Nominees

The design of the HENIBARA WOY armchair is inspired by everyday objects, particularly the deformation of a kitchen sponge, reflected in its soft, curved seat. The structure is built on an MDF frame with upholstered surfaces, held together by a U-shaped, mortise-fitted mahogany element.

The HENIBARA brand was founded in 2019 by Henriett Barabás, initially focusing on ceramics, later expanding to furniture, accessories, and installations. The main inspiration for the WOY armchairs came from the everyday objects surrounding the designers of the HENIBARA brand—simple tools we often use without noticing their shapes and forms. The relationship between object and human, and the interaction of different elements, provides an endless source of inspiration. For WOY, the idea began with a simple kitchen sponge: during dishwashing, the encounter between the wooden spoon and the sponge, and the sponge’s deformation, guided the design direction. Manufacturing this piece was the biggest challenge due to its complex curves, necessary technical processes, and limited budget. However, with the collaboration of Veronika Füzes, solutions were found for every problem—within a few weeks, a beautiful hand-sanded piece was crafted and assembled. This slower, more precise technique made the element even more unique.