Rheda-Wiedenbrück, 27 March 2025. Perfectly shaped and almost sculptural, the Kagu chair now stands, elevated on a pedestal and illuminated, in the colourful historic surroundings of the COR apartment in Brera after a two-year development phase. Its design is a tribute to clarity. Harmonious lines, precise geometries and pared back material usage give the chair an air of lightness, yet also robustness. The slender wooden legs, connected by a central stabilising wooden cross, provide the architecture for the seating surface, which appears to float in the frame. Under-seat suspension enhances user comfort and adds movement.
Design achieves a state of perfection when there is nothing left to take away
The wooden legs, which extend up into the armrests, are organically integrated into the upholstered seat shell. Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub call this extraordinary design concept ‘fusion’, adding: “Although we left out all unnecessary wood, we still managed to create a compact chair with a high percentage of wood. The high-padded shell is clamped into the base frame, where it swings freely.”
Available in either ash or oak, the vibrant grain of the elegant wood is an expressive design detail that comes in a natural oiled or open-pore lacquered finish.
“Kagu is an accomplished symbiosis of two materials that are important to COR – upholstery and wood. Both are symbolic of the qualities that set COR apart,” said Leo Lübke, commenting on the new product. “Few other COR furniture pieces unite these two materials so skilfully into timeless design that offers both innovative craftsmanship and functionality. Kagu’s seating architecture make it an important addition to the COR portfolio,” he continued.
Universal appeal
Kagu effortlessly blends into a wide variety of living and working spaces – both as a stand-alone piece in a minimalist loft apartment or as part of a large dining room ensemble. It has a discreet yet distinctive presence and, despite the purposefully subtle aesthetics, it is full of character. This design object will stand the test of time over the coming decades as an expression of individuality and sustainability.
About COR
Established in 1954, the owner-managed company manufactures excellent quality seating and upholstered furniture at its facility in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. Premium brand COR (from the Latin for ‘heart’) is distributed worldwide via upmarket retailers and stands for interior design culture, aesthetic appeal and excellent seating comfort. The German-made furniture created by renowned names in furniture design, such as Uwe Fischer, Jörg Boner, Pauline Deltour or Jehs+Laub, can be found in both private and public spaces. The classic sofa Conseta is the company’s most famous product. It has been in the COR product portfolio since 1964.
All the people who contribute to shaping the brand are passionate about incorporating values and quality in contemporary design without being inhibited by fashions and trends. Immaculate workmanship and excellent quality of material are the hallmarks of COR furniture. All upholstered furniture products have the Blue Angel eco-label seal of approval and the Greenguard Gold certificate. The company operates according to lean factory principles, has around 231 employees and trains young talents itself. The company has been carbon neutral through offsetting since 2020.