Soft Edge 40 Chair by Iskos-Berlin

The 40 is the basic chair of the series: a molded oak veneer shell set on four straight steel legs. HAY states that it is stackable and intended for both residential interiors and collective use: offices, cafés, meeting rooms. Height 79 cm, seat at approximately 45 cm, width 50 cm.

Oak veneer, and why it is curved

The shell is made of sheets of oak veneer glued and pressed into a mold: this is known as molded plywood. The process allows for a thin, and therefore lightweight, wall that takes on a continuous curve without edges or joints. This is what gives the series its name: the edge of the seat softens rather than cutting into the thigh.

The lacquer is water-based. The natural oak leaves the grain visible; the opaque finishes cover it more while still keeping the grain in relief.

Stackable

HAY states that this chair is stackable: it can be stored in a stack when the room needs to be used for something else. This is what makes it common in meeting rooms and public venues.