A vintage cider press stool, blending sculptural design with rustic materials and modern craftsmanship.

Vintage Cider Press Transformed into Sculptural Stool with Normandy Roots

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-14

Unveiling the striking LE PRESSOIR stool, a collaboration by Studio Jumel and Ariane Ronot, this piece breathes new life into a vintage cider press stool from the 1930s French cider press. Originating from Normandy, the wooden screw mechanism once central to cider-making now forms the sculptural legs of this creation, showcasing weathered textures and historical imperfections.

The stool features a cross-shaped structure crafted from 3 mm-thick aluminum. This element stands in sharp contrast to the aged wood, offering a sleek modern finish that juxtaposes with the rustic charm of reclaimed timber. The openwork design alludes to apple blossoms, while the helical shape of the seat honors the original mechanical function, further highlighting the essence of the heirloom piece.

Sculptural stool by Studio Jumel and Ariane Ronot, with natural wood and metal accents.
LE PRESSOIR is a sculptural stool designed by Studio Jumel in collaboration with Ariane Ronot | all images ©Wallys.M

Explore how traditional elements blend with modern design in Heechan Kim’s Loxo Chair, transforming materials into award-winning pieces.

Helical seat profile inspired by the cider press's original screw mechanism design.
the seat’s helical profile echoes the geometry of the original screw mechanism

Material Harmony in the Sculptural Stool: Brushed Aluminum and Weathered Wood

The design by Studio Jumel along with creative partner Ariane Ronot masterfully marries preserved wooden components with new aluminum elements. The brushed, vibrated finish of the aluminum complements the natural texture of the wood perfectly. LE PRESSOIR, as a transformed antique, measures 45 cm in height and 42 cm in both width and depth, balancing its sculptural allure with practical utility. This historic transformation allows the artifact to retain its agricultural essence while embracing a new role in contemporary furniture design.

Aluminum cross-shaped structure joins the reused wooden legs of the stool.
a cross-shaped aluminum structure connects the reclaimed wooden legs
3 mm-thick aluminum frame contrasts sharply with the aged wooden surface.
the 3 mm-thick aluminum frame contrasts with the weathered timber
Old wooden elements mingle with freshly crafted aluminum in the stool's design.
reclaimed wood and newly fabricated aluminum bring together old and new materials
Design preserves the original agricultural character of the vintage cider press.
the design retains the physical character of the original agricultural object
Stool reinterpretation of a 1930s French cider press with modern design flair.
the stool reinterprets a French cider press dating to the 1930s
Design inspired by Normandy's apple cultivation history and cider heritage.
the design draws on Normandy’s history of apple cultivation and cider production
Wooden parts show traces of the cider press's former agricultural use.
the wooden elements preserve traces of the cider press’s agricultural past
Reclaimed wood merges with modern aluminum, combining old and new elements.
reclaimed wood and newly fabricated aluminum bring together old and new materials
Aluminum finish complements aged wood, showcasing textural contrasts.
the brushed, vibrated aluminum finish complements the aged surface of the wood
Stool components share a consistently helical structure, unifying the design.
the stool’s components share a consistent helical geometry
LE PRESSOIR dimensions: 45 cm high, 42 cm wide and deep, compact design.
LE PRESSOIR measures 45 cm high and 42 cm wide and deep
Historic cider press component repurposed as modern furniture piece.
the design gives a historic cider press component a new role in contemporary furniture
Functional seating fuses with an artistic, sculptural silhouette in the stool.
the stool combines functional seating with a sculptural silhouette
Material contrasts highlight blend of traditional woodwork and modern metal.
material contrasts connect rural craftsmanship with contemporary metalwork
A vintage cider press stool, blending sculptural design with rustic materials and modern craftsmanship.

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What inspired the LE PRESSOIR sculptural stool?

The LE PRESSOIR stool is inspired by a vintage cider press stool from a 1930s French cider press, originating from Normandy. The wooden screw mechanism central to cider-making now forms the sculptural legs of the creation.

What materials are used in the LE PRESSOIR stool?

The stool is made from preserved wooden components and new aluminum elements. The wooden screw mechanism showcases weathered textures, while the cross-shaped aluminum structure provides a sleek modern finish.

What are the dimensions of the LE PRESSOIR stool?

The LE PRESSOIR stool measures 45 cm in height and 42 cm in both width and depth.