The Azukimé Chair by CPRV: A Masterclass in Contemporary French Industrial Design

In the spring of 2026, a striking new piece of furniture quietly made its debut at the “Contemporains” group exhibition at A1043 gallery in Paris. The Azukimé chair, designed by the France and London-based studio CPRV, immediately captured attention with its sculptural presence and innovative construction. Crafted entirely from riveted bent aluminum sheets and manufactured in France, this low-slung chair represents a bold evolution of modern furniture design — one that seamlessly merges industrial precision, ergonomic comfort, and hidden functionality.

What began as an exploration in their earlier Azuki wooden chair has now been reimagined in metal, resulting in a piece that feels both timeless and distinctly of its moment. With its generous proportions, matte aluminum finish, and clever integrated storage, the Azukimé stands as a testament to thoughtful contemporary design.

evolve

CPRV, known for their refined approach to industrial and furniture design, first introduced the Azuki chair a few years prior. That original version featured warm wooden construction with a distinctive low profile and hidden storage compartment beneath the seat. The positive reception encouraged the studio to push the material boundaries further.

The Azukimé (“mé” likely nodding to the metallic evolution) takes the core DNA of the Azuki and translates it into aluminum. This material shift was not merely aesthetic — it allowed for new structural possibilities while maintaining the chair’s signature generous width and relaxed, low-slung posture. Each chair is fabricated from flat aluminum sheets that are precisely bent and joined using visible rivets, creating a raw, honest industrial aesthetic that celebrates the manufacturing process.

This technique draws inspiration from mid-century industrial design and aircraft construction, where lightweight metals and riveting provide both strength and vire interest. Yet the Azukimé avoids cold minimalism through its soft, inviting curves and thoughtful proportions.

struct

At first glance, the Azukimé appears deceptively simple. Its seat and back are formed from single sheets of aluminum, bent to create a continuous, enveloping form. The generous width — significantly broader than standard dining or lounge chairs — gives it an almost sofa-like presence while remaining a single-seat piece.

Key features include:

• Riveted Construction: Every joint is celebrated with precise, hand-finished rivets that add texture and rhythm to the surface.
• Hidden Storage: A signature element carried over from the wooden Azuki, the seat lifts or slides to reveal a surprisingly spacious compartment beneath. Perfect for storing books, magazines, blankets, or remote controls.
• Ergonomic Comfort: Despite being made of metal, the chair is remarkably comfortable thanks to its carefully calculated angles and the natural flex of the bent aluminum sheets.
• Low Profile: Sitting low to the ground, it encourages a relaxed, grounded posture ideal for contemporary living rooms, reading nooks, or creative studios.

The aluminum is left in a natural or lightly anodized finish, allowing the material’s inherent beauty — subtle variations in tone and the metallic sheen — to shine through. This choice makes each chair slightly unique, as the metal ages and develops character over time.

innov

One of the most impressive aspects of the Azukimé is how it balances rigidity with subtle flexibility. The bent aluminum sheets provide structural integrity while allowing just enough give to enhance seating comfort. This is a sophisticated engineering achievement, especially considering the chair’s minimalist appearance.

CPRV’s manufacturing process, executed in France, emphasizes quality and sustainability. Aluminum is highly recyclable, and the studio’s approach minimizes waste through precise sheet cutting. The result is a durable piece built to last decades, aligning with the growing demand for furniture that prioritizes longevity over disposability.

The chair’s unique proportions — wide seat, low height, and sculptural silhouette — make it exceptionally versatile. It works beautifully as a standalone statement piece, in pairs flanking a coffee table, or even in larger groupings for waiting areas or public spaces.

exhibition

The Azukimé made its public debut as part of “Contemporains,” a group exhibition highlighting contemporary French industrial design practices. Held at A1043 gallery in Paris during March–April 2026, the show brought together several forward-thinking designers and studios.

Visitors were immediately drawn to the Azukimé’s presence among other works. Its industrial elegance stood out, sparking conversations about the future of furniture in an era increasingly concerned with materiality, sustainability, and multi-functionality. The chair was exhibited alongside complementary pieces from CPRV, including the Courrier raw floor lamp and SPTL kitchen utensils, creating a cohesive vision of modern French design.

reason

In 2026, design trends favor pieces that are simultaneously functional and sculptural. The Azukimé delivers on both fronts. Its hidden storage addresses the reality of modern living — limited space and the need for discreet organization. The robust aluminum construction ensures it can withstand daily use while developing a beautiful patina over years.

Interior designers and collectors appreciate its ability to bridge styles. It complements minimalist, industrial, mid-century modern, and even eclectic interiors. Place it in a sunlit loft, a sleek Parisian apartment, or a cozy Scandinavian home — the Azukimé adapts effortlessly.

Beyond aesthetics, the chair embodies a philosophy of honest design. The visible rivets and bent sheets tell the story of its making. There is no unnecessary ornamentation; every element serves a purpose while contributing to the overall beauty.

compare

The Azukimé invites comparison to other landmark aluminum furniture pieces, such as the Emeco Navy Chair, but distinguishes itself through its low profile, integrated storage, and softer, more residential character. While many metal chairs lean toward stackability and contract use, the Azukimé feels intentionally domestic and contemplative.

It also echoes the work of designers like Jean Prouvé, who celebrated industrial materials and honest construction, yet brings a fresh contemporary sensibility suited to today’s lifestyles.

consider

Potential buyers will be pleased to know the Azukimé is relatively lightweight despite its sturdy appearance, making it easy to move within a home. Its aluminum surface is easy to clean and highly resistant to wear. For those concerned about cold metal in winter, simple cushions or throws enhance comfort while adding personal style.

Pricing positions it as a premium yet accessible investment piece within the contemporary design market. Limited production ensures exclusivity without making it unattainable for design enthusiasts.

discovery

The success of the Azukimé signals exciting directions for CPRV. The studio has demonstrated a mastery of transitioning between materials — wood to aluminum — while preserving design integrity. Future projects may explore additional finishes, color anodizing, or even hybrid constructions.

For now, the Azukimé stands as a highlight of 2026 design, proving that innovation doesn’t always require complexity. Sometimes, it lies in refining a strong idea through thoughtful material choice and meticulous execution.

fin

The Azukimé chair is more than furniture — it is a sculptural object that enhances daily life. Its combination of generous comfort, hidden utility, and striking industrial beauty makes it a standout choice for those who value both form and function. In an age of fleeting trends, the Azukimé offers something rarer: quiet confidence and enduring appeal.

Whether displayed in a minimalist gallery setting or anchoring a lived-in family space, this French-crafted chair proves that contemporary design can be both practical and poetic. As it moves beyond the “Contemporains” exhibition into homes and collections worldwide, the Azukimé is poised to become a modern classic.