SHRINK by +Halle: the sustainable design revolution

In a world where sustainability has become the most pressing imperative in contemporary design, few products manage to completely transform the established paradigms of an industry. The SHRINK armchair by +Halle, created by Boris Berlin for the 2024 Autumn Cabinetmakers' Exhibition, represents precisely that revolution: a bold proposal that challenges the traditional conventions of upholstered furniture and sets a new standard for the future of sustainable design.

A design that defies convention

SHRINK stems from a fundamental question: what are the minimum materials needed to create a comfortable lounge chair without compromising on design or functionality? Boris Berlin and +Halle's answer has been as elegant as it is revolutionary: completely eliminate the use of polyurethane (PU) foam, one of the most environmentally problematic materials in the furniture industry.

This decision is not merely aesthetic, but deeply ethical. PU foam, a petrochemical product ubiquitous in traditional upholstery, presents multiple environmental problems: it is difficult to recycle, emits harmful gases, is highly flammable, and has a limited lifespan that contributes significantly to environmental waste.

The true ingenuity of SHRINK lies in its innovative use of patented textiles with self-supporting properties. This revolutionary material not only provides the structure necessary for comfort, but also maintains an elegant and defined upholstery that preserves the classic aesthetics of a luxury lounge chair.

The semi-transparency of the fabric intentionally reveals the foam-free construction, turning sustainability into a distinctive visual element. This choice of transparent design conveys a powerful message: sustainable innovation does not require sacrificing beauty or sophistication.

SHRINK represents much more than a technical innovation; it is the embodiment of a design philosophy that prioritises environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetic excellence. In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their decisions, products such as SHRINK offer a compelling alternative that requires no sacrifice in terms of quality or beauty.

The collaboration between Boris Berlin and +Halle demonstrates that sustainable innovation arises when design creativity meets environmental commitment and technical excellence. Their approach is not just to eliminate problematic elements, but to completely reimagine how the furniture of the future can be constructed.

The future of sustainable furniture

SHRINK is not simply a product; it is a statement of intent about the future of furniture design. It demonstrates that it is possible to create extraordinary pieces that respect both the user and the planet, setting a precedent that other designers and manufacturers can follow.

In a market where sustainability is often perceived as compromising luxury or functionality, SHRINK proves that this perception is fundamentally flawed. True innovation arises when all these elements are harmoniously integrated, creating products that not only meet present needs but also anticipate and respond to future challenges.

SHRINK by +Halle represents the natural evolution of conscious design, setting a new standard for what contemporary furniture can and should be in the 21st century.