A Nod to Scarpa: Abatellis Chair by Forme Studio.

Photos by Tim Salisbury.

A new occasional chair for any occasion, the Abatellis is the latest from Monica Alba Colla and Ben Feher, the duo behind emerging Sydney-based design studio Forme. Working with local craftspeople in Sydney, the handmade solid timber object is an exercise in careful composition, collaging elements of exacting proportion and precise detailing, with a billowing, plush cushioned seat and backrest.

Directly inspired by the work of Carlo Scarpa, specifically his project at the Palazzo Abatellis museum in Palermo, it’s here Forme took their cues for the materiality, detailing and form. The late Venetian Master Architects approach in particular resonated with Monica and Ben. “Scarpa had very close working relationships with the people that brought his visions to life,” they explain. “The result in his work speaks for itself—every moment, every connection and junction, and each piece that makes the whole work—it’s all carefully considered and meticulously brought together.”

To bring their project to life, Forme sought out the craftsmanship of Maiden Joinery and Rematerialised Upholstery. “We had the concept, look and feel, and some ideas for the detailing, but we needed the expertise and passion of those who would want to be involved earlier on than perhaps usual,” Monica and Ben elaborate.

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Simple, functional and sculptural the finished design is composed of three elements—a plinth, a cantilevered backrest, and a plush cushion to sink into with a good book. With an intentionally ambivalent form it sits between sofa, daybed and ottoman—how you recline is open to interpretation.

With polished metal detailing and deep leather upholstery, it’s in these details you can see the studio’s homage to classic Italian chair and sofa designs from the 1970s. “For us, it’s an era of furniture design where experimentation in materials, geometry, proportion was at the forefront of design,” Forme continues “These pieces are timeless and directly inspired us to make something we believed could age beautifully and patina over time. It had to feel like it had already been around for many years, had been lived in — something that already had a story to it.”

The Abatellis Chair by Forme is available for made-to-order in a limited run and will be hand-crafted locally in Sydney by Maiden.

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[Images courtesy of FORME. Photography by Tim Salisbury & Hamish McIntosh.]