Artist's rendition of Echo Chairs, zha nagami transform recycled materials into artful seating.

ZHA and Nagami Transform Recycled Plastic into Sculptural Echo Chairs with Fluid Elegance

User avatar placeholder
Written by Sam Johnson

2026-08-07

From 3D Printing to Artistic Mastery

In an innovative collaboration, ZHA and Spanish design brand Nagami have unveiled the Echo Chair, a testament to the seamless blend of technology, artistry, and the transformative approach of their design. Crafted from recycled plastic waste, the chair emerges from the cutting-edge techniques of 3D printing, reflecting a sophisticated design ethos. Its fluid, sculptural form boasts an arched backrest and a gracefully curving seat, all molded into a single continuous piece.

For more sculptural innovations in design, explore how a Berlin startup 3D-prints lamps using garden stones, showing a unique blend of natural materials and modern techniques.

A Singular Design Logic

The Echo Chair’s construction showcases a refined logic, where form and function coalesce beautifully. The chair’s structure, developed at ZHA Lab and brought to life by Nagami using recycled PETG from industrial waste, aligns with its aesthetic—fluid yet robust. The ribbed texture left by the printing process is not hidden but celebrated, giving the chair its unique character. The transformative design process plays a crucial role in realizing this unique texture.

Close-up of sculptural chair detail showing intricate mesh patterns and fluid design.

Zha Nagami Transform in Material Design

The chair respects its materials, allowing the intrinsic qualities of recycled plastic to shine through without imitation of traditional materials like wood or stone. Its textured surface, a result of their unique process, hints at natural mineral formations, resulting in a less industrial feel. This material authenticity enriches its presence in any interior setting.

Learn how other artists use transformative processes with diverse materials in the creation of mountainous landscapes from books, illustrating artistic innovation.

Echo Chair in a gallery setting, illuminated to highlight its sleek curves and structure.

Colorways and Versatile Appeal

Offered in four distinct colorways—white, black, a translucent gradient, and a warm caramel tone—the chair adapts to various atmospheres. These colors shift the design’s mood, with each hue enhancing the Echo Chair’s allure. The caramel version, in particular, imbues warmth, making it ideal for more intimate settings. Their approach ensures these colorways maintain their vibrancy over time.

Multiple Echo Chairs arranged together displaying varied shades of recycled plastic material.

Simplicity and Statement in Design

The Echo Chair balances expressive shape with practical usability. Its enclosed sitting position and supportive backrest create comfort without sacrificing style. The seamless 3D-printed form, devoid of visible joints, manifests both a design and manufacturing triumph, embodying the principles of their collaborative process.

View from above showing the fluid lines and unique shapes of the Echo Chairs collection.

A Refined Collaborative Effort

Continuing their previous endeavors, ZHA and Nagami’s latest project is currently on display at London Creates at The Truman Brewery. This chair exemplifies the possibilities of sustainable material use in contemporary design, where recycled plastic is not merely a fad but a meaningful starting point for crafting desirable objects. Their transformative technique is pivotal in this sustainable revolution, emphasizing innovative artistry.

Echo Chairs against a contrasting background emphasizing their sculptural and fluid design.

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials were used to create the Echo Chair?

The Echo Chair is crafted from recycled plastic waste, specifically recycled PETG from industrial waste.

What are the design features of the Echo Chair?

The chair features a fluid, sculptural form with an arched backrest and a gracefully curving seat, all molded into a single continuous piece.

How does the Echo Chair integrate 3D printing?

The chair is created using 3D printing techniques, and the ribbed texture left by the printing process is celebrated, adding to the chair’s unique character.