Walter

Overview

Walter (2020) is a small armchair, and Vincent Van Duysen designed it for Molteni&C. The page says it is rooted in the Nordic tradition of fine woodworking and distils warmth and simplicity into a compact, contemporary form.

Image source: Molteni&C — Walter · © Molteni&C and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

The frame is made entirely of solid ash, stained black oak or eucalyptus, and the backrest is all one with the armrests. The datasheet lists a seat cushion in differentiated-density polyurethane, and a version with a padded backrest.

Specifications

• WPL1 armchair and WPL2 armchair with backrest cushion: both 69 cm wide and 70.5 cm deep; the drawing's tallest vertical value is 70 cm, which is not labelled on the drawing
• Structure finishes: ash stained eucalyptus, ash stained black oak

A nostalgic and experimental object

The datasheet describes Walter in design terms as at once a nostalgic and an experimental object: a small armchair whose frame is entirely solid ash, with the backrest all one with the armrests. It sets the essential elegance of the frame against the softness of the seat.

Armrests and backrest in one gesture

On the page, the silhouette is defined by a seamless curve where armrests and backrest converge into a single gesture, which the page ties to Van Duysen's mastery of restraint. The architectural clarity is softened by an inviting seat with tailored padding, and the sculptural frame lends itself to convivial moments.