Chiara Andreatti’s latest collaboration with Gebrüder Thonet Vienna introduces Ellipse, a modular sofa system where form and function flow in sync. With its organic lines, asymmetrical configurations, and elegant craftsmanship, Ellipse offers a fresh yet grounded interpretation of contemporary comfort rooted in historical design language.
FURNITURE
Andreatti approaches each project as an open conversation. “Every project is a dialogue,” she says, “a meshing of visions that takes shape thanks to skilled craftsmanship.” In Ellipse, that dialogue unfolds through sinuous forms and tactile materials that evoke the artisanal spirit of Thonet while pushing the language forward. The result is a system designed to adapt, spatially, visually, and emotionally.
Each module is defined by gentle curves and sculpted volumes, as if time itself had softened their edges. The system’s composability allows for endless layout options, accommodating both intimate and expansive spaces. Whether arranged in linear rows, curved gestures, or asymmetric islands, the sofa maintains a cohesive visual rhythm. The name Ellipse reflects this fluidity, referencing the continuous, smoothed-over geometry that connects each element.
Thonet’s design legacy remains integral to the project. A curved wood frame wraps the sofa’s armrests and backrests, a direct nod to the brand’s mastery of bentwood. This structure is offered with Vienna straw, an archival material synonymous with the Thonet name, or in hand-woven leather for a richer tactile presence. Each back element becomes a point of texture and technique, reinforcing the connection between craft and contemporary design.
The base structure, composed of ash wood in natural or dark walnut tones, supports the upholstered modules while contributing to the sofa’s architectural clarity. This wooden platform grounds the soft shapes without overpowering them. Integrated side tables extend from the frame, providing functional punctuation and further emphasizing the piece’s modular intelligence.
Ellipse invites variation and play, elements often overlooked in furniture systems of this scale. Andreatti’s design reflects a deeper trust in visual irregularity, encouraging users to shape the sofa to their needs rather than the other way around.
Ellipse is a spatial tool: a way to reconfigure how we gather, rest, or retreat. And in its quiet balance of tradition and evolution, it reaffirms Gebrüder Thonet Vienna’s place at the intersection of legacy and design innovation.
