Cover Cassina 905 chair by Vico Magistretti, available at W. Atelier
Cassina 905 chair by Vico Magistretti, available at W. Atelier
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Terence Chan of Studio Terre picks out his favourite Cassina chair designs from W. Atelier and how they were selected for the beautiful homes and offices that his firm has designed
With a sizeable collection of over 80 designer chairs and counting, you could say that Singaporean architect Terence Chan of Studio Terre knows how to pick the best seats in the house. “I value the classics, tradition, history, and craftsmanship. I have always been interested in the arts, design, objects, interiors and architecture; I’m drawn to beautiful objects and spaces,” he shares. “Most of Terre’s selection starts with sculptural objects and forms. We are generally drawn to nature and beauty.”
The founder of Studio Terre has gradually amassed chair designs from notable brands including Italian manufacturer Cassina; his latest acquisition is the Capital Complex armchair by Pierre Jeanneret, an iconic seat that has been seen in notable celebrity homes since its humble origins as an office chair in the Capitol Complex government building in Chandigarh, India.
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Above The Cassina Capitol Complex armchair, pictured in a bedroom
The Cassina Capitol Complex armchair, pictured in a bedroom
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Chan has long been an ardent admirer of Cassina’s collections, noting both their extensive history and impeccable construction. He was first acquainted with the brand during his travels, and visits the Salone del Mobile.Milano trade show regularly for inspiration. He adds: “I admire the overall design language of Cassina, as well as the overall proportion, scale and materials [of its collections], and the thoughtful detailing and timeless feel. Most importantly, they embody similar design philosophy with that of Studio Terre.”
Here, the architect highlights some of his favourite Cassina chair designs of all time and how they were used in past and recent projects.
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1. Cassina Indochine chair
Above Cassina Indochine chair by Charlotte Perriand
Cassina Indochine chair by Charlotte Perriand
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Manufactured by Cassina, this design by Charlotte Perriand tastefully matches the forms and colours of modern elements and Chinese furnishings in a penthouse. Selected with the owners, the curved furnishings take into consideration the safety for the visiting grandchildren, who would visit their grandparents in the penthouse.
A set of Cassina Indochine chairs echo the curved forms of the other furnishings in the home
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“Some key pieces that were of importance were the grandparents’ Chinese antique furniture and Persian carpets; we also had to take into consideration the couple’s little twin children,” shares Chan. “Hence, all furniture pieces had to be of curved silhouette for safety reasons. We started with these considerations and [incorporated] the Indochine chairs by Charlotte Perriand into the dining area. We always invite our clients to try and test all furniture pieces for their ergonomic, comfort and structure.”
Available at W. Atelier
2. Cassina Utrecht armchair
The Cassina Utrecht armchair, as seen in an interior designed by Studio Terre
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Recently, the firm selected a collection of statement pieces for a 645 sq ft studio apartment in Soho Central, which functions as a home office. This includes the Utrecht armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, which Chan admires for its striking form
“Studio Terre was aiming for a collection of statement pieces, loosely scattered to define an organic lounging area that almost seems effortlessly put together while keeping the work and discussion area classic and timeless,” shares Chan. “The Utrecht armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld was selected for its singular and unified use of material and form.”
Available at W. Atelier
3. Cassina Capitol Complex armchair
The Cassina Capitol Complex armchair, as seen in the Studio Terre office
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This chair is a handsome seat that has won the hearts of many design connoisseurs including Singaporean architect Terence Chan, who purchased it recently for his personal collection. “I have always loved the collections by Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier for Chandigarh in India,” he shares.
A version of the Cassina Capitol Complex armchair in dark leather currently sits in his Studio Terre home office, joining Chan’s eclectic assemblage of decor and objets d’art. The Studio Terre studio is situated within a three-storey conservation shophouse at Niven Road. “I have been collecting art, objects and furniture for over 25 years; I only collect pieces that are sculptural, timeless, and beautifully crafted,” says Chan. “Studio Terre’s interior setting has always been about building a timeless and evergreen collection, with lamps and furniture loosely scattered among art and objects.
Available at W. Atelier
4. Cassina 905 chair
Wendy Long, as pictured in her dining room which features the Cassina 905 chairs by Vico Magistretti
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Also featured in the Olive House, this timeless design by Vico Magistretti is among the other Cassina pieces selected by Studio Terre for Wendy Long’s shophouse home; a set of these black leather seats can be found in her dining room. Demonstrating the artisans’ finesse with saddle leather and wood, the Cassina 905 chair features a solid wood structure balanced on cylindrical legs and was first produced in 1964.
Available at W. Atelier
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