Kettal has unveiled U-Type, a new office chair designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, bringing a softer and more residential feel to the modern workplace.
The new seating design rethinks the traditional task chair through what the designers describe as "full performance, quiet design." Rather than emphasising visible mechanics and technical complexity, U-Type conceals its functional components within a calm, architectural silhouette intended to integrate naturally into contemporary office interiors.
© Kettal
At the centre of the design is a continuous die-cast aluminium frame that creates the chair's defining U-shaped profile. The structure wraps around the sitter to support both the backrest and armrests, while maintaining openness and freedom of movement. This visual gesture gives the chair a clear identity while reducing the clutter often associated with ergonomic office seating.
Generously upholstered cushions soften the technical framework, balancing engineered precision with a more welcoming and domestic character. The result is a chair aimed at evolving workplaces where comfort, aesthetics, and flexibility are increasingly valued alongside performance.
A synchronised ergonomic mechanism is discreetly housed beneath the seat, allowing users to adjust posture intuitively without interrupting the chair's streamlined appearance. By hiding these functional systems, the design prioritises ease of use and visual simplicity.
With U-Type, Kettal continues its strategy of transferring the relaxed sensibilities of outdoor living into workplace environments. Known internationally for premium outdoor furniture, the brand has increasingly expanded into office and contract interiors, where demand is growing for spaces that feel less corporate and more human-centred.
As hybrid working reshapes expectations around offices, products such as U-Type reflect a wider industry shift toward furniture that supports productivity while also creating warmer, more informal environments.
More information:
Kettal
www.kettal.com
