A new office furniture collection, Una, designed by Toronto-based industrial design consultancy modus ID and manufactured by Nienkämper, introduces a height-adjustable solution that utilises textile-based engineering to reimagine flexibility in workplace design. Central to the collection is its Flex-Knit base, a ribbed textile sleeve constructed with a zero-waste, knit-to-shape method.
© Modus ID | nienkämper
The Una workstation with the modus ID team.
'The fabric seamlessly adjusts to the changing contours, maintaining its sleek appearance as the table alters,' said Rebecca Nienkämper, Vice President of Nienkämper. 'It's engineered for both visual consistency and structural movement.'
From stitch to structure
The Flex-Knit sleeve, integrated between rigid oval rings at the top and bottom of each piece, serves as both visual surface and dynamic support. The internal structure is equipped with a telescoping mechanism that allows the base to extend vertically while the knit adapts in real time.
According to modus ID, this combination allows for 'a tensile, lightweight, yet stable silhouette.' The collection includes height-adjustable conference tables, executive workstations, and wall-mounted applications, all unified by the same textile technology.
© Modus ID | nienkämper
The Una Media Wall.
Manufacturing meets mobility
Unlike cut-and-sew textiles traditionally used in furniture design, the knit-to-shape technique used here allows for a seamless form made to final dimensions at the machine level. This eliminates the need for offcuts and reduces material waste.
'It's not just a visual decision,' said the team at modus ID. 'By moving to continuous knitting, we're able to reduce excess while introducing a scalable technique into casegoods.'
The use of elastic materials allows for colour variation and modularity, while offering practical benefits such as wire management access and interchangeable covers.
Workplace systems in transition
While designed to meet the needs of collaborative spaces, private offices, and compact environments, the modularity of the Una collection reflects broader shifts in contract design priorities.
'We see this as a response to the increasing demand for customisable, adaptive pieces that support both posture change and aesthetic continuity,' said Nienkämper.
The base system can accommodate both sitting and standing positions, and its core components are shared across multiple formats, from round meeting tables to rectangular workstations and vertical media applications.
About the collaborators
Founded in 1968, Nienkämper develops office and architectural furniture with an emphasis on innovation and design integration. For this project, they collaborated with modus ID, a design consultancy focused exclusively on contract seating, systems, and architectural products.
Modus ID's approach emphasises direct engagement with stakeholders across the product lifecycle, from procurement to installation, resulting in customisable, scalable design strategies for the built environment.
© Modus ID | nienkämper
Una Conference.
More information:
Nienkämper
257 Finchdene Square
Toronto, ON
800-668-9318
www.nienkamper.com
Canada
Modus ID
276 Carlaw Ave
Toronto
416.970.4793
nick@modusid.com
www.modusid.com
Canada