Sofa Sense
Cubes Xtra
Stefan Diez has designed a componential modular sofa for Magis with a view to the replacement of parts for a long life.
Costume has a 4mm-thick structure of recycled and recyclable polypropylene, and a removable upholstery cover. The cover enjoys a snug fit over the structure with elastic loops hooked onto the underside.
Diez explains: “You can take off the cover, wash it, and put it back onto the sofa. This is [usually] not very easy with sofas, because after washing the fabric slightly changes. Traditional sofas with a sewing line look like misfits afterwards.”
Environmentally problematic and unrecyclable synthetic foam – the bane of anyone who has ever tried to thoughtfully retire an old sofa – has been minimised through the incorporation of pocket springs, which also assure a comfortable sit.
What’s more, all parts are separately replaceable. “And at the end of the life cycle, you can separate all the materials without tools,” says Diez.
“Another great advantage of Costume is that it’s a sofa system with only one element,” he adds. One module can be turned into a two- or three-seater sofa by simply positioning a second or third module beside it. Armrests can be easily added or removed.
In Singapore, Magis is available from Xtra. Photo by Daniela Trost.