Stem Collection is a minimalist furniture series designed by Australia-based studio MAST. Adam Cornish, the designer behind the Stem collection for Mast Furniture, drew inspiration from the simplicity of natural forms, namely, the elegant stems of flowers and the soft, rounded edges of stones. The Stem collection marked Cornish’s foray into working with solid timber, a pivotal moment in his design journey. According to the designer, the manufacturing process and the inherent characteristics of materials played a significant role in shaping the collection’s visual identity.

The collection’s organic and natural shapes emerged as an intuitive response to showcase the inherent beauty of the individual timber pieces that form the collection. These soft curves not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also have functional significance. They allow for the retention of extra material at critical junctions where the legs meet the seat and tabletop. The wire stems, which connect these curved timber sections, evoke the imagery of flowers and branches, effectively punctuating the slender wire rods. On the technical front, the manufacturing process played a pivotal role in influencing the design of the Stem Chair.

The chair seamlessly combines two contrasting materials, aiming to harmoniously express the unique properties of each. Stainless steel wire, known for its spring-like quality, introduces articulation and movement between the seat and backrest. This subtle flexibility allows the chair to adapt to the contours of the individual, enhancing comfort and usability. In stark contrast, the timber sections offer warmth and organic shapes that complement the cold, minimalist wire. These seat and backrest designs have been carefully sculpted to interact harmoniously with the human body, creating a captivating juxtaposition and a distinctive visual language.