The core of the Melt line is a calculated ergonomic spline designed to provide active lumbar support through structural geometry rather than soft padding.
The "wiggles" were engineered to hit specific anatomical pressure points: a primary lumbar peak to maintain the natural curve of the lower spine, followed by a deep seat pocket to distribute weight across the sit-bones, and a raised knee-lift (the "bolster" effect) to reduce pressure on the hamstrings. By manipulating these peaks and valleys, I transformed a traditionally "stiff" seating material into a surface that feels comfortable because it mirrors the body's natural resting state.
This intentional mapping ensures that while the frame looks uncompromising, the actual sit-experience is a soft, anatomical cradling.
The name Melt serves as a description of the visual paradox at the heart of the piece. It refers to the moment where the cold, rigid reality of industrial aluminum appears to soften and liquefy to accommodate the human form. From the side, the sofa is a hard, geometric block; however, as the viewer moves around it, the metal seems to "melt" into the deep, organic curves of the lumbar support. This name captures the transition between the two states of the design—the brutalist, stiff exterior and the fluid, ergonomic interior—representing a hard material that has been "melted" by the needs of the human body.
MELT chair.
MELT Sofa
Pressure Points
I was deeply inspired by Nike's Mind footwear, and how they target pressure points, reading about this design made me want to experiment on my own.
The design utilizes an aluminum skeleton to target the body's primary pressure points. The first critical peak provides active lumbar support, filling the natural void in the lower back to maintain spinal alignment and prevent muscle fatigue. This is followed by a deep ischial cradle, a valley designed to distribute weight across the sit-bones and glutes, effectively reducing the pressure that typically makes hard surfaces feel uncomfortable. Finally, the structure rises into a "popliteal bolster", an elevated knee-lift that decompressses the hamstrings and "locks" the user into the lumbar curve.
By mapping these anatomical needs into the rigid metal ribs, the sofa achieves a "melting" sensation where the industrial material provides a cradled, weightless experience.
Special thanks to @s.lr_design for modeling realistic details on the cushion in Blender.
