Kata Lounge × Arper

SOFT TECH MEETS CRAFT

Lightweight in form and environmental footprint, we designed Kata with circular sustainability at its core. Arper’s first solid wood lounge chair, Kata takes inspiration from pre-industrial furniture, traditional craft techniques and artisan textures and reimagines the near universal typology using contemporary, sustainable solutions in an expression that’s both graphic and warm.

We wanted to take 3D knit technology and interpret it not in its traditional usage – high tech, synthetic, bold, and sporty – but in a way that combines high tech materials with an artisan feel.
The collection features two different finishes - a rich, textured 3D knit cover with embedded padding, and a more leightweight cover that can be combined with fabric cushions for both indoor and outdoors.

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 03

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 04

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 10

360 DEGREE SUSTAINABLE

The 3D knit made of post-consumer recycled PET bottles uses only the exact amount of material needed for the chair – as opposed to a woven cloth from which you cut the pieces needed. This means that there is no excess of material produced or wasted, compared to the 30- to 50-percent of fabric waste of traditional upholstery.

The hardwood timber from certificated FSC production features a matte, natural varnish on a water base, and is sourced in European forests.
Completely disassablable to allow for recycling and extremely lightweight, the CO2 for shipping is reduced to a minimum.

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 11

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 12

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 16

Altherr Desile Park Kata Lounge Product Design Art Direction Color Design 15

COLORS AND TEXTURES

The 3D knit covers come in a minimalist palette of four undyed tones: charcoal, linen, wheat, and water. These natural hues rely on surface richness rather than expressive color; combined with Wood, they offer a wide range of subtle yet distinctive variations. The result is a harmonious blend of form, material, and environmental responsibility.

We explored strategies beyond color to bring depth and animation to a space. By focusing on texture, materiality, and light, expressive colors become less essential when the surface itself carries character. In this way, color can be used sparingly and intentionally — perhaps as a subtle accent on a single cushion.