Oregon-based Phloem Studio debuted the Peninsula Chair, designed by Ben Klebba in collaboration with Matt Pierce, at ICFF 2013. Inspired by a sling chair made in 1964 by Jerry Johnson, the Peninsula Chair has a sleek yet earthy design that thoughtfully combines leather and natural woods.

The Peninsula Chair is a lounge chair made of a leather sling attached to a solid wood frame with brass rods. Its profile limbs come together slightly in the center, giving the chair more strength as well as appealing visual weight. It also features spiraling and tapering outward limbs, and the slings are easily interchangeable. The entire chair, in fact, comes apart via eight oval head brass machine screws, adding to its versatility. It’s currently available in domestic hardwoods and ebonized ash, and with earth tones or black sling leather options.

About the designer: Phloem Studio was founded by designer/craftsman Benjamin Klebba in 2009. Klebba grew up in the Great Lake state of Michigan and his father taught construction trades at an industrial arts center for 20 years. He built the house Klebba grew up in, the furniture within it, and transitioned into building wooden sailboats. This left a lasting impression. After spending time working for a custom furniture company, Klebba moved to Oregon and Phloem Studio was born. Two years later, he moved into the Beam & Anchor building with a group of creative friends and their collaboration became a source of inspiration. With an emphasis on natural materials and traditional joinery, Phloem is dedicated to living within the contemporary canon, but outside any trend or fad. 

Images courtesy of Phloem Studio