KOALA || A Contemporary Duo in Harmony Debuts at Milan Design Week
Two silhouettes, one conversation.
The Koala and Koala Open chairs play in parallel—soft curves versus graphic lines—each offering its own interpretation of comfort, all bound by a steel ring that speaks the language of modern elegance.
Presented at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025, the Koala collection marks the beginning of a new collaboration between Venetian design studio Zaven and Italian furniture brand S-CAB. Together, they’ve reimagined the indoor accent chair not as a singular solution, but as a dialogue between two distinct personalities.
The original Koala features a tub-style seat—rounded, enveloping, and tactile. Its curved back and seamless padding evoke the familiar comfort of an armchair, rendered with architectural discipline. By contrast, the Koala Open reveals more of its frame: a graphic gesture that pares down the silhouette without sacrificing warmth. Here, the backrest is reduced to an arcing, upholstered tube—leaner, lighter, and slightly rebellious.
Both versions share the same design DNA: a steel frame available in finishes such as ochre, olive green, and brick red; a continuous metal ring that encircles the seat; and a palette of wool, velvet, or faux leather upholstery that invites touch—this thoughtful interplay of structure and softness results in chairs that are as expressive as they are ergonomic.
Photographed against a bold yellow backdrop, the Koala series appears both sculptural and effortless, balancing utility and emotion in one fluid gesture. It’s a quietly radical take on seating, and a standout among this year’s furnishings introduced during Milan Design Week.
