Tronco Chair | MC12

It is unlike our previous designs for Mattiazzi that have displayed a sculptural softness achieved by robotically removing material. Instead, TRONCO’s character is formed from solid strips of wood in what appears as very elementary construction, yet its simplicity is the result of iterative experimentation and a high regard for material honesty; it is made with the same extraordinary level of attention to detail that Mattiazzi is now known for.

With TRONCO, we remain interested in the frisson between solid panel construction and the truly skilled craft of its making. Mattiazzi could now be considered to be like a well—versed wine maker: each year production matures as their skills develop. And so now it seems the right time to tackle a new level of function for a solid wood chair: stacking 10—high on its own moveable trolley and connecting in long rows achieved with a small molded plastic connector that snaps onto the ends of the back legs.

Yet these functional attributes are not visually present in TRONCO itself — instead replaced with the appearance of ‘texture’ that lifts the atmosphere of interior spaces by creating a kind of wooden terrain. TRONCO has surprisingly natural comfort and works well in multiples, not just alone. TRONCO, in effect, creates a terrainv in any architecture. A range of coloured stains help to bring out the ash grain and add further dimension. To give an extra layer of comfort, an upholstered version using tonally matching fabrics is available — with no loss of stacking or connecting.

We accompany the TRONCO chair with a table, similarly made and chamfered at the edges so that it can sit easily with others. With one or many, TRONCO evokes solidity rather than frame.