Emeco

is known for its original Navy chair, equally at home on a submarine during World War II and on the set for Sex and the City. But the aluminum chair company is now making their first foray into component-based design, incorporating cast aluminum seats and backs with carved ash-wood legs. The new furniture collection includes stacking chairs, barstools and tables by British designer Michael Young that will be debuted at Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, April 14 – 19.

Lancaster Collection. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

Lancaster still has the “indestructible” quality of other Emeco designs, but represents the “aluminum” company’s expansion into new materials. Emeco, headquartered in Hanover, PA, partnered with an Amish factory in nearby Lancaster County, PA that produces its ash-wood components – and of course, provides the collection with its name. The designer, Young, is passionate about working with natural materials that live for ever; “wood and metal are really the materials that connect to the human so there was no question that the richness of their aging processes is a perfect combination I felt would be contrasting in the Emeco collection.” The wood creates a softer edge whilst the aluminum would maintains the sophistication and heritage for which Emeco has become renowned. “The sculptural form of the chair leg could only be made in wood.” explains Young, “When I found that Emeco has partnered with a remarkable wood factory, the project gelled.”

Lancaster Collection table and chairs. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

Lancaster Collection chair: backrest detail. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

Lancaster Collection chair: front leg connection detail. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

Lancaster Collection chair: front leg connection detail. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

Lancaster Collection chair: back leg connection detail. Designed by Michael Young for Emeco.

The cast aluminum seat and back are available in dark anodized and machine polished finishes. The wood legs are available in natural ash-wood and dark stain ash-wood. The chairs stack six high and retail for upwards of 315 Euros (ex VAT). The collection will available in May 2010.

via designboom