Five years after office chair ON®, Wilkhahn’s now launching another office chair range called IN. This seating combines a stimulating range of three-dimensional motion with superb comfort. The patented synchronous adjustment technology known as Trimension® is considered ground-breaking the world over. Even when people are sitting it encourages movement, making them fitter and more able to concentrate. Innovative technologies applied to the materials and the production process also give IN a unique look in the world of office chairs. The dynamic-athletic design calls high-tech concepts to mind that are encountered in amateur sports. And the attractive price for this new dimension in dynamic sitting means it's also ideal for large projects. Due to the number of days lost to sickness in office environments, traditional posture-based ergonomics have clearly been leading up a blind alley. Which is why over ten years ago Wilkhahn started collaborating with healthcare and sports researchers.
Five years were spent taking what was then considered the state-of-the-art in terms of dynamic sitting into a new dimension. And with huge success. Patented three-dimensional Trimension® technology was incorporated in office chair ON which was launched in 2010. Leading experts view this technology as the best way of combining office work with a stimulating range of movement. Because of its generous size, classical yet modern design and range of options, ON is ideal in front offices, in management and executive spaces, or in projects demanding superior office furnishings. Therefore, the goal in developing IN was to make Trimension available in a simpler, more compact and therefore lower price range so that more projects could include this exciting concept. Dr Jochen Hahne, Wilkhahn President, compares the development with the automotive industry: “There’s a good reason why advanced technologies are initially developed for the premium product category before they’re adapted for broader segments of the market and become the new standard at some point”.
Highly integrated design concept, direct force transmission and a huge range of motion This goal is achieved by the chair’s integrated design concept in which the three core elements that constitute Trimension interact perfectly. 1. The two swivel arms move independently of one another and are part of the patented 3D mechanism. They have a direct impact on an extremely powerful central spring and the resistance can be adjusted by turning a knob. Together with a forwards tilt that can be activated, users can opt from an enormous range of motion of forwards, backwards and sideways tilts, or rotate their pelvises as desired. 2. The partially elastic seat shell and back are made using high-tech 2-component technology from the automotive industry. As a result, the different levels of elasticity and strength in the flexible seat shell and very strong backrest frame can be integrated in one single piece. At the rear the component is connected via two hip-like joints with the swivel arms and at the front via sliding joints near the knees.
3. The cover on IN’s backrest is made of special 3D Formstrick (form-fit knit). This technology is used in developing trainers. Different thicknesses and strengths are integrated into the cover to give your body very good support. The combination of these three elements adds up to a remarkably dynamic and comfortable experience while sitting on the chair. Only the slightest shifts in weight are required to produce three-dimensional movements where the chair follows the body like a second skin. You're literally sitting “in” the chair – and even models without armrests convey a feeling of assurance although they offer such a wide range of motion. Michael Englisch, Head of Design and Development at Wilkhahn confirms that IN gives that extra range of motion and comfort. He compares it with the difference between "a four-wheel drive for everyday use in the automotive industry vis à vis conventional front-wheel or rear-wheel drive”. Form meets function in typical Wilkhahn style
Trimension technology and the manufacturing method define the athletic aesthetic of IN. The shape of the backrest frame with its broad shoulders and small waist merge fluidly with the shape of the seat shell. Especially distinctive features are the lumbar support integrated into the cover on the backrest, the sweep of the two swivel arms with the accentuated Trimension joints, as well as the knob mounted in bellows and used to adjust the counter pressure. All details have been carefully designed with the surfaces, contours and connecting elements conveying first-class quality and precision. The colour concept also underscores the fresh, athletic appeal of the chair. The 3D Formstrick (form-fit knit) is available in black, anthracite, light grey, petrol, turquoise, orange and red and can be combined with high-lustre-polished star bases and swivel arms, or colour-matched frame surfaces. IN’s appearance can be adapted to suit design concepts and ranges from understated yet consistent, to stylishly classy to a definite athletic look.
A variety of features at an attractive price In addition to the height-adjustable armrests, 3D armrests are also obtainable each with armrest pads made of polypropylene or softer polyurethane foam. For special requirements IN can be fitted with lumbar support adjustable in height by 60 mm and made of high-tech plastic called Hytrel®. This material is flexible but will always return to its original shape. The lumbar support can also be retrofitted. The patented, optional seat-depth extension (400 to 450 mm) allows the front edge of the seat to be folded in or out conveniently by using two slide controls while sitting down. Alternatively, the 3D Formstrick on the backrest cover is also offered as a double-ply version with added foam. Covers for the seat cushion, which is made of breathable CFC-free PUR foam, come in the new “Racer” fabric, Formstrick to match the backrest cover and selected fabrics from the Wilkhahn collection. The prices for models with plastic star bases without armrests start at EUR 499, with standard armrests at EUR 559, for models with aluminium star bases at EUR 539 or 599 (all prices are recommended retail prices plus VAT).