Chair for Beyond Function
The Haleiwa weaves sustainable rattan into sweeping curves and casts a distinct silhouette. The natural materials pay homage to the artisanal tradition in the Philippines, remade for present times. Paired, or used as a statement piece, the versatility of the design makes this chair adapt to different styles. Creating a balance between form and function, grace and strength, architecture and design, the Haleiwa is as comfortable as it is beautiful.
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Download Press Kit № 99707 Chair for Beyond Function by Melissa Mae Tan to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Content for Journalists: We're providing an interview with Melissa Mae Tan, approximately 442 words, free for editorial use. Gain access and download instantly. Access Melissa Mae Tan Interview Now.
Discover our press releases for Haleiwa available in the following languages: English.
Our Haleiwa translations are now available in a wide range of languages: Stoel AF, Karrige SQ, ወንበር AM, كرسي AR, Աթոռ HY, Stul AZ, Aulki EU, Крэсла BE, চেয়ার BN, Stolica BS, Стол BG, ကုလားထိုင် MY, Cadira CA, Mpando NY, 椅子 ZH, Sedia CO, Stolica HR, Židle CS, Stol DA, Stoel NL, Seĝo EO, Tool ET, Tuoli FI, Chaise FR, Cadeira GL, სკამი KA, Stuhl DE, Καρέκλα EL, ખુરશી GU, Chèz HT, Kujera HA, כסא HE, कुर्सी HI, Szék HU, Kursi ID, Chathaoirleach GA, Oche IG, Stól IS, Sedia IT, 椅子 JA, Kursi JV, ಕುರ್ಚಿ KN, Орындық KK, កៅអី KM, Intebe RW, Отургуч KY, 의자 KO, Kursî KU, Sella LA, Stull LB, ເກົ້າອີ້ LO, Kėdė LT, Krēsls LV, Стол MK, Seza MG, Kerusi MS, കസേര ML, Siġġu MT, Heamana MI, खुर्ची MR, Сандал MN, कुर्सी NE, Stol NO, ଚେୟାର OR, ਕੁਰਸੀ PA, صندلی FA, Krzesło PL, چوکۍ PS, Cadeira PT, Scaun RO, Стул RU, ڪرسي SD, Nofoa SM, Столица SR, Tha Cathair GD, Chigaro SN, පුටුව SI, Stolička SK, Stol SL, Kursi SO, Setulo ST, Silla ES, Korsi SU, Mwenyekiti SW, Stol SV, நாற்காலி TA, కుర్చీ TE, Курсӣ TG, เก้าอี้ TH, Oturgyç TK, Upuan TL, Sandalye TR, Урындык TT, ئورۇندۇق UG, Стілець UK, کرسی UR, Stul UZ, Ghế VI, Cadair CY, Stoel FY, Isitulo XH, שטול YI, Ijoko YO, Isitulo ZU, 椅子 ZY, Lingkoranan CEB, ʻano HAW, Lub Rooj Zaum HMN, Chair EN, for global reach.
Access our collection of Haleiwa articles, ready for use and offered in languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Indonesian, Dutch, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Hindi, Italian, German, French and Portuguese.
Legacy meets contemporary. Grace meets strength. Sweeping curves seamlessly merge with striking lines. Rattan, a pliant material commonly used in indigenous Philippine furniture, gets a modern upgrade when paired with a solid metal frame. This chair's form and weave pay tribute to the rich history of the material and the artisans that have crafted pieces from it, while breaking away from tradition just enough to create a statement.
haleiwa, chair, rattan, woven, handmade, indigenous
Rattan is a sustainable material commonly used for weaving due to its durability. A cantilever design would not have been practical, and thus metal framing was used to add stability. As a nod to the handwoven rattan, the metal was manually bent to shape.
Stability was a key concern. The width of the legs that connect the base to the seat posed a challenge. The design of a triangular base was the solution that balanced the structural and aesthetic. Internal support placement also posed a challenge since the design shows all of its skeletal composition. The supports had to be created and then strategically located in order to maximize stability, while being as inconspicuous as possible.
The chair was conceptualized in August 2019 and prototype finished October 2019. Designed and manufactured in Manila, Philippines
The chair is wide enough for the user to sit comfortably in any position. Cushions are also provided for additional ease and comfort without distracting from the visual impact.
The research focus for the Haleiwa was on the balance and stability based on its unconventional form. The optimum placements of supports and dimensions of elements were studied and tested throughout the prototyping period.
This piece was inspired by the concept of balance. The balance between strength and fluidity, modern and traditional, complexity and simplicity.
All images: Photographer Berwin Coroza, 2020
Haleiwa Chair has been a Silver winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2019 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Melissa Mae Tan was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2020, a testament to excellence of their work Haleiwa Chair.
Journalists and media members can enrich their content with our press releases on Melissa Mae Tan, available for free use. Press members can now immediately access 1 press releases.
Melissa Mae Tan introduces the Haleiwa chair, a contemporary fusion of rattan and metal, paying homage to traditional Filipino craftsmanship while breaking away from convention.
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