name for Lauttasaari Island in Helsinki, and the home and studio of Laru chair designers Mika and Julie Tolvanen.
“The idea for the Laru chair family came from observing plants growing on our walk to work through a pine forest,” said Julie Tolvanen. “Laru is produced using the latest advanced techniques for making curved parts. We 3D printed full-size chairs in our studio until the shape of the curves looked just right. In the factory, these wood parts are cut to shape using a computer-controlled machine, so the final chairs are exactly as we envisioned. The armrests peel away from the backrest, curving gently − the chair invites you in.”
Laru represents a more human approach to typical contract wood chairs, one that is inspired by the qualities of nature. The chair frame is solid oak with an oak veneer back insert panel and plywood laminate seat. The Finnish designed, all-wood armchair and side chair seamlessly blend easy forms and emphasize craftsmanship with bent wood, invisible joinery and elevated wood grain details. Laru is understated, neutral, soft and friendly. A modern and fresh take on a familiar archetype.
Laru’s curved frame serves as a very tactile integrated handle against the inlaid wood panel on the back side. Both the armchair and side chair are available with wood or upholstered, cushioned seats. The enclosed seat bottom is mechanically fastened, allowing seats to be replaced or exchanged between wood and upholstered. The side chair stacks four-high.
In addition to the Laru Wood Guest Chair, Teknion will also be featuring at NeoCon the Just-Us Chair designed by Justus Kolberg, Sprout Stool & Table Collection, the Wilkhahn AT Task Chair and Wilkhahn Occo Multi-Purpose Seating. Other new products include the Emote Private Office and C+D Conference Table designed by Mario Ruiz, Teknion Bene Box, Tek Booth, Teknion Reception Desk Program and Naava Healthtech Green Wall.
Visit us at our tenth-floor showroom, #1048.
About Studio Tolvanen
Studio Tolvanen is the product design office of Mika and Julie Tolvanen. Mika is a Finnish designer who started his own practice after graduating from Royal College of Art in 2001. Julie is an American designer who worked 10 years as a woodworker before moving to Finland in 2009 to get a masters in furniture design. Mika and Julie founded Studio Tolvanen in 2015. They design products for residential and contract use from their studio and workshop on Lauttasaari island in Helsinki.