Delo Design moulds plywood to form Wave chair’s geometry
Wave is a dining chair, developed by Delo Design, constructed from moulded laminated plywood. The design is based on an integrated approach in which visual identity, material behavior, manufacturing technology, construction, and production strategy are developed as a unified system.
The project is informed by the technical constraints and possibilities of moulded plywood. Design development focused on pressing techniques, allowable bending radii, CNC machining tolerances, fastening systems, and surface finishing. The restriction of bending plywood along a single axis eliminated multi-planar geometries and established a clear formal direction.
Proportions were carefully calibrated to balance comfort, structural performance, and material efficiency. The resulting wave-like profile is derived from both ergonomic requirements and production logic, defining the chair’s overall form and name.
all images courtesy of Delo Design
Birch plywood core and wood veneer finish define Wave chair
The chair consists of two primary components: a combined seat-and-leg element and a separate backrest. The backrest is produced as a single-piece element of moulded laminated plywood, featuring a complex geometry specific to this design. Assembly is intentionally simplified. The backrest is mounted onto the base from above and secured using a custom-designed plastic connector that ensures accurate alignment and long-term durability. Fastening is completed with bolts positioned within the internal frame.
Manufacturing is carried out using hot pressing in moulds developed specifically for the chair. Laminated layers are pressed under heat and subsequently trimmed to final shape using CNC machining. Birch plywood is used for the internal layers, while the exterior surfaces are finished with engineered wood veneer supplied by Alpi. Delo Design, led by designer Arseny Brodach, selects this material for its dimensional stability and ability to withstand the stresses of pressing complex forms, where natural veneer proved unsuitable.
The chair is designed with logistical efficiency in mind. Two disassembled chairs fit into a single box measuring 50 × 50 × 50 cm, allowing up to 16 chairs to be packed within one cubic metre. This configuration reduces transportation volume and storage requirements. Wave is available in four finishes: oak, cherry, rosewood, and dark rosewood. The chair has been presented at international exhibitions in Dubai and Milan, where it received professional recognition.
Wave dining chair developed by Delo Design
constructed entirely from moulded laminated plywood
wave-like geometry derived from ergonomics and technology
complex geometry achieved through controlled pressing
backrest formed as a single-piece moulded plywood element
proportions calibrated for comfort and structural efficiency
birch plywood core with engineered wood veneer finish
form driven by material behavior and manufacturing logic
hot-pressed laminated layers shaped in custom moulds
compact flat-pack system reduces transport and storage volume
project info:
name: Wave chair
designer: Delo Design – Arseny Brodach | @delodesign.eu
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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