S 5000 Sofa Programme

Overview

The S 5000 is Thonet's variable sofa programme, credited to Studio Irvine with the year 2006/2021 on the product pages. Thonet describes it as a furniture system for armchair, daybed, chaise longue and sofa use, built on the modular principle. The catalogue lists the programme in one-, two- and three-seater units, each in numbered configurations.

Construction

The base is bent tubular steel, an archetype that Thonet says first joined its portfolio in the 1930s. Structurally identical arm and back rests or dividing panels can be integrated into the seat frame as needed, serving as a sight and noise barrier. The panels frame loose cushions, and small tables are screwed to the tubular steel frame. The brochure lists a chrome-plated or deep black frame, black lockable plastic castors, and the fabric range Divina Melange 3 in twelve colours.

Specifications

• Dimensions (S 5002/C001, two-seater unit): W 206 cm x D 83 cm x H 77 cm, seat height 43 cm, armrest height 68 cm
• Weight: 73 kg
• S 5001/C001 (one-seater unit): W 126 cm x D 83 cm x H 77 cm, 52 kg
• S 5003/C001 (three-seater unit): W 286 cm x D 83 cm x H 77 cm, 99.5 kg
• Made in: Frankenberg, Germany

From the 1930s to New Work

Thonet's press text says daybeds with tubular steel frames were already part of its range in the 1930s, and that James Irvine created a versatile sofa system from this classic design. The brochure's German text dates his development to 2006; the product pages print 2006/2021. According to Thonet, Studio Irvine under Marialaura Rossiello-Irvine, architect and wife of the late designer, carried the idea on and re-imagined it as a modular system of sofas and seating elements with dividing panels.

Image source: Thonet — S 5000 Sofa Programme · © Thonet and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy