Freifrau Manufaktur expands its collection with Ivy, a chair and armchair series designed by Sebastian Herkner that redefines how the brand uses wood. Presented as the company's first visible wooden shell model, Ivy introduces an organic aesthetic that aligns with Freifrau's evolving focus on material innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
© Freifrau Manufaktur GmbH
"We wanted to create a shell that truly sets itself apart from our previous models in both form and surface," says Marc Helweg, Managing Director of Freifrau Manufaktur. "Sebastian Herkner has succeeded in realising this vision, while fully meeting our uncompromising standards of comfort and quality."
Until now, wood has served mainly as a supporting structure in Freifrau's designs. With Ivy, it becomes central, both visually and conceptually. The chair's shell, reminiscent of a blossom, is constructed from moulded wood wool with a refined oak veneer, combining strength with flexibility. This layered technique allows for complex three-dimensional forms while improving ergonomics and seating comfort.
Herkner describes the design as "soft and organic, conveying a high level of seating comfort even at first glance."
© Freifrau Manufaktur GmbH
Colour, collaboration, and material coherence
The Ivy project extends beyond a single product, representing a collaborative framework between Freifrau, Schotten & Hansen, and Janua. The partnership integrates the three companies' expertise in surface treatment, colour coordination, and material development.
Schotten & Hansen developed a palette of eleven colour families based on the Natural Colour System© (NCS), enabling a uniform application of hues across wood, textiles, and surfaces. This approach supports a coherent visual language across the Freifrau and Janua product lines, giving architects and interior designers the tools to coordinate finishes with precision.
"The collaboration allows us to create curated colour landscapes," notes Freifrau, "combining materials and finishes that integrate seamlessly into various interior contexts."
Ivy's visible oak veneer is available in a range of tones and finishes, from natural, white, and black to oiled walnut. The collection also introduces DoubleBrandColour finishes, developed with Janua, featuring brushed and smoked variants in charcoal, natural, or white oil.
© Freifrau Manufaktur GmbH
Modular construction and adaptable design
Designed for both fine dining and contract environments, Ivy offers flexibility through its modular structure. The seat and back upholstery can be specified in textile or leather, with or without armrests. Five base options, including a twin-tube frame and wooden swivel models, provide additional configuration possibilities.
"The possible combinations of upholstery, shell and base give architects a multitude of bespoke design solutions," says Herkner.
This modularity extends Freifrau's long-standing approach of blending craftsmanship with adaptability, allowing designers to specify pieces tailored to a range of spatial typologies.
© Freifrau Manufaktur GmbH
Designer profile: Sebastian Herkner
Based in Offenbach, near Frankfurt, Sebastian Herkner continues his collaboration with Freifrau through Ivy, following previous designs including Ona and Theia. His work is defined by an emphasis on material authenticity and cultural dialogue, merging contemporary forms with traditional craftsmanship.
Herkner's partnership with Freifrau reflects a shared focus on tactile materials and the intersection of comfort and structure, qualities evident in Ivy's refined shell and fluid silhouette.
Outlook
Further developments within the Ivy family are already in progress, extending the series into additional typologies and finishes. Delivery to selected retail partners is scheduled for spring 2026, marking the next phase in Freifrau Manufaktur's exploration of wood as both structure and statement within contemporary furniture design.
More information:
Freifrau Manufaktur
Gildestraße 9 . D
32657 Lemgo
+49 (0)5261 971330-0
[email protected]
www.freifrau.com
Germany
