Vancouver-based design duo Mario and Mimi of Synthesis Studio will be showing their Oval Chair at IMM Cologne 2010; which is part of a limited production series exploring the potential of sustainable design by using aluminum composite, a material not traditionally used for furniture making.

The core seating area consists of an oval shape cut out of one single sheet of 4mm thick aluminum composite, a recyclable material that is made of two aluminum cover sheets with a low-density polyethylene core.

Admirably, fabrication techniques for the Oval Chair are simple and don't require heavy machinery; the sheet of aluminum composite is scored and folded at two places like origami to provide support for the back and legs of the user.

The curved arms are fastened to the seat to provide structural integrity, and the seating cushion is made of 100% recycled rubber from truck tires manufactured in British Columbia.

Lightweight, strong and 100% recyclable. We give this a M.E. thumbs up.