Herman Miller and John Pawson Unveil the Pawson Drift Sofa Collection

Architect John Pawson collaborated with Herman Miller to launch the Pawson Drift Sofa Group, a minimalist seating collection distinguished by rectilinear frames and eco-friendly, plant-based materials.

London-based architect John Pawson has partnered with American design firm Herman Miller to unveil a new seating set, the Pawson Drift Sofa Group. The lounge couch collection, characterized by simple designs and sustainable materials, embodies Pawson's soft-modernist aesthetic and the furniture brand's increased commitment to sustainability.

Photography: Rich Stapleton for Cereal magazine

Pawson stated, "This sofa group, like all my work, results from a process of reduction to the fundamental experience of space and objects, grounded in the qualities of proportion, surface, and light."

The resultant pieces are robust yet minimalist, featuring dramatic rectilinear frames that diverge from the rounded shapes characteristic of Mid-Century trends. The joinery, constructed from solid Nortwood, features a left- or right-chaise sofa and a lounge chair, evoking the minimalist wooden furnishings characteristic of traditional Japanese design. The recessed foundation and wrap-around design provide excellent support for several residential applications, imparting a light and clean aesthetic to the collection.

Comprising over 80% natural, plant-based materials, the design may be minimalist, however it relies on new fabrics to enhance circularity. A responsibly sourced down feather jacket enhances the comfort of cushions that utilize plant-based latex rather than petroleum-based foam. The frame is available in white oak or walnut, and Herman Miller provides Greenguard™ Gold Certified textiles, including Rowan, Beck, and Isa, to enhance indoor air quality.

The Pawson Drift Sofa Group is accessible at retail locations and online via the Herman Miller web store and through MillerKnoll dealers for commercial clients.