KIGI STOOL

An unexpected softness in solid wood.

KIGI is a sculptural wooden stool that challenges the way we experience solid wood.

Made from individually crafted wooden blocks, its minimalist form conceals an unexpected feature: a seating surface that gently yields under the weight of the body.

The result is a tactile experience that brings together craftsmanship, comfort, and playful design.

Winner — SIT Furniture Design Award 2025

THE DESIGN

In Japanese, KIGI means “multiple trees.”

The stool consists of 36 fixed outer wooden blocks surrounding 64 individually moving inner blocks. Supported by a concealed foam layer, the inner blocks gently sink when seated upon, creating an unexpected feeling of softness without traditional upholstery.

Each block reveals the natural beauty of end grain, bringing texture and subtle variation to the surface.

FROM LEFTOVER WOOD TO DESIGN

KIGI began with a simple idea: finding new purpose for leftover wood from our workshop.

What started as an exploration of arranging small wooden blocks gradually evolved into a functional seating piece. Through several years of refinement, the design became a balance of simplicity, movement, and material.

The result is furniture that sits somewhere between sculpture and everyday function.