Archibald Sofa System

Overview

The Archibald Sofa System is Jean-Marie Massaud's modular seating system for Poltrona Frau, a larger, more rounded development of his Archibald armchair. Its elements come in several sizes and combine into linear or corner configurations.

Image source: Poltrona Frau — Archibald Sofa System · © Poltrona Frau and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

• Structure: birch plywood, joined by a steel frame
• Padding: polyurethane foam and polyester wadding
• Feet: solid ash wood or cast zamak, hidden behind the frame

Specifications

• 3 seater sofa 5PF0073700007: W 315 cm, D 91 cm, H 78 cm (the height is not labelled on the drawing)

From the armchair to a system

Poltrona Frau describes the system as starting from the original idea of the Archibald armchair, developed by Jean-Marie Massaud with more generous volumes, organic shapes and a modular layout meant to adapt to contemporary living.

Taut surfaces, rounded volumes

The page contrasts the taut surfaces with the rounded volumes and inviting padding. Elegant stitching keeps the recognisable signature of the project, and the feet sit behind the frame, so the sofa seems slightly suspended in the air.