Hai
HEM,
2013
Comfort expressed through character and care.
Hai is a seating family for HEM that redefines comfort through precision and playfulness. Comprising a lounge chair and ottoman, it takes its name from the Finnish word for “shark,” inspired by the whale shark’s fluid silhouette and quiet strength. The design balances personality with practicality, expressing a contemporary spirit shaped by mobility, accessibility, and thoughtful simplicity.
Developed for online retail, Hai was designed for easy shipping and intuitive assembly without sacrificing warmth or integrity. A slender metal frame supports a padded shell that curves gently around the sitter, offering openness and enclosure. The form feels familiar yet distinct, like a classic armchair refined into a modern gesture, while the ottoman extends comfort through proportion and visual harmony.
Beneath its simplicity lies precise engineering. Hai consists of three modular components—frame, seat, and shell—allowing compact packaging and straightforward assembly. A folding backrest reduces transport volume, reflecting environmental awareness and practical intelligence. Upholstery wraps the shell with tailored softness, while the powder-coated steel frame anchors the composition with clarity and subtle graphic presence.
Hai is more than a lounge chair; it is a study in movement and material. Designed to travel effortlessly through homes and time, it balances comfort, efficiency, and character. Its enduring presence within HEM’s collection demonstrates how thoughtful design can make everyday living both elegant and alive.
