nate - reflecting the good.

Good can be seen through new perspectives.
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How do we ensure our development is sustainable?

By forging new paths. Creating new connections. Understanding what motivates our customers. By ensuring that profitability and sustainability are mutually dependent, not mutually exclusive. By adopting work methods that are fit for the future.

From the idea for an exceptional wooden chair evolved so much more: An entire product line. It took three years of development for nate to take shape – and the results speak for themselves.

This visionary collection reflects the values and philosophy that Brunner holds dear. It also enthusiastically addresses customer requirements, explores new technological possibilities and takes a consistent approach to sustainability. All while maintaining high design standards.

Vision

A modern wooden chair

Designing a modern wooden chair involves more than simply analysing the material. Values, goals, nature – our attitude defines our products. "The future-oriented design of a product starts with the core not the outer shell", Steffen Kehrle firmly believes.

We had the same idea that some things are changing and of how to approach the design in that case.

Dr. Marc Brunner

For Brunner, Atelier Steffen Kehrle’s perspective on wood was an important factor in the decision to embark on a mutual collaboration. In addition their understanding of design: realise designs in a contemporary and futuristic way, while remaining focussed on the challenges of our times and questioning the status quo. Solid foundations when you are looking to reimagine a wooden chair.

Wooden chair 2.0

A chair that needs to reflect what animates people these days. How values and purpose reshape the way that companies or institutions think today. And, ideally, the result would be furniture that shapes spaces in keeping with all of these trends. The idea that the surrounding spaces also contribute significantly to a company’s culture and identity has become considerably more apparent.

Topics that were crucial to the initial design considerations alongside the material wood. Production conditions and the need for customer benefits are given equal consideration. Practical stability and the ability to stack, certified wood in material procurement and a sustainable production process with short ’made in Germany’ routes were important to us.

Key moment that had a profound impact on nate’s development

A minimalist industrial design

Impressed by the solid design foundation, Philip Brunner raised the idea of a steel tube version during a consultation meeting at the Innovation Factory. With that suggestion, he opened up the potential for the production of another new development and to meet market needs. He began intense discussions with Atelier Steffen Kehrle about this proposal. Thus, together, they expanded the product range for the market.

We wanted to design a chair for rooms with positive vibes

Steffen Kehrle
Setting new standards

Glue-free recycled plastic frame

The frame on a wooden chair is usually glued to the other components. By striving for true innovation and production with consistently ecological cycles, came up with a trailblazing concept.

A smart connection: a frame made of recycled plastic. She was the breakthrough. As technological element, it connects everything together. The components no longer need gluing together.

The frame is not just one component in a smart design. It also constitutes a connecting element between the traditional material of wood and the modern design interpretation. It demonstrates that nature and a modern approach can work together respectfully and intelligently. We gave it shape.

Reflecting the good

Good comes from bold responses

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Wood is an incredibly fascinating, sustainable material with a number of positive properties. We have questioned the status quo of its processing and familiar shapes and functions. State-of-the-art shaped wood technology added the finishing touch.

Dr. Marc Brunner

We consider wood as a high-tech material that continually offers us new potential and originality.

Steffen Kehrle

Thanks to the number of design options, the nate product range covers a wide range of customer requirements – from cosy with solid wood and subtle plastic frame to slim and versatile with a steel tube design.

Philip Brunner

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Starting with that vision of a natural wooden chair, they ended up creating a full product range available in two designs.
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