4×4 seating collection embraces sustainability and comfort with local eucalyptus

Henrik Tjærby designs 4×4 for Mindcraft project 2023

Danish designer Henrik Tjærby presents the 4×4 seating collection as part of the Mindcraft project, embodying a holistic approach to sustainability. With a focus on adaptable design and material conscientiousness, Tjærby aimed to create a versatile framework capable of adjusting to different environments and available materials. The collection showcases the use of Spanish eucalyptus, an underutilized wood species native to Tjærby’s studio location in north-western Spain, emphasizing the value of exploring unconventional materials. The  4×4 seating collection features a minimalist design language and a simple three-piece component system, minimizing material waste while allowing for flexibility in functional and ergonomic considerations. ‘I like my work to have a very simple and recognisable geometry,’ explains Tjærby.‘The idea behind 4×4 was to design an adaptable ‘universal frame’. The woven seat can be anything from paper-cord to to leather hide, leather lace, cotton belt, or recycled webbing.’

all images by Anders Sune Berg, unless stated otherwise

Harnessing the Strength of Eucalyptus in Sustainable Design

The 4×4 dining chair and 4×4 kids chair are part of a larger series of seating furniture sharing the same basic components. Each chair is made from three sections of solid wood joined with dowels. This consistent approach allows for different design configurations, such as longer benches or sturdy kids’ chairs. Using square and rectangular components helps maximize the use of each tree, while maintaining a simple, versatile form that can be combined into various seating arrangements. The oversized frame provides durability, allowing for different materials and finishing options while maintaining strength. Highlighting the unique material choice, the designer noted: ‘The chairs I’m showing are made of eucalyptus from where I live. While eucalyptus has a really bad reputation because of its invasive nature in our region, it grows abundantly in our surroundings, it barely has knots, it’s super strong, fast-growing, and suitable for outdoor use.’

each chair is made from three sections of solid wood joined with dowels

Crafting Curiosity while exploring boundaries

Danish designer Henrik Tjærby works from his studio and workshop in La Coruna, Spain. He creates both custom designs and ready-made pieces, driven by a playful curiosity. ‘This is what my career has always been about – playing and learning. Where are the boundaries for each material, what can I do with this tool, trying out new technology, which process is best depending on scale, time, budget, testing, pushing the limits. I think this comes across in my work.’ His simple design style highlights the steps in each project, especially how materials are shaped and put together with joints and connections. Utilizing both advanced technology and traditional methods, he tests the
limits of materials and processes, promoting less commonly used types of wood. By being open and transparent with clients and companies, his studio works to achieve sustainable results by combining skilled craftsmanship with precise industrial design. ‘This project has several stories to tell. Something brutal and minimal can still be comfortable. Kids’ furniture doesn’t have to be from IKEA. Sustainability starts at design, not at production.’ 

the 4×4 seating collection features a minimalist design language and a simple three-piece component system

the large frame ensures durability with diverse material and finish options, maintaining strength

minimizing waste while accommodating flexibility in functionality and ergonomics portrait of Henrik Tjærby at his studio, image by Benjamin Lund