Porta Volta

chairs

The Porta Volta Chair by Herzog & de Meuron marks a new chapter of collaboration between Molteni&C and the renowned international architectural firm and long-term partners of Molteni Group. A special edition Porta Volta chair will be featured in the main reading room at The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. Molteni&C’s sister brand, Unifor, is collaborating on the exciting project by managing the remodeling of the reading room, including all shelving and built-in furniture to ensure the interior components work in harmony.

Design Herzog & de Meuron

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“Until now, we’ve always created furniture — chairs and stools, tables, and lamps — spontaneously, intuitively, and in response to a personal need or a specific project in a specific place. This is why a geographical reference often figures in the names of our furniture and objects. The Porta Volta Chair is an exception: I wanted to design a chair with an armrest because there are hardly any that I like. I wanted it to be comfortable, welcoming, and commodious. Like a room to sit down in, rather than just sitting down on something.”

Jacques Herzog

The Porta Volta Chair is an immediately striking piece. The design’s defining element comes from the solid wood back which is curved in a U-shape, creating an inviting and enveloping feel. The floating backrest extends further to create armrests. If desired, the backrest can be bisected by a customizable cushion. Three U-frames with a unique curved “finger joint” lend the piece a detailed softness. The four legs and back are angled slightly outwards which provides a stable and comfortable repose.

This piece is highly customizable to suit a range of interior design preferences and needs. Each of the solid wood choices — American walnut, black oak, sunrise oak, graphite oak, or eucalyptus — has been specially chosen for longevity and durability. The upholstered seat is carefully considered to provide exceptional comfort in a wide array of fabrics including leather and a special selection of mohair velvet. The cushion comes in one of four custom colors: sunflower yellow, royal blue, daisy pink or silver gray.

For even more comfort and a personal touch, the Porta Volta chair offers optional padding on the backrest. The rectangular shaped padding provides an added opportunity for customization with a range of fabrics and leathers.

The chair is available in two sizes for functional and practical considerations. At 71 cm, the higher chair size functions well for dining while the low chair at 66cm is intended for a living or sitting room. Designed to pair with a sofa, the low chair makes for a harmonious addition to the living space.

The Porta Volta Chair is both elegant and relaxed thanks to Herzog & de Meuron’s exquisite eye for detail and high-quality materials, adding a sophisticated touch to the living room, dining room or workspace.

1-2-3: Porta Volta Chair 3D Print Mini Prototype, Copyright Herzog & de Meuron
4: Porta Volta Chair, Sketch by Jacques Herzog, December 2020, Copyright Jacques Herzog und Pierre de Meu- ron Kabinett, Basel

Design

Herzog & de Meuron

Herzog & de Meuron is an international architectural practice based in Basel, Switzerland. Established in 1978, the practice is led by the two founders together with the current Partners and the CEO. Today, an international team of over 600 collaborators is engaged in a wide range of projects across Europe, the Americas and Asia. The main office in Basel works in tandem with studios in Berlin and Munich, Paris, London, Hong Kong, New York and San Francisco, and site offices in Copenhagen, Jerusalem, and Hangzhou.

complete biography

“Until now, we’ve always created furniture — chairs and stools, tables, and lamps — spontaneously, intuitively, and in response to a personal need or a specific project in a specific place. This is why a geographical reference often figures in the names of our furniture and objects.”

Herzog & de Meuron

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Porta Volta

Technical Details

Finishes

Product Sheet

Finishes

Technical drawings 2d (.jpg)