With the introduction of its Stressless Jazz recliner, Ekornes wishes to return to its roots while at the same time implementing the best of 36 years of experience.

Jazz is designed to be a chair with its own identity, without defining itself out of its own market segment. The materials used underscore a sense of durability and make the chair interesting for markets throughout the world.

The jury's verdict:

Stressless Jazz Medium is a refined edition of the recliner we all know, Stressless Original, from 1971. Jazz Medium sticks to the original Norwegian tradition of furniture-making, with honest material use and good functionality. The chair has clear, fine surfaces and is of sound quality, with nothing concealed in the construction.

Use of stainless steel in the chair’s curves represents an impressive piece of precision work and a major challenge. In spite of its exciting use of several forms of expression, Jazz Medium has its own distinctive quality and represents a great leap forward compared with the good old Stressless recliner.

Company: Ekornes ASA

Design: Ekornes Designteam

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2008

Category: Furniture design