THE HYBRID STOOL

The concept for this hybrid material stool was initially conceived and developed at BioMat Studio, University of Stuttgart, as part of the research into combining natural and high-performance materials for advanced architectural and furniture applications. The project was explored by students Guillaume Caussarieu and Tim Stark during the Material and Structure design studio (WS 19/20) at BioMat, under the supervision of Assoc.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arch. Hanaa Dahy and tutored by Jan Petrš and Evgenia Spyridonos.

The design aimed to investigate the structural and aesthetic potential of combining timber and carbon fiber within a single performative element. Students approached the challenge from both a design-driven and engineering-informed perspective, working through multiple stages of material experimentation and refinement.

The primary focus of the research was on developing an innovative solution for the legs of the stool, leveraging the tensile strength of carbon fiber to achieve an extremely slender yet stable structure. The seat component was kept as a more traditional solid wooden surface, creating a clear material contrast while ensuring comfort and usability. The final result was a fully functional prototype that demonstrated the potential of integrating natural and synthetic materials in a structurally expressive and visually striking manner.

Following the academic phase, BioMat GmbH further developed the concept to explore its feasibility for fabrication and real-world implementation. This included testing alternative materials, refining the composite interfaces, and adapting the design for use in custom furniture and architectural installations, continuing BioMat’s commitment to bridging material research and sustainable innovation in practice.