In a delightful expansion of its popular collection, DesignByThem, in collaboration with designer Jason Ju, introduces the Sundae modular lounge system—a whimsical yet highly functional seating solution poised to transform both commercial and residential interiors. Building upon the success of its lounge chair predecessor, this new system extends the signature exaggeratedly rounded, marshmallow-like aesthetic into a versatile array of individual modules. More than just a striking visual statement, Sundae is meticulously crafted from commercial-grade materials, promising exceptional durability and resilience without compromising on its inviting, calming appeal. Offering an impressive spectrum of configurations, from thoughtfully pre-set arrangements to bespoke creations, this innovative lounge system invites users to sculpt their own spaces, blending playful design with practical adaptability and establishing a new benchmark for contemporary comfort.
The Evolution of Comfort: From Chair to System
The Sundae modular lounge system is a natural and significant evolution of a design language first introduced by Jason Ju in his acclaimed Sundae lounge chair. The initial chair, celebrated for its unique aesthetic and inherent comfort, was characterized by its distinctively rounded, almost “marshmallow-like” or “bulbous” forms. This playful yet sophisticated visual identity immediately set it apart, creating a sense of welcoming softness and warmth. The success of the lounge chair evidently laid the groundwork for a broader vision: to translate this beloved aesthetic into a scalable and adaptable seating solution that could cater to a wider array of spatial needs and design challenges.
The modular lounge system achieves this by breaking down the singular form of the chair into individual, interconnected modules. This intelligent design allows for an unprecedented level of flexibility, transforming a standalone piece of furniture into a versatile building block for diverse seating arrangements. This transition from a fixed chair to a dynamic system is a testament to Ju’s understanding of contemporary interior design trends, which increasingly prioritize adaptability and user-driven configuration. The Sundae modular lounge, therefore, not only continues a successful design story but also expands its practical application, allowing its comforting aesthetic to be integrated into larger and more complex environments.
Design Philosophy: Where Comfort Meets Aesthetic Charm
At the core of the Sundae modular lounge’s design philosophy is a powerful synthesis of comfort and aesthetic appeal. Jason Ju’s primary inspiration was to integrate the very sensation of comfort directly into the visual language of the furniture. The result is a range that doesn’t just feel soft when you sit on it, but looks soft and inviting from every angle. This deliberate choice to create an exaggeratedly rounded form is key to its calming and welcoming appearance, making it an immediate focal point that beckons users to relax.
This particular aesthetic choice is more than just a stylistic whim; it’s a strategic design decision aimed at promoting a sense of well-being and ease within any space. The gentle, organic curves stand in contrast to the rigid lines often found in contemporary furniture, offering a softer visual vocabulary that contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere. This makes the Sundae system particularly well-suited for environments where comfort and psychological calm are paramount, such as residential living rooms, comfortable office break-out zones, or inviting public lounges. The visual softness translates directly into a promise of physical comfort, creating a cohesive and appealing user experience from the moment one lays eyes on the furniture.
Engineered for Durability: Commercial-Grade Resilience
While the Sundae modular lounge system exudes an inviting softness and playful aesthetic, its underlying construction speaks to a rigorous commitment to durability and commercial-grade resilience. DesignByThem and Jason Ju have meticulously engineered these modules to withstand the demands of high-traffic environments, ensuring longevity and performance in settings far beyond a typical living room. This robust construction is a critical factor for architects and interior designers specifying furniture for public spaces, offices, and hospitality venues, where durability and ease of maintenance are paramount.
The core of each module is constructed from FSC-certified plywood, a material choice that not only provides exceptional structural integrity but also underscores a commitment to sustainable sourcing. FSC certification ensures that the wood used comes from responsibly managed forests, aligning with contemporary environmental best practices. Layered atop this robust framework is high-resilience foam. This type of foam is specifically chosen for its superior ability to retain its shape and springiness over extended periods of use, preventing sagging and ensuring consistent comfort. Unlike standard foams, high-resilience foam can withstand repeated compression without significant degradation, making it ideal for commercial applications. This combination of sturdy, sustainably sourced plywood and high-performance foam ensures that the Sundae system maintains its inviting form and plush comfort even under constant use, making it a reliable and long-lasting investment for a diverse range of interiors.
Unleashing Flexibility: Customizable Configurations
One of the most compelling features of the Sundae modular lounge system is its exceptional adaptability, offering unparalleled flexibility in spatial configuration. This modularity empowers users and designers to tailor seating arrangements precisely to the unique dimensions and functional requirements of any given space, moving beyond rigid, pre-defined furniture layouts. The system is built upon a foundation of five different individual modules, each with its own distinct shape and purpose, acting as versatile building blocks. These typically include elements such as corner pieces, straight sections, ottomans, and possibly specific curved units, allowing for endless creative permutations.
To facilitate easier adoption, DesignByThem also provides four preset configurations. These pre-designed layouts serve as convenient starting points, showcasing the potential of the system and offering ready-made solutions for common spatial needs. However, the true power of Sundae lies in its capacity for bespoke design. Users are actively encouraged to “create original layouts” by combining any number and type of the five available modules. This allows for the creation of flowing, serpentine arrangements in large public lobbies, compact and intimate seating areas in smaller lounges, or even dynamic, multi-directional groupings in open-plan offices. This high degree of customizability ensures that the Sundae modular lounge can seamlessly integrate into diverse architectural contexts, from grand commercial lobbies to intimate residential nooks, providing both aesthetic appeal and highly personalized functionality.
Material Expression: Premium Fabrics and Sensory Appeal
The final layer of sophistication and customization for the Sundae modular lounge system comes through its exquisite material finishes, particularly its fabric options. DesignByThem has carefully selected a range of premium textiles from two renowned global suppliers: Kvadrat and Maharam. These partnerships underscore the commitment to high-quality, durable, and aesthetically rich surface materials, essential for a product designed for both commercial and high-end residential use.
Kvadrat is a leading European textile manufacturer celebrated for its innovative, contemporary designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability. Their fabrics are known for their unique textures, sophisticated color palettes, and superior performance, making them a preferred choice for architects and designers worldwide. Maharam, an American textile company, is equally respected for its extensive collection of high-performance textiles, often collaborating with artists and designers to produce unique patterns and finishes. Their fabrics are engineered for durability and visual appeal, making them ideal for commercial applications where longevity and style are equally important. The availability of Sundae in fabrics from these two esteemed houses means that clients have access to a vast spectrum of colors, textures, and material compositions. This extensive choice allows for precise tailoring to specific interior design schemes, whether the goal is to create a vibrant, playful statement or a serene, understated ambiance. The tactile quality and visual richness of these fabrics enhance the overall sensory experience of the Sundae lounge, complementing its inviting forms and reinforcing its premium quality.
